Help Deciding Between Virginia Tech and UVA for Math & Science Majors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around choosing between Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia for math and science majors, with considerations for engineering, computer science, and the overall college experience. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding the strengths of each institution.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about pursuing engineering and considers a double major in math and computer science, highlighting the flexibility of UVA.
  • Another participant shares a positive experience at Virginia Tech, emphasizing its strong engineering department and community.
  • There is a distinction made between the roles of engineers and scientists, with one participant stating that engineers focus on applying knowledge while scientists discover new knowledge.
  • A suggestion is made to visit both campuses and speak with department heads to gauge personal fit.
  • It is noted that transitioning from engineering to science may be easier than the reverse, with one participant sharing their own challenges in switching from computer science to engineering.
  • Concerns are raised about the compatibility of personal values with the school environment, suggesting that the overall atmosphere should influence the decision.
  • A participant mentions that UVA is reputed to be strong in nanotechnology, prompting a question about its validity.
  • Another participant comments on the perceived differences in student body culture between the two schools, noting that Virginia Tech may offer more local internship opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of opinions about the strengths of each institution, with no clear consensus on which is superior. There are competing views on the importance of academic fit versus personal atmosphere in making the decision.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and anecdotal evidence, which may not be universally applicable. There are also mentions of specific programs and opportunities that may vary over time.

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I need to decide between Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. I like math an science but am unsure if I want to go into engineering. I'm thinking maybe a math and comp sci double major or an ee or comp sci one. But, I expect my interests to change once I enter college--which is a plus for UVA since it's more well rounded.

Any thoughts?
 
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Bumping because I didn't get an answer.

It seems to me that engineers focus on using knowledge to find out new methods for doing things whereas scientists discover new knowledge.
 
ƒ(x) said:
I need to decide between Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia. I like math an science but am unsure if I want to go into engineering. I'm thinking maybe a math and comp sci double major or an ee or comp sci one. But, I expect my interests to change once I enter college--which is a plus for UVA since it's more well rounded.

Any thoughts?

I went to VT and I loved it. It has a great community and some of the smartest math people I know. Also, if you're thinking of going for engineering, VT has one of the best engineering departments in the country. When I was going for my masters, I had the pleasure of working with some great professors that are incredibly smart in their fields.

ƒ(x) said:
It seems to me that engineers focus on using knowledge to find out new methods for doing things whereas scientists discover new knowledge.

Well, engineers use the techniques that are available to design/develop the best _____. What "best" means depends on the problem at hand.
 
Have you visited both campuses? You should talk to the head of each department and see which you prefer.
 
It's generally easier to go from Eng. -> science than the reverse, so keep that in mind.
 
fillipeano said:
Have you visited both campuses? You should talk to the head of each department and see which you prefer.

I'm visiting both next week
 
General_Sax said:
It's generally easier to go from Eng. -> science than the reverse, so keep that in mind.

I was accepted to the engineering school, so that shouldn't be a problem.

On a side note, I read online that UVA is good for nanotech. Is this true?
 
General_Sax said:
It's generally easier to go from Eng. -> science than the reverse, so keep that in mind.

Completely agree with the statement, I'm trying to switch out of computer science to engineering only to find out that very few credits will be excepted.
 
Remember that your undergrad years should also be a time for you to branch out and get involved with things. Make sure when you visit, you factor the general atmosphere with regard to your personality into your decision, not just the academics. Given a choice between a great school in your discipline where the school's personality really clashes with yours, or a good school that seems to share your mentality, I'd definitely go for the latter.
 
  • #10
having known people who have gone to both programs, there really isn't much of a difference. I will say that UVA has a bit more of a "high-class" student body than tech though. You will also have more local choices to internships at Tech(roanoke/blacksburg/pulaski has a TON of manufacturing plants and the like...well, it did 10 years ago when I lived there)
 

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