<p>If you want to major in biomed engineering (and want to be a biomed engineer, i don't plan to go to medical school) and got acceptance letters from both schools, where would you go?</p>
<p>I know that this sounds silly, because purdue has much better engineering school. but I really want to go to more well-balanced school...plus, I have lived near Purdue for four years and I REALLY don't want to spend four more years of my life here. i just don't want to.</p>
<p>should I still go to purdue? what would you do?</p>
<p>Smileppl, Purdue does NOT have a "much better school of Engineering". It is better, but only marginally. Purdue is generally considered top 10 but not top 5 in Engineering and Wisconsin is generally considered top 15 but not top 10. As you can see, the difference is truly insignificant. </p>
<p>So what ever you do, do not make a decision based on that criterion alone. Furthermore, Wisconsin is clearly better than Purdue in the natural/biological sciences and it has a top 25 medical school, which Purdue doesn't. So when it comes to Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin may actually have an advantage over Purdue in some respects. </p>
<p>Also, you want to look at the quality of the entire university. Purdue is a good university overall...but I would say Wisconsin is better.</p>
<p>And I would say that as a campus and a town, Wisconsin/Madison are a better than Purdue/West Lafayette.</p>
<p>So do your research on those two schools and decide based on what you like best.</p>
<p>Thank you Alexandre for your advice!! I was leaning more towards Wisconsin, simply because I want to leave Indiana.....but I thought that it shouldn't be the only reason why I should choose Wisconsin over Purdue. Now I have some "reasonable" reasons...:)</p>
<p>I have one more question...What about between Georgia Tech and Wisconsin?
I guess it really depends on me, but I just want to hear what other people think...anyone?</p>
<p>As far as biomedical engineering....I am 90% certain University of Wisconsin's isn't even accredited (even though its one of the most popular engineering programs at the school!). If this is the case, the benefit in Wisconsin biomed engineering is beyond me.</p>
<p>But, as for Purdue...I'm facing a similar decision. Only BME between Purdue and Marquette.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I know that this sounds silly, because purdue has much better engineering school. but I really want to go to more well-balanced school...plus, I have lived near Purdue for four years and I REALLY don't want to spend four more years of my life here. i just don't want to.
[/quote]
This one is just so easy! The OP doesn't want to stay near Purdue for 4 more years, so don't! College is a time to explore and try new things, as well as an education. You've already written what you need to do.</p>
<p>As for more concrete reasons, engineering (more than almost any other major) is standardized between schools. Most engineering majors are acredited by a group called ABET, which means you'll take the same calculus, chem, physics, and engineering courses no matter where you go. Biomed is a newer field but even so many of your courses are going to be the same as other engineers. Given that the material you learn is so similar, it doesn't make sense to try to separate schools academically except within broad tiers. Given that all the schools you mention are more or less the same, don't split hairs over academic ratings. Go to the one that attracts you most, and let me add that you should do an overnite visit if possible at each choice before making your decision.</p>
<p>"Argh, don't be a hater and put out total misinformation."</p>
<p>Lol...what is your problem? I wasn't trying to misinform anyone (notice how I said I was only 90% certain?). I got the information that biomed wasn't accredited from an actual UWisc Biomed student (when she gave me a tour of the facilities. a friend of my sister's). And as for me being a "hater" of Wisc-Madison, definitely not.....I'd far prefer Wisc Madison to Purdue anyday because its closer to family and being from northern Illinois, I am familiar with the area.</p>
<p>Please, before you start flaming somebody, at least know where they are coming from.</p>
<p>If you want to get out of Indiana, then you can't go far wrong with Wisconsin's engineering program. A couple of other thoughts:
- look at the specialties and program emphasis at each school to see if one fits your interests better
- see if the schools will provide a list of firms recruiting BME grads on campus</p>
<p>One more thing I would strongly suggest is to get experience in the field as soon as possible. Wash test-tubes, work in the mailroom, it doesn't really matter. What does matter is seeing people doing the type of work you're thinking about. You'll soon know if its right for you. </p>
<p>Nationally, between 1/3 and 1/2 of all students who enter engineering change their major to something else. Its a tough major, and its worth making sure its right for you before you get too far along. Actually I pass along this advice to any 18-year-old who thinks they know what they want to do as a career, along with a challenge -- "how much do you really know about the field and career?" I'm not saying its bad to have dreams and plans, but many HS students are not yet fully informed about the opportunities out there and they make decisions before considering all the paths available to them.</p>