<p>Hello,
I was recently admitted to the schools of engineering within UIUC, Villanova, and Purdue.
My interest is in civil engineering so my question is out of these three where should I have the best opportunities upon graduation?</p>
<p>Tuition differences is not of major importance although merit scholarships could play a small role in my decision...
Im currently leaning towards Villanova because it is closet (from NY), and is by far the smallest in terms of students which I like.
UIUC is ranked #2 in civil engineering and Purdue #7 while i believe nova is #11 where doctorate is not offered?</p>
<p>In addition im still waiting to hear back from UVA and Georgia Tech</p>
<p>Aside from its smaller size villanova's greatest attractions to me are its 5yr MS/BS program as well as its excellent business school where many minors programs are also offered to engineers.</p>
<p>Any help would be great.</p>
<p>UIUC as in Univ of Illinois Urbana right? I’d say that’s an amazing school. Tons of people from my school go there for engineering, and if it’s #2 then yes! Purdue is also good. I think you should aim for the best recognized program, as those would likely offer the best opportunities post-graduation. </p>
<p>Why did you mention the doctorate not being offered at nova? </p>
<p>That wasn’t really helpful haha but if I were you, I’d try to go to the school with the “highest ranked program” although that shouldn’t be your main focus, it should be taken into consideration. You’d want to graduate from a school that has a bigger brand name, only because a) you can and b) it’ll open more doors for you initially.</p>
<p>I would pick UIUC or Georgia Tech if you get in. Their civil engineering programs are great</p>
<p>UIUC, Purdue and GT are great engineering schools. UVA is a great school, but it’s engineering program doesn’t compare to the other three.</p>
<p>Nova has a decent program, and it’s a very different school from the large state schools. If you like it, I’m sure you’ll do well. Where you get your BS degree in Engineering, as long as the school is ABET accredited, doesn’t have a huge impact your career, unlike many other majors. </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Paradises- Yes, the University of Illinois at urbana Champaign, I mentioned it because its therefore ranked on a different list than UIUC, Purdue, GT, etc.
thanks for the input!</p>
<p>Gator- my thoughts exactly regarding UVA…
Thanks</p>
<p>Im going to visit nova and illinois one more time, wait to hear from GT, and then take it from there</p>
<p>It’s not just the schools themselves but what you do there. Are you better in large lecture halls (probably something you haven’t experienced) or smaller, medium-sized classes where you get to know your instructor and s/he you? This should be part of the equation in deciding on which school. VU and GT would be my first choices because this facet of my education is so important to me. How are the internship opportunities at each of the schools? what about the career services offices? how good are they? how involved are they? are they routinely overwhelmed every spring? My S looked at Lafayette 5 years ago and they said they were working to improve their career services office, and when I went back in November this year with my D they were saying the same thing. Ask these kinds of questions of the school and look for evidence that they’re telling the truth.</p>