<p>I'm a senior in Texas and I'm currently looking for the right college (I bet you've heard that a lot) I'm interested in mechanical engineering. I'm an outgoing guy so a college with a good social life is important to me. I also need as much fiscal help as possible. Internships and Co ops are also key for me. When looking for the right college everything just starts blending together and i am just completely confused right now. </p>
<p>Any suggestions or inputs to any colleges that meet my preferences?</p>
<p>Well, you're in-state, so the price should be right. You want to be an engineer, and that is what A&M is known for (other than ag). I don't know your stats, but if you feel that OOS at Illinois, Florida, and Michigan are possibilities, then you should be able to get into A&M.</p>
<p>I mean, there are lots of other possibilities, of course, but a state school should serve your needs. I don't know your financial circumstances. If your parents are really financially strapped, then you could get a better deal at a private school than at a public one. If that's the case, you might want to look at places like Case Western Reserve and Cornell. That's not an exhaustive list, but those just came to mind.</p>
<p>You really should go to UT Austin... Their engineering program is top notch, and your instate. I really don't see why you would want to pay extra money for almost identical quality of education.</p>
<p>jason - will your stats get you an automatic acceptance into the state schools in Texas? If so, I think both UT and A&M are good choices. They're both very, very different schools, so it depends on what else you're looking for. As at UT alum, I can't imagine not going to school in Austin, though.</p>
<p>I'll second the recommendation for A&M. You should visit however and make sure that you would enjoy living in College Station as it is not for everyone.
I'll also add that with the right stats A&M offers some very generous aid.</p>
<p>I agree with Sang54...UT-Austin would give you best bang for your buck. I would not consider OOS large public universities, because they won't give you the return on investment like UT-Austin will.</p>
<p>Well I have a 3.6/4.0 GPA. and a 5.4/6.0 AP GPA. I'm in top 10%, so i'm guaranteed admission to any university in Texas. However, with UT engineering top 10% doesn't get you in automatically. I used to play soccer for three years before my knee injury, i have two internships with T.I. and AboveNet. I hope that helps</p>
<p>Ah, you didn't mention that earlier. I think UT or Rice are better options anyway. I'm not a longhorn, but I'm not an Aggie either.</p>
<p>Rice is probably one of the least expensive private universities. Certainly one of the least expensive that has a reputation for engineering.</p>
<p>If you are willing to pursue an engineering degree in a non-traditional but excellent program, you might also consider Olin. It is incredibly difficult to get into, but every student is offered a free ride. You will have to pay for housing, but the cost is negligible. I have a friend there and he enjoys it except for the size. It is incredibly tiny at <500 students. Internship and Coop placement seems to be excellent. I heard that job placement is also very good. He worked at Bose this summer and for a defense contractor the summer before. Curriculum is project based, exciting, and challenging. Olin is a bit isolated however. Search around on the boards. There have been several threads about it. My advice for applying is to have a very strong portfolio and show a good deal of creativity. I think that they are looking for students who can think outside of the box.</p>
<p>All privates that offer engineering will shred a hole in your wallet unless you land a very generous need-based f.a. package or a merit scholarship.</p>
<p>Are your standardized test scores high enough that you would be eligible for a merit award at places like RPI, Case Western?</p>