<p>I am mechanical engineering major looking for colleges to apply to this year. I like MIT since I have heard it focuses on practical applications in engineering - which is what I am interested in. Supposedly, MIT teaches less theoretical information and more applied information. </p>
<p>The problem is that I do not have the stats for MIT. What other schools would be comparable as far as academics (emphasis on applied science) and prestige that I would have a better shot at (reaches and matches)?
I would prefer a smaller school setting (preferably private since I will be out-of-state) in any location.</p>
<p>Rose Hulman, without a doubt. You still need great stats , just human ones instead of alien ones. LOL. I do not know specifically about their M.E. program but what I do know it sounds like a perfect fit. Others might be Michigan Technological, New Mexico Tech, , Illinois Institute of Technology, Colorado School of Mines, University of Missouri-Rolla, Clemson and possibly Florida Tech. None of which in D’s opinion offer what Rose can. (My personal favorite setting from that list would be Clemson) Rose really seems like a special place although statistically students depend heavily on loans, and financial aid is not on par with Cal Tech, MIT, or Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>I don’t know about mechanical engineering specifically, but you might look at these schools.</p>
<p>The Olin College of Engineering. I’m not sure if they’re accredited yet since it’s a new school, but it’s supposed to be very good, it’s small, and tuition is free.</p>
<p>Rice’s engineering school is moving up in the ratings (for what that’s worth), but it’s not easy to get into, although easier than MIT. My son was very impressed with their program.</p>
<p>My son also liked RPI, and they’re pretty generous with merit aid. Also, if you’re a junior see if your school gives the RPI medal, which is worth $15,000 per year.</p>
<p>Thanks for the suggestions. I am already applying to Olin and Rice.
I was considering Rose or RPI, but I also am worried about their financial aid. And about the out-of-state tuition for publics (UC Berkeley for example), do students pay out-of-state for the first year or all four years? </p>
<p>My stats are not too impressive (I still want to apply to some reach schools):
SAT 1370 (750m, 620V)
SATII 750m IIC, 600 Phys, 570 writing (was not prepared, am retaking Dec)
Top 2% of class
Couple EC’s: NHS, Mu Alpha, Key Club, 2 retail jobs, summer internship at the Transportation Research Center, and am a certified first responder
I also have extensive Community College Classes: finished cal (1, 2, and 3) in Junior year, engineering physics I, and taking engineering physics III and engineering statics.</p>
<p>Hopefully my scores will improve. The only thing I have that stands out are my CC classes. Since merit aid is seemingly based largely on SATs, I most likely will not receive a great amount. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>Many of you are recommending Rose-Hulman. Is it similar to Harvey Mudd College? So what is the average award? Is it need-based or merit? What does it take for a merit scholarship?</p>
<p>I can tell you that with Olin, stats truly are only part of the picture. Your stats, with good recs and interesting ECs could get you to the candidates weekend, and from that point on, they’re looking for students who are articulate, enthusiastic and creative.</p>
<p>I am an Asian male, which decreases my chances further, lol. And smaller schools like Olin may take other things into consideration, but the 25%-75% SAT of entering class is still high at 1450-1540 so it is important to note that Olin admits students with high SATs.</p>
<p>You should be able to get into RPI. Carnegie Mellon might also be a shot for you. If you want a relative safe but good school that is very practical, consider Rocherster Institute of Technology. You might even get some money at RIT.</p>
<p>And Olin only admits 75 ppl, about 1/2 male, so figure you have slim chance–chaces at MIT are better. But I know a 20-something guy that went to MIT and really thought the undergrad experience there is not great. He’d go LAC if he could do it over.</p>
<p>I looked at USNWR’s best mech engr programs for undergrads. Number 5 on their list is Bucknell University in PA - you would be a strong candidate there. Number 8 is Kettering University in Flint, Michigan; small school, safety, wouldn’t hurt to look at the website. </p>
<p>About RIT - I have only heard positive things about it. Again, you would be a very strong candidate.</p>
<p>Look at Case for engineering-excellent technical schools but with the advantage of having liberal and fine arts well represented – and merit money!</p>
<p>I would also look at the Colorado School of Mines (<a href=“http://www.mines.edu%5B/url%5D”>www.mines.edu</a>), it’s a very good school for engineering. They are able to place about 95% of their students into a job by graduation.</p>