<p>I have been accepted to a few universities for chemical engineering and i have narrowed my choices to these two, but i am really torn between them, both are very similar but i cant decide on either one ... help please!</p>
<p>Both are very good, but while NC state is better for chem eng, VT is better for engineering all around, which ranking should i consider more? ChemEng ranking or engineering in general?</p>
<p>VT has all the small details i like (good food, school spirit,hotter girls, nicer campus, safer campus) but it has two ENORMOUS downsides for me which are that the weather is not the best and that it is located in a small town ( Big downside for me), while NCSU is located in Raleigh..... should i really give that much importance to the location?? </p>
<p>VT seems to have an advantage on the alumni connections and job opportunities, but then NCSU seems to have more co-ops and study abroad ( or maybe its just that the VT page i saw has almost no information on that)</p>
<p>Both are very similar in cost ( NCSU is around 2000 less, which is something to factor in but not a deal braker)</p>
<p>i want a place with diversity and while both are not the most diverse schools out there, VT seems to have an advantage especially since 30 percent of its students are OOS</p>
<p>so, to conclude, i am leaning slightly towards VT but i feel the town location and weather are deal brakers, and i also dont know how to consider the rankings into my decision.... so any help you can give me or advice is very appreciated</p>
<p>Based on what you have written, I would say NCSU. Why? The whether and town are not going to change and these appear to be BIG downsides for you. It is cheaper at NSU and ranking difference is irrelevant. Just my thoughts.</p>
<p>One other thought. Yes, the location is very important. My son knows quite a few people who transferred from VT after the freshman year because Blacksburg was too small and rural for them so do not discount your gut feeling here.</p>
<p>The difference in ranking for chemical engineering undergrad seems to be only a few spots so that’s definitely meaningless. You list the following as SMALL details: quality of food (VT’s is usually ranked #1 or #2 in the country and it truly is amazing), Tech’s campus is nicer and safer (not qualified to judge but this is minor?), hotter girls (really?). These “small” issues affect the quality of your daily life and IMO will make a big difference in how you perceive each school over your college career.</p>
<p>Downsides - </p>
<ol>
<li><p>Weather - it’s cold and windy yes but it can also be very nice when it’s sunny and temperate. </p></li>
<li><p>Rural - no question. Most activities will be with other students but it really is a self contained city. </p></li>
<li><p>Co-ops and study abroad - you will have plenty of opportunities for either at Va Tech. Here’s a link to the study abroad options specifically for engineers [Study</a> Abroad Programs | <a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.eng.vt.edu](<a href=“http://www.eng.vt.edu/international/programs]Study”>http://www.eng.vt.edu/international/programs)</a>. I think there are more students that choose to work during the summer at engineering jobs versus those who pursue an official co-op program (with alternating semesters studying versus working). It’s late in the year to look at co-ops but here’s the link [Department</a> of Chemical Engineering: Undergrad: Co-op Opportunities](<a href=“http://www.che.vt.edu/undergrad_coop.php]Department”>http://www.che.vt.edu/undergrad_coop.php)</p></li>
<li><p>I don’t consider a 2,000 price difference between the two schools to be meaningful. Choose based upon where you think you would be happier.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>thanks for your opinions… any other opinions guys?</p>
<p>The feel at each of the two schools is pretty different. VT is def out in the middle of nowhere-but there is great school spirit, strong alumni involvement and connections, engineering in general is very highly regarded, they host one of the largest engineering job fairs in the country. There are some very cool projects that even freshmen can get in on and research opportunities are readily accessible at VT.</p>
<p>NCSU likewise has school spirit but it is a more disparate community because it is sprawling and somewhat urban. On the other hand, if you are looking to it because it is urban, don’t have too high of hopes. Downtown Raleigh is NOT NYC. NCSU also hosts good engineering job fairs and brings good internship opportunities. </p>
<p>Both are strong schools. NC State may be better if you are a southernor looking to stay in the South. VT seems to drag a broader swath. You won’t go wrong at either so really have it be about which feels like the best fit to YOU.</p>