How would you rank these graduate schools?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on ranking graduate schools for mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, with participants emphasizing the importance of faculty research interests over general rankings. MIT is consistently recognized as the top institution, while UC Berkeley is noted for its strengths in humanities. Other schools mentioned include UC San Diego, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan, Brown University, University of Washington, and University of Arizona, each with varying reputations in specific fields. Participants advise prospective students to prioritize potential advisers and their research projects when selecting a graduate program.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graduate school rankings and their implications
  • Familiarity with mechanical engineering and applied mathematics disciplines
  • Knowledge of faculty research interests and their impact on graduate education
  • Awareness of specific graduate programs offered by top universities
NEXT STEPS
  • Research faculty members and their research projects at MIT and UC Berkeley
  • Explore the graduate programs in mechanical engineering at UC San Diego
  • Investigate the applied mathematics offerings at Northwestern University
  • Review the University of Washington's engineering and science programs
USEFUL FOR

Prospective graduate students in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics, academic advisors, and anyone evaluating the reputation and offerings of top engineering schools.

hanson
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Hello. I know that ranking is not everything and it really depends on particular research field and professors.
But I do want to get a rough picture on the overall reputation of these graduate schools at this stage.
For the field of mechanical engineering or applied mathematics, how would you rank these graduate schools?

MIT
UC Berkerley
UC San Diego
Northwestern University
Univerity of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
University of Michigan
Brown University
University of Washington
Univesrity of Arizona
 
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What makes you think the rankings would be the same in mechanical engineering as applied mathematics?
 
maybe he wants a ranking for both fields.
 
Actually I am applying to both disciplines and I hope people who know these two disciplines well could give me a general impression on how these schools are ranked.
 
Not too certain about the specific disciplines. You should check into the information they have online for each degree program at a minimum. College rankings are generally somewhat fallacious...

MIT is MIT.
Berkerley is Berkley. Although I believe they're stronger in the humanities and such.
Brown is pretty up there. Again, I think their reputation is more in the humanities.

U of Arizona spams too much. But their traditional campus is fine if you don't mind getting a spamalot logo on your diploma. Nifty physical optics program.

U of Washington is pretty damn solid for a public university. Their programs in medicine and related fields (bio/chem/etc) are what they have the biggest rep for, but they're strong in other engineering & sciences fields as well.Major factor for graduate school is potential advisers and their research projects / interests. You should be looking at this much more than for rankings. Going to a school that was high ranked in some magazine but where the faculty aren't working on what you're interested in is lol.
 
From what I've heard, MIT would be #1
 

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