<p>My son is at a local CC, planning to transfer to either UVA or VA Tech under the admission guarantee.
VA Tech has told him he will probably get in after one year because he has a 3.5, they require a 3.0 after 2 years for the guarantee. UVA will require a 3.4 after 2 years.
The problem is as follows;
If he finishes the 2 years with a 3.4, he may not get his major (computer/electrical engineering) at UVA. If he goes early to VA Tech, he is settling for his second choice of school.
The schools match up well, UVA is considered the better school, VA Tech is considered the better engineering program. All in all he prefers UVA.
However, he would prefer VA Tech or even ODU in computer vs UVA in Civil or Mechanical.
If Tech promises him admission to the Computer Engineering program this year it seems he should take the "bird in the hand".
Other factors; He has Asperger's and he is 16, so we would prefer he wait the full 2 years.
But it would break my heart if my fear caused him to miss getting into a Computer Engineering program.</p>
<p>With two very similar programs what it really comes down to is the fit of the school for your son. Make sure you take into account the social scene when considering fit. The two schools have drastically different social scenes. Take another tour of the schools if you can and decide.</p>
<p>I think your son should be able to get into the Computer Engineering program at UVa after he transfers. I don’t believe there’s a cap on that major. But email the department just in case.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>Let me throw something into the mix as another option (or backup) for UVA. UVA has a B.S. degree in Systems Engineering and your son could make his “emphasis” in the CompE sub-area of his choice. If you look at the curriculum for the BS in SysE, you will notice that there are several free/technical electives allowed. Also, the SysE major still has to take the upper-level Probablilty, etc like the CompE major.</p>
<p>I think the SysE major is a great “backup plan” since you would have already taken the basic Circuits courses at the CC.</p>
<p>Thank you for the information. I went to UVA’s SEAS website and looked at the systems engineering. It only deviates from Cpe/EE by 28 credits.
Unfortunately, being mechanical, I do not have a real grasp on the difference between the systems and computer engineering degrees, either in content or job outlook. I know the Cpe/EE degree whether it be from UVA or Tech, is a very versatile and in demand degree.</p>
<p>Systems in more about improving the efficiency of a variety of systems. The degree is very broad. You can work in many fields.</p>
<p>CpE mainly deals with computer and electronic things.(?)</p>