<p>A few thoughts (Engineering parent, here). I confess that I have skimmed this thread only, so apologize if my comments are redundant.</p>
<p>IMO, the best way to assuage your concerns about employment prospects coming out of a “lesser” school (lol, all of the schools on your target list are great; I just know that this is your concern). Check with the Career Services office or the Engineering Dept staff and find out what companies routinely recruit and interview at each school. Companies which come back to a given school over and over again do so because they like to hire its graduates. If companies which might be of eventual interest to your S show up, I think you can relax a bit about your concern. (PS… we did NOT do this when our S was applying; he was successful in his job hunt, even in a tough year - 2009; but he had to do much more of his own networking because his field of interest had low representation at his campus’ recruiting events).</p>
<p>Try very hard, on campus visits, to have your S sit in on actual classroom sessions. I think he will get the “vibe” as to whether professors are accessible, students are collegial and the environment will suit his learning style. Worth taking the extra time at any campus of real interest, vs. just taking the tour or consulting with Admissions staff or even Deans in their offices.</p>