Undergraduate Engineering Opinions

In summary, the speaker is a high school senior who must choose a college to attend for their future career as a mechanical engineer/physicist. They are considering four options: University of Maryland Clark School of Engineering, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The speaker is confident in three of their choices but is still conflicted due to factors such as cost, location, and opportunities for job placement and graduate school. Ultimately, the speaker believes that University of Maryland would be the best choice due to its affordability and access to local internships. They advise the speaker to avoid taking on too much student loan debt.
  • #1
Quantumsatire
10
0
I am a high school senior at the point in his life where I have heard back from all the colleges I applied to and have to make a decision on where to go. I plan on becoming a mechanical engineer/physicist, and have thoughts of graduate school. I am confident in three of my choices, but still the offers conflict. I can give a quick rundown:

University of Maryland Clark School of engineering- In State school that is the cheapest option plus good scholarship offer, great program. I've visited and the campus is very nice, but I have known College park to not be the most pleasant. I also do not like the fact of living close to home.

Georgia Tech- Really no Financial Aid, but I love Atlanta and the program and facilities there are nice.

Purdue- Better Financial aid than GT, but still really expensive, also got into honors college here too, not in an ideal location, but I could still enjoy it.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute- Got great aid, but still unaffordable, great facilities, a lot smaller scene which I like, but Troy does not impress me the most.

I know these are all great schools and they all suit my learning style in some way. They all have the activities I'd be willing to participate in. Some of the locations are offsetting. Obviously cost is the biggest factor, and with future intentions I want to come out with as little debt as possible. Which Would be the best choice in your opinion? In terms of job placement/grad school, networking possibilities...
Thanks for any consideration!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
If it were me I'd go to the University of Maryland. It's a great school and you can get into any graduate program from there. No one is going to care where you did your undergrad once you get a graduate degree, so I wouldn't go into debt if I were you.

You'll also have more access to local internships in the DC area if you go to Maryland. My 2 cents.
 
  • #3
If cost is the biggest factor then it's no contest - UMD all the way.

Do anything you can to avoid being saddled with tens of thousands of dollars of student loan debt.
 

Related to Undergraduate Engineering Opinions

What is the purpose of undergraduate engineering opinions?

The purpose of undergraduate engineering opinions is to gather feedback and insight from students who are pursuing a degree in engineering at the undergraduate level. This helps to inform and improve the curriculum, teaching methods, and overall experience of undergraduate engineering programs.

Who can provide an undergraduate engineering opinion?

Any undergraduate engineering student can provide an opinion, as long as they have experience with the specific program or course being evaluated. This can include current students, recent graduates, or alumni.

How are undergraduate engineering opinions collected?

Undergraduate engineering opinions are typically collected through surveys, focus groups, or interviews. Some universities may also have online platforms or forums where students can share their opinions and feedback.

Are undergraduate engineering opinions anonymous?

In most cases, undergraduate engineering opinions are collected anonymously to encourage honest and unbiased feedback. This allows students to freely express their thoughts without fear of repercussion.

How are undergraduate engineering opinions used?

Undergraduate engineering opinions are used to identify areas for improvement in the curriculum, teaching methods, and overall student experience. This feedback is then evaluated and incorporated into changes and updates to the program, with the goal of enhancing the learning experience for future students.

Similar threads

Schools College Decision Debate -- Purdue, Penn State or Illinois for Engineering?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
5
Views
7K
Other Extra Year of Study for Graduate Physics Research: A Possibility?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
9
Views
925
Admissions Seeking some advice (and maybe encouragement) going into a PhD program in Engineering
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
1K
Other Mechanical drafter moving to electrical engineering
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
6
Views
816
Schools Choosing a College for a Bachelor's in Physics: NC State vs. UNC Chapel Hill
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
4
Views
2K
Advice for an Undergraduate: What to do after I finish my Physics/Math double-major BS degrees?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
10
Views
1K
Courses Masters in Civil Engineering with a Bachelor in general engineering
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
2
Views
674
Schools Looking for advice on where to go for undergrad to help lead to graduate work in fusion system design
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
3
Views
775
Physics PhD 5 years after ME undergrad
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
17
Views
2K
Studying Should I take up electrical engineering or computer science?
    • STEM Academic Advising
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top