Chance/Match my son Biomedical Engineering [TX resident, 4.0 UW, top 5%, 1460 SAT]

Chance Me / Match Me
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White Male Junior, Upper Middle Class (No need based but looking for merit)
Citizen
Texas
Highly competitive large Public HS
Type 1 Diabetic

Intended Major(s)
Biomedical Engineering

GPA, Rank, and Test Scores
4.0 UW, 5.31 Weighted. Top 5% out of 650
1460 SAT (770 M, 690 V), going to take ACT
Coursework
Upon Graduation will have 13 AP’s
Calc AB and BC, Physics 1 and C, Bio, Chemistry, Eng Comp and Lit, Human Geo, World Hist, Euro Hist, Macro, Government

PLTW Classes
Intro to Engineering, Digital Electronics
Principles of Biomed, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions

College classes (As) US Hist, Theater Arts
About 10 Honors Classes
PC Tech (Group of 6 students that assists with all PC Tech issues for school)
Robotics

Awards
Multiple Robotics Awards
Presidential Service Award

Extracurriculars
Driver and Hardware Lead of World Championship Qualifying FRC Robotics Team
President and VP of Young Men’s Service League
Vice President and Relay for Life Chair for Key Club (Raised over $10k)
Founder and President of Mountain Biking Club (25 Members)
Summer Internship at startup Robotics company
Summer job as Auto Mechanic
Research work with a PhD
Shadow with MD

Essays/LORs/Other
Should be very strong. Basis is he is a Type 1 Diabetic who has seen the impact of Medical Devices on his life and wants to study Biomedical Engineering either to design devices or to go to Medical School. Also was State Ranked Mountain Biker who played Football and ran Track at a high level but had to stop due to back condition and shifted his focus in HS to Robotics. Very strong Rec letters.

Cost Constraints / Budget
Value is a definite factor. Looking both at best possible school he could get in to vs getting merit scholarship money

Schools

  • Safety (certain admission and chasing Merit)
    Texas A&M and Texas (Auto Admit), NC State, Virginia Tech, Colorado School of Mines, University of Florida
  • Likely (would be possible, but very unlikely or surprising, for it not to admit or be affordable)
    Georgia Tech
  • Reach
    Stanford, Rice, MIT

Standardized score is probably his weakness right now. Solid but hoping he can get a 35 on ACT. He won some very nice awards in Middle School but has been more focused on Robotics and EC’s and a very rigorous course load in HS with all A’s so he hasn’t done many things that might get him an award. He has a compelling story and a strong background showing an affinity for both Engineering and Medicine though. He wants to go to a school with a strong Engineering emphasis where he can be challenged. Price is definitely a consideration as he will get no Need based money but we aren’t rich, he also is likely going to Grad school or Med School.

Appreciate your thoughts!

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You’ve got good safeties but GT should be reach for anyone OOS. Overall your son has a very good profile and should have success if you add more true likelies and targets.

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Thanks! I was on the edge putting GT as Likely vs Reach, I know how hard it is OOS. He just profiles very well there and they really like very involved FRC Robotics kids, especially from his HS have had success there.

Trying to look for other options but with A&M and Texas as Auto it’s got to be a better option than going there In State likely with some Merit. He’s generally not a fan of the cold either so that takes out most of the Big 10 or NE Schools. Open minded though.

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I would ask him to look at John Hopkins given their BME pedigree and also UCSD/CalPoly/UCB for more sunnier locations. Do you have a specific budget because all of these are somewhat expensive.

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Hopkins is interesting for sure but really expensive with no chance of Merit. Also have a friend’s kid there who loves the program but it’s almost like a prison in terms of you have to be very careful leaving campus where it is in Baltimore so I don’t think he would go there.

UCSD is really interesting and he would have a decent shot but no chance of Merit really. Great BME program and location but hard to justify over the In State options. Poly is lower ranked for BME. Berkeley would be a reach and not his scene as well as very expensive.

Looking at value as much as anything. MIT and Stanford would be worth the stretch possibly if he could somehow get in but I know they are a reach for anyone and he isn’t perfect. Rice is a reach but they have Merit Aid for a lot of kids, great BME.

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Ya, I can see your rationale for applying to big reaches given the safeties but I generally think having a mid-level option can be useful. Purdue would be a solid pick but may not be your son’s thing given the midwest location but it does have a very good BME program and OOS COA even without merit is pretty cheap.

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How does the diabetes impact? Does he need to be close to home?

Value is a tough thing.

If you need cheaper than A&M, then take NC State, Va Tech, School of Mines and Florida off the list. School of Mines doesn’t have biomedical just a minor - but it can’t touch A&M cost wise - merit is slim (like $12K max).

You can replace them with schools like UAB, Arizona, Florida State, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, I say that because to me, the schools you put up there - if A&M is assured and you seek value, you wouldn’t choose any of the others as they’ll all be much more expensive.

With a 1460 SAT, GA Tech is unlikely - not impossible. But at the cost vs. A&M, does it represent value to you? Purdue would be lower cost - so maybe a better value - and an easier admit.

Stanford, Rice, MIT - so if you’re willing to pay - if that’s value to you. Rice, maybe you get moeny.

But you know some schools, including A&M have secondary admission - so value to some is going to - let’s say an Arizona - strong in engineering - and not having to compete for your major. That assumes Honors, btw, other kids there have secondary requirements but not Honors.

Good luck

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Automatic admission to top 10%/6% does not necessarily include automatic admission into the desired major. Note also that Texas A&M only admits to general engineering; students then have to earn a 3.75 college GPA to be assured of choosing their engineering major, or else they enter a competitive admission process for that (see the ETAM threads in the Texas A&M forum section).

NCSU and VT also have a similar system. NCSU has no automatic admission GPA (i.e. competitive for all majors, but varying levels of competition, with biomedical engineering being one of the more competitive majors), while VT has a 3.0 automatic admission GPA.

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Some interesting perspective, thank you.

Diabetes is only relevant as a Disability and it makes his Essays more compelling with his major.

NC State, VT, Mines, and UF all have strong aid available potentially. All have up to full ride. At the first 3 he’s well above the average. UF is big on PLTW, it’s actually where it is from. He would have a good shot at getting enough scholarship money for In State there. NC State has a dual BME program with UNC and both schools are on the degree along with the ability to take classes at either campus. VT and Mines both have newer BME programs (Mines calls theres something different) and are more likely to give aid to a strong student in that field. Wouldn’t do any of them unless they are equal or cheaper to A&M/Texas.

UAB, AU, FSU, LT and Ole Miss aren’t Engineering schools. UAB has the Med school but is not Engineering. ASU has the big Engineering school in Arizona. LT is mediocre and not Engineering, could likely get a full ride or close to it at LSU but not a strong Engineering school either.

GT cares about rigor more than SAT and they love Robotics and hands on experience. He’s also taking the ACT to try and raise just in case, his Math was 770 and that is what they value more as well. Phenomenal BME program tied in with Emory but no easy way in there. Very tough to get Merit but likely worth the stretch. GT/MIT/Hopkins/Stanford are the best BME schools all around.

The 3 reaches are very much that. Rice is the most likely but no lock. Stanford/MIT are likely 20 percent or less.

Purdue is interesting but likely not more compelling than A&M/Texas and they don’t do merit really. IU does but not Purdue and IU doesn’t really do Engineering.

There’s a small risk on major at A&M. He is Auto (Top 10%) for the school and a virtual lock for Engineering with a strong chance at Honors. Have to get a 3.75 first year to guarantee BME but likely he just takes Calc II, Chemistry and Physics which he will have already taken in HS to start so not too worried, he would still basically start off with almost all his Core Curriculm done before stepping on campus. It’s definitely the most likely option as he likes it better than Texas but wanting to make sure we are exploring all options.

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I think your perspectives are a bit off but that’s ok.

UF is highly unlikely to give you money - but it’s fair to try - because you have A&M as a baseline (if he gets engineering.

VT - is also highly unlikely and NC State as well. Your student is solid - but not spectacular for these schools (sorry).

NC State does have the Park Scholarship - so it’s worth a try.

Mines gives up to $14K Presidential.

So - when chasing merit - and in essence as value you are doing so - you need an assured admission that you’ll love and will hit the right cost.

A&M really isn’t that - it’s an assured admission to the school.

And the schools you mentioned, you’ll potentially get in - but they won’t be lesser cost.

So the list I presented are all ABET accredited Biomedical Engineering - and all will have significant merit to get you - as you say value - and your list lacks that.

In other words, mine are assured or close to it whereas yours aren’t.

I’m not sure what you mean by UAB, you say AU but you mean U of A, FSU ,Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss aren’t engineering schools. Not sure what that means but they are as much engineering schools as is A&M, UF, Va Tech, and NCSU.

But why did I pick these -

significant merit. For example, at FSU, your student will likely qualify for an OOS waiver - bringing tuition under $7K. The waiver is awarded based on the SAT score. The one bummer (for some) about FSU engineering is it’s a joint campus with FAMU and located off site.

U of Arizona is absolutely a big and strong engineering school - as is ASU - and not only is it a large school but it’s a very well known school. And your student would get Honors and bypass the secondary admission.And the Honors dorm is awesome. Most importantly, the 4.0 will get you a $32K auto merit - so this is what you’re looking in the schools that you picked. You are hopeful - but I’m providing schools that will deliver - and when someone is chasing merit (value), that’s what you seek. I didn’t choose ASU - why ? Value - The cost will be much greater - and frankly, as an engineering school and overall campus vs. U of A - ehhhhh. And I say that as an MBA alum of ASU.

The others are also ABET accredited and will have big merit.

Purdue does merit - my kid got $10K - but allegedly less than a few years ago. That said, it’s full price is $42K which is why I noted it (value)- but it’s also secondary admission like A&M. It’s more likely to get aid there than UF although both would be tough. Today, UF is a tougher admit.

So you noted the risk with A&M - and I’m ok with any school anyone applies to - but only after they find the most important school - and that’s the school that they’re 100% likely to be accepted, have it hit budget, and of course, the student has to like it.

And that’s what you are missing - and why I listed the schools that I did - and there’s more of course.

Hope that makes sense.

Just to give you an idea if you’re not aware, here are all the ABET accredited schools in the US - sorted by state/city. Many of these would meet the category that you are missing (IMHO).

Good luck.

School Name City State Program Name
University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Alabama Biomedical Engineering
Grand Canyon University Phoenix Arizona Biomedical Engineering
Arizona State University Tempe Arizona Biomedical Engineering
The University of Arizona Tucson Arizona Biomedical Engineering
University of Arkansas Fayetteville Arkansas Biomedical Engineering
Harding University Searcy Arkansas Biomedical Engineering
University of California, Davis Davis California Biomedical Engineering
University of California, Irvine Irvine California Biomedical Engineering
University of California, San Diego La Jolla California Bioengineering
University of California, San Diego La Jolla California Bioengineering (Biotechnology)
University of California, San Diego La Jolla California Bioengineering: Biosystems
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California Bioengineering
University of Southern California Los Angeles California Biomedical Engineering
University of California, Riverside Riverside California Bioengineering
California Baptist University Riverside California Biomedical Engineering
San Jose State University San Jose California Biomedical Engineering
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo San Luis Obispo California Biomedical Engineering
University of the Pacific Stockton California Bioengineering
University of Colorado Denver Denver Colorado Bioengineering
Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado Biomedical Engineering
Fairfield University Fairfield Connecticut Biomedical Engineering
University of Connecticut Storrs Connecticut Biomedical Engineering
University of Hartford West Hartford Connecticut Biomedical Engineering
University of Delaware Newark Delaware Biomedical Engineering
The Catholic University of America Washington District of Columbia Biomedical Engineering
University of the District of Columbia Washington District of Columbia Biomedical Engineering
The George Washington University Washington District of Columbia Biomedical Engineering
University of Miami Coral Gables Florida Biomedical Engineering
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers Florida Bioengineering
University of Florida Gainesville Florida Biomedical Engineering
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne Florida Biomedical Engineering
Florida International University Miami Florida Biomedical Engineering
Florida A&M University - Florida State University Tallahassee Florida Biomedical Engineering
University of South Florida Tampa Florida Biomedical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta Georgia Biomedical Engineering
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign Champaign Illinois Bioengineering
The University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Illinois Bioengineering
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago Illinois Biomedical Engineering
Northern Illinois University Dekalb Illinois Biomedical Engineering
Northwestern University Evanston Illinois Biomedical Engineering
Trine University Angola Indiana Biomedical Engineering
Indiana Institute of Technology Fort Wayne Indiana Biomedical Engineering
Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis Indiana Biomedical Engineering
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Terre Haute Indiana Biomedical Engineering
Purdue University at West Lafayette West Lafayette Indiana Biomedical Engineering
The University of Iowa Iowa City Iowa Biomedical Engineering
Wichita State University Wichita Kansas Biomedical Engineering
University of Louisville Louisville Kentucky Bioengineering
University of Louisville Louisville Kentucky Bioengineering
Tulane University New Orleans Louisiana Biomedical Engineering
Louisiana Tech University Ruston Louisiana Biomedical Engineering
University of Maine Orono Maine Biomedical Engineering
The Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland Biomedical Engineering
University of Maryland College Park College Park Maryland Bioengineering
University of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Northeastern University Boston Massachusetts Bioengineering
Boston University Boston Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Dartmouth Massachusetts Bioengineering
University of Massachusetts Lowell Lowell Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Tufts University Medford Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Western New England University Springfield Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester Massachusetts Biomedical Engineering
Grand Valley State University Allendale Michigan Biomedical Engineering
University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan Biomedical Engineering
University of Michigan - Dearborn Dearborn Michigan Bioengineering
Wayne State University Detroit Michigan Biomedical Engineering
Michigan Technological University Houghton Michigan Biomedical Engineering
Oakland University Rochester Hills Michigan Bioengineering
Lawrence Technological University Southfield Michigan Biomedical Engineering
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis Minnesota Biomedical Engineering
Mississippi State University Mississippi State Mississippi Biomedical Engineering
University of Mississippi University Mississippi Biomedical Engineering
Saint Louis University Saint Louis Missouri Biomedical Engineering
Washington University Saint Louis Missouri Biomedical Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno Reno Nevada Biomedical Engineering
University of New Hampshire Manchester New Hampshire Bioengineering
The College of New Jersey Ewing New Jersey Biomedical Engineering
Rowan University Glassboro New Jersey Biomedical Engineering
Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken New Jersey Biomedical Engineering
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick New Jersey Biomedical Engineering
New Jersey Institute of Technology Newark New Jersey Biomedical Engineering
University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Buffalo New York Biomedical Engineering
Hofstra University Hempstead New York Bioengineering
Cornell University Ithaca New York Biomedical Engineering
Columbia University in the City of New York New York New York Biomedical Engineering
City University of New York, City College New York New York Biomedical Engineering
Rochester Institute of Technology Rochester New York Biomedical Engineering
University of Rochester Rochester New York Biomedical Engineering
Union College Schenectady New York Biomedical Engineering
Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York Biomedical Engineering
Syracuse University Syracuse New York Bioengineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy New York Biomedical Engineering
State University of New York at Binghamton Vestal New York Biomedical Engineering
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina Biomedical and Health Sciences Engineering
Duke University Durham North Carolina Biomedical Engineering
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Greensboro North Carolina Bioengineering
North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh North Carolina Biomedical and Health Sciences Engineering
The University of Akron Akron Ohio Biomedical Engineering
University of Mount Union Alliance Ohio Biomedical Engineering
University of Cincinnati Cincinnati Ohio Biomedical Engineering
Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Ohio Biomedical Engineering
The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio Biomedical Engineering
Wright State University Dayton Ohio Biomedical Engineering
Miami University Oxford Ohio Biomedical Engineering
The University of Toledo Toledo Ohio Bioengineering
University of Central Oklahoma Edmond Oklahoma Biomedical Engineering
University of Oklahoma Norman Oklahoma Biomedical Engineering
Oregon State University Corvallis Oregon Bioengineering
Lehigh University Bethlehem Pennsylvania Bioengineering
Widener University Chester Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
Gannon University Erie Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
Bucknell University Lewisburg Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
Messiah University Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia Pennsylvania Bioengineering
Temple University Philadelphia Pennsylvania Bioengineering
Drexel University Philadelphia Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Bioengineering
Duquesne University Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
Pennsylvania State University University Park Pennsylvania Biomedical Engineering
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico San Juan Puerto Rico Biomedical Engineering
The University of Rhode Island Kingston Rhode Island Biomedical Engineering
Brown University Providence Rhode Island Biomedical Engineering
Clemson University Clemson South Carolina Bioengineering
University of South Carolina Columbia South Carolina Biomedical Engineering
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City South Dakota Biomedical Engineering
University of Tennessee Knoxville Knoxville Tennessee Biomedical Engineering
The University of Memphis Memphis Tennessee Biomedical Engineering
Vanderbilt University Nashville Tennessee Biomedical Engineering
The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas Biomedical Engineering
Texas A&M University College Station Texas Biomedical Engineering
University of North Texas Denton Texas Biomedical Engineering
Rice University Houston Texas Bioengineering
University of Houston Houston Texas Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas at Dallas Richardson Texas Biomedical Engineering
The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio Texas Biomedical Engineering
The University of Utah Salt Lake City Utah Biomedical Engineering
University of Vermont Burlington Vermont Biomedical Engineering
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg Virginia Biomedical Engineering
University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia Biomedical Engineering
George Mason University Fairfax Virginia Bioengineering
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond Virginia Biomedical Engineering
Washington State University Pullman Washington Bioengineering
University of Washington Seattle Washington Bioengineering
Marshall University Huntington West Virginia Biomedical Engineering
West Virginia University Morgantown West Virginia Biomedical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison Madison Wisconsin Biomedical Engineering
Marquette University Milwaukee Wisconsin Biomedical Engineering
Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee Wisconsin Biomedical Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee Milwaukee Wisconsin Biomedical Engineering
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I think your son is in with a good shout but GT has been very very hard for OOS students and as much as 770 is a very good math score he is likely competing against a bunch of 800s and 770 is well below the 75th percentile for Math. I’m not a GT expert but I’ve heard that they have a strong bias for valedictorian level stats if you are an OOS kid so chance your kid’s rigor accordingly.

Given that you are very confident about A&M, may be the concern raised by others is misplaced but they are bringing up a potential risk and only you can assess if the risk is acceptable.

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In 2022-23 (so two years old), math was 760 at the 50th percentile and 790 at the 75th. That’s the entire university - so engineering could be higher.

This is interesting - for this past year, out of Texas, the average SAT was 1514. I got this from the Ga Tech admission snapshot.

It’s a reach - but again, as long as OP has the definite and affordable safety, reaches are fine as are matches.

For engineering, with ABET, many choose safeties (mine did) - because the results are typically similar across engineering. Companies pay by location, etc. Biomedical may be different but you can check the career outcomes from each school.

Admission Snapshot | Undergraduate Admission (gatech.edu)

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Given the joint nature of the engineering division, an interested student might as well apply to both FSU and FAMU and see if one ends up with a significantly lower net price than the other.

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But OP said it’s not an engineering school - not quite sure what that means but I asked. But at FSU, assuming the OOS waiver, it’s be $25Kish or less. Not sure how FAMU charges.

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I take it as their assessment of the quality/reputation of the engineering school.

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Perhaps - quality one cannot judge from any school - quite honestly.

Reputation - they are seeking value. They should get career outcomes. My kid’s school is not reputed but had 20 interviews and 5 offers by Xmas - and in his internship, he lived with two Ga Tech kids and worked at the same place. They weren’t invited back a second summer; he was.

Using rank or perceived public approval - is not really determining quality or reputation but I agree that’s what many do. It’s funny - the OP also has UTD, well respected, as an assured engineering safety in state. I can’t tell if it has secondary admissions.

So - you really need to dig deeper - there are no absolutes.

That’s to OP :slight_smile:

I have no issue with is list - just trying to figure out the value part and you might be correct…but also assuring he has that sure bet - which doesn’t seem to appear.

I could be wrong - but I personally think he’s over assessing the student - but truth is, none of us know. We are not the AO committee.

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Thank you for your thoughts.

My point on Arizona is they don’t emphasize Engineering, they are known for other specialties and their Engineering is relatively small and lower rated than ASU. It is an option though and he is likely to get Merit if he went there.

UAB, FSU, and Ole Miss all do technically offer BME but they are very small departments without much in the way of reputation or resources compared to the others. UAB does have the hospital but they aren’t really an Engineering focused school in the state, that’s Auburn which also doesn’t have a big BME program though they are a good Engineering school. They are options but just not very attractive outside of potential for aid.

UF has the Alumni, Sunshine, and Gator Nation Tuition Wavers for OOS students available. None are easy but I know students from my son’s HS that have gotten them with lower credentials than he has. VT is very tough for Merit but they do have it available. Mines has quite a bit of Merit. All 3 schools are investing in their BME programs though and trying to build them, that’s why I looked at them as potential options. We toured NC State and I think he might have a shot at Park but that’s very competitive as well. No one gives away big scholarship money easily and a lot will depend on how much the value the Service projects and Essays.

Purdue is a good option but is pretty even with A&M in terms of Engineering and tough to get merit, also cold. It’s definitely worth looking though.

Not really worried about the Secondary Admission with A&M. Can’t take it for granted but he’s a very strong student and used to a lot of rigor. Have a lot of familiarity for what is required there so not too worried. Obviously would prefer a guaranteed entry into BME though so it’s a knock.

His only real weakness is the SAT score but it’s still in range. Hoping he can get a 35 or higher on the ACT in a couple of months but we will see. His strength is rigor and his focus on BME related coursework and EC’s/work and of course he’s never gotten a B but lots of kids can say that. It’s just how much it ends up being valued.

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Hmmm - they are actually known for engineering - and are top 10 physics. And he wouldn’t be likely to get merit. He would 100% get merit - and if he truly has a 4.0, it will be $32K. It’s published - on a matrix. That’s why I picked it. And U of Arizona engineering has 17 majors.
The first year class last year had 750 students - I mean I suppose it depends on perceptions as to whether it’s good or not.

The school is known for many fields - engineering, it’s Eller Business School, and strong programs in Physics (@UTmeritseeker did a write up raving about the facilities) and in the social sciences.

Obviously anyone can feel as they want - but I personally think you’re mis informed :slight_smile: And ASU has multiple campuses so the #s are likely not as they seem. I’d recommend ASU but the “value” isn’t there vs. U of A. And frankly, Tucson is a nicer campus, cooler, and a great city - a lot less sprawl vs. Phoenix. But again, we can all feel as wel feel.

Auburn is not “the engineering” school of Alabama - which really has 3 - the U of Alabama and UAH - which has the highest concentration of engineers in the state - and I don’t know about anymore, but based on their billboards was the highest salaries coming out of college in the state (that was due to its engineering focus). It’s strong in Meche/Aero as it’s in a haven of aero and Bama has much better merit than Auburn, as nice an engineering quad as you’ll see - and they “buy” kids in like my son - but don’t have biomedical, just faculty in research on the topic from the ChemE department- but not the major that I see and not on the ABET list. But you have to be careful when you say - who is the engineering school - because my kid (MechE) had 20 interviews and 5 offers by xmas - and is making more than the average salary of much higher ranked schools - so I’m not sure your perceptions are right - and as noted above, he outperformed the Ga Tech kids he interned with.

But I personally think your shorting some schools - especially ones that can give what you are seeking - but you actually don’t have on your list because A&M isn’t a sure thing. And that’s all I’m really trying to give you. That is THE MOST IMPORTANT school you can have - so that in case your son strikes out (and some do) - that he has a home studying what he wants to study.

Mines doesn’t have an ABET accredited program - so any jobs that require ABET accreditation, he would not be eligible for.

These are the words from a simple indeed search of biomedical engineering jobs or internships - so you should find out from Mines if they will have accreditation. Right now they have a minor so I’m not sure how it will grow. Mine got the most Mines allows - but it seems like they have more (than I’m aware of or their website shows).

  • Junior level standing or higher in engineering course work leading to a Biomedical, Clinical, Industrial or Electrical Engineering degree from an ABET accredited 4-year college or university program.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in engineering from an ABET accredited program related field such as biomedical or biomechanics, etc.

Now you say this - but this is an incorrect statement - and that’s why I’ve been so persistent - been there, done this (with my second) - my son chose Bama over Purdue based on housing - but for my daughter, we were a merit chase - so this statement isn’t correct - No one gives away big scholarship money easily

What you mean to say is no one that you deem of the right level. And that’s a different saying - but again, you are seeking “value” to A&M but applying to Hail Marys - not necessarily for admission but certainly Hail Marys for money!!

I don’t think his SAT score is weak - it’s the 96th percentile - so your student should be proud.

And I agree, A&M might be his best option - assuming he gets engineering. I know some get the alternative campus - same as UF, some get the Santa Fe campus - some with 1500s+.

Best of luck - and don’t mean to pile on. You’re seeking pedigree, name, etc. - and I’m trying to provide you that “value” that you asked for in the way of a low cost, excellent university - so we are on different paths - but that’s sort of how you started (at least how I read it).

I wish your son luck.

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I’m not trying to demean Arizona, it’s a very good school it’s just not as known for Engineering. It’s known for Liberal Arts, Science, and Business. ASU is more Engineering focused but not very appealing, I agree Arizona is the better overall school and it’s an AAU Member while ASU is not. You do have me thinking a bit more about Arizona though, it’s worth looking more closely at.

Most of my perception btw is because I do Engineering recruiting and I know who companies hire and what they look for. You can certainly be successful from just about any school, there is no golden ticket. Still a lot of companies only recruit at top Engineering schools. I think my son’s drive though is more about the resources though.

Alabama is a fine school and they do give out a ton of money. My son’s friend who doesn’t have nearly his resume just got a bunch. They just aren’t a strong Engineering school. They are strong in many other areas though.

Mainly though it’s about my son’s preference to go to a school that is very Engineering focused and has significant resources devoted to Engineering. I probably should have stated that. So either a school like Mines or Tech or MIT that’s almost exclusively Engineering/STEM or a school that has Engineering as their forefront like A&M, VT, or NC State (or Purdue/Auburn/Clemson etc). Schools like UF, Rice, or Stanford that have massive and extremely well funded Engineering programs with strong reputations as a part of larger schools.

Mines calls their Biomedical Engineering Program “Quantitiative Biosciences and Engineering” or you can major in Mechanical Engineering with a Minor. They have extremely high job placement/salaries for grads, high Med School placement, etc.

He won’t get alternative campus since he is Top 10% at A&M. I mean it’s theoretically possible he isn’t accepted into Engineering but realistically it’s not. In speaking with folks there working at the school he is extremely likely Engineering Honors. Still he has to make grades to get BME but as I stated that’s pretty easy to do. He will basically be taking classes he has already taken in HS Freshman year and needing to get A’s.

In terms of the “No one gives away big scholarship money easily” I was referring more to Stamps or Park or other Full Ride scholarships. Tuition waver level scholarships at schools outside the Top 75 are pretty common though.

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At Texas A&M, he will be competing for grades and GPA for ETAM with other students doing the same thing of repeating what they learned in high school. So it may be less of a cakewalk than assumed (and also a waste of time and tuition if he would otherwise take advanced placement).

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