Villanova engineering or Holy Cross?

College Search & Selection
1

I have narrowed my college search down to Villanova (for engineering) and Holy Cross.

Villanova’s engineering program is nationally ranked.

However, HC has the 3-2 program which allows me to get a math degree with HC and an engineering degree from Columbia University. (the catch being that I need to maintain a 3.3 gpa, and supposedly the rigor at Holy Cross is more than average). Plus, there are no first-hand reviews of the 3-2 program online. When I visited, the admissions officer said about 30 people express interest their first year, but only 5-7 people actually follow through with it.

I have made a list of the pros and cons…

Villanova: size, school spirit, proximity to philly, a plethora of majors to also minor in
cons: seemed a little out-dated in the technology sector; I didn’t really click with the people there (but then again I was only there for a couple of hours)

HC: community, restrictive selection of academics, 3-2 program, people seemed down to earth, superior academia
cons: not in the most entertaining area, a little too small, it seemed to me that everyone was all work and no play

money is not an issue.

ANY TYPE OF INPUT IS APPRECIATED.

Thanks,
A Frustrated HS Senior

2

Not a big Philly fan and so proximity to it is not a plus to me. HC campus is much nicer and overall stronger academic rep. I would probably go with the school closest to home since this is somewhat of a tossup for you.

3

If cost is not an issue, I would pick the university that has a nationally ranked program over a 3-2 program, specially as even the adcom admits that hardly anyone follows through on it.

4

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Philadelphia-is-a-Cesspool/366501873441378

5

http://www.phillysucks.com/

6

Choose this path if you’re not really that serious about getting an engineering degree, since odds are low that you will in a 3-2 program. BTW you need to read the Columbia rules more carefully. You missed the clause, for example, that says the grade in each required course must be a B (3.0) or higher on the first attempt.

7

Believe HC has relationship with nearby WPI.