<p>I'm an int'l student, got accepted at WPI and Drexel. So far, I can't decide which one to attend and have to make the final decision by 5/1. I really need your help. </p>
<ul>
<li><p>Which one is more prestigious in engineering, especially chemical engineering ?</p></li>
<li><p>About job prospects, I hope I could get a job right after graduation. Therefore, I believe work experience before graduation is very important. At Drexel, I choose to do 3 co-ops in 5 years when applying. At WPI, they also have a co-op program, but it 's not as popular as that in Drexel. Not many WPI students do co-ops, instead they usually choose to do paid internships. One impressive thing at WPI is you have to complete 2 projects before graduation (IQP and MQP). IMO, co-op is the better way to gain experience since the working time is longer ( about 6-8 months ). It means you have more time to get used to the job and learn experience. Besides, if you do about 2 co-ops or more for the same company, the chance to get a job at that company after graduation will be much higher.</p></li>
<li><p>Another reason why I prefer co-op to internship is co-op is a great way to finance my education. WPI gives me a $24,000 scholarship and Drexel gives me $18,500. I estimate that it will cost about $80,000 ( already minus the 3 co-ops salary) at Drexel over 5 years and about $60,000 (if I can get 2 co-op positions ) at WPI. My family saves more than $60,000 for me to complete my under grad education, so WPI seems to be better but I am not sure if I can get 2 co-op positions at WPI. My parents are also willing to help me more if I choose to attend Drexel. </p></li>
<li><p>Philly seems to have nicer weather than Worcester. It 's also a large city with many opportunities. I don't know which city is easier to find a job ? </p></li>
</ul>
<p>A few weeks ago, Drexel was my first choice. However, the result of my scholarship appealing is not good, Drexel cannot make any further adjustments about my scholarship award. In addition, WPI gives me an increase of $2,000 in scholarship making WPI is more affordable. Now, I like the co-ops at Drexel and Philly but WPI is also a great choice. I can't visit any of them, so I really need your advice. The most important thing I concern about is getting a job right after graduation. </p>
<p>Thanks everyone in advance for reading a kinda long post and your helps.</p>
<p>I would avoid comparing the IQP/MQP with a CO-OP. An IQP/MQP is really a larger equivalent of a senior thesis/capstone, which many schools offer. You propose your own project and complete it. With a CO-OP you’ll basically be an employee at a company working on that company’s projects. The advantage of the CO-OP is that you get paid. The advantage of the IQP/MQP/thesis is that you get to complete your own project. </p>
<p>If you like the idea of an IQP/MQP, see if Drexel offers “senior thesis” or “capstone” or something along those lines. There are also advanced laboratory classes that may have substantial capstone projects. I think that CO-OP + internships + thesis is a formidable combo. </p>
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<p>I don’t know why you wouldn’t be able to get 2 CO-OPs at WPI or why you’re sure you’d get 2 CO-OPs at Drexel. Does Drexel just have a lot of arrangements in place? </p>
<p>I really don’t know which school will give you a higher chance of landing a job upon graduation. My guess is that they’re both about equally good, but I have no data from Drexel to back up that assertion.</p>
<p>Drexel is famous for the beneficial co-op program. Almost everyone takes at least 1 co-op assignment although you can choose not to do co-op in some majors. Besides, Drexel will make every effort to help you get a position. Therefore, I think the chance at Drexel will be higher. At WPI, they will also do their best to help you get a position, but I see just a few students seek co-op assignments, so I’m not so sure about my chance at WPI. </p>
<p>I know projects are invaluable experience, but my saving for undergrad is not much. I think co-op is a great way to gain experience and finance my education. That 's why I’m leaning toward co-op although projects are also interesting parts in college.</p>
<p>I am currently a student at WPI in the chemical engineering program, so I’ll try to give a fair assessment despite clearly having a preference. </p>
<p>In terms of prestige the two are approximately equal. WPI has better name recognition in the Northeast, but the Drexel name is recognized more nationwide. As far as diversity, it’s no question Phili beats Worcester. WPI does have Boston about an hour away, but Drexel is right downtown impossible to beat.</p>
<p>In regards to academics, I think Drexel’s co-op program is a little deceiving, as you have to stay for 5 years. I say this because if I stay at WPI for 5 years I could also complete 3 co-ops. My biggest problem with their advertised co-op program is there is no guarentee that you will be provided one (let alone 3). Like a previous commenter said the IQP/MQP are similar to capstones offered at other schools. I would argue that IQP and MQP are more involved, but nonetheless shouldn’t be a major factor in your decision. In my opinion, the two are a virtual tie academically.</p>
<p>Some other things to consider:
Major class sizes
The insitution’s vincinity/appearance - do a Google Streetview of the area
Medium size university compared to small college
Desire to be around peers of similar ethnicity</p>
<p>@al6200 and dynamitekicker: thank you so much for your helps. Obviously, each of the two has its own advantages and disadvantages. Actually, I 've made up my mind to attend WPI. Although co-ops assignments are not guaranteed at WPI, I think the chance to get one is not so slim. Besides, if I couldn’t get one, summer internship is also a great solution. I believe there are lots of ways to both finance my education and get work experience. The reasons why I choose WPI instead of Drexel are its class size, student/faculty ratio, career services and its unique projects, which I can complete at a lot of global project centers.</p>