Undergraduate Engineering Opinions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decision-making process for a high school senior choosing between four engineering programs: University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, Purdue, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The University of Maryland is highlighted as the most cost-effective option with strong job placement and graduate school opportunities, particularly due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Georgia Tech offers a desirable location and program but lacks financial aid, while Purdue provides better aid than Georgia Tech but remains expensive. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has excellent facilities but is deemed unaffordable despite good aid.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate engineering programs
  • Knowledge of financial aid options and implications
  • Familiarity with job placement and networking opportunities in engineering
  • Awareness of the geographical impact on internship availability
NEXT STEPS
  • Research University of Maryland's engineering program and its graduate school acceptance rates
  • Investigate internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C. area for engineering students
  • Compare the financial aid packages and total costs of attendance for Georgia Tech and Purdue
  • Explore the engineering curriculum and campus culture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
USEFUL FOR

High school seniors considering engineering degrees, parents evaluating college options, and anyone interested in understanding the financial implications of undergraduate education in engineering.

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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!
 
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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.
 
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.
 

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