<p>I've been accepted to about eight schools and have been researching them extensively.. Unfortunately, I probably won't be able to visit any of them due to transportation costs and logistics.
I'd appreciate anybody's experiences with any of these schools, thanks!</p>
<p>I'm planning on majoring in either computer science or some related engineering field (comp engineering, mechanical engineering).</p>
<p>So far, each of them have offered comparable financial aid, and I am awaiting to hear back from one scholarship which will cover all remaining costs (but probably not for UBC since it's not in the US).</p>
<p>Canada:
University of British Columbia</p>
<p>Colorado:
CO School of Mines
University of Denver
Colorado State University</p>
<p>Illinois:
Illinois Institute of Technology</p>
<p>Pennsylvania:
Bucknell</p>
<p>Massachusetts:
Worcester Polytechnic</p>
<p>New York:
Bard College (Distinguished Scientist Scholar)</p>
<p>I'm currently a Computer Science & Engineering major at Bucknell. There are three degree programs for computer science here: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor Science (both of which are offered in the college of arts and sciences), and a BCSE which is offered in the college of engineering. The BA program allows room for many electives which is good if you want to pursue a second major or just study different fields other than CS. The BS program has less wiggle room as there are more science and math requirements to be met. The BCSE program has the most requirements. The program integrates courses from other engineering disciplines such as electrical engineering and mechanical engineering and we are also required to take a 300 level math course called numerical analysis. All programs require a senior design project. There is also a computer engineering program offered jointly by the CS and EE departments. It was recently introduced in 2007.</p>
<p>thanks everybody for their support so far..</p>
<p>ilmor, thanks for the computer science info for bucknell, I'll check into that more (their program looks pretty nice).</p>
<p>marie03:
I've never been to the East Coast and I don't have any family near there... I'm from Colorado.
I'd certainly miss the skiing..</p>
<p>Bard seems nice.. though my main concern is their lack of engineering program.. They do offer a undergrad/grad 5 year program with dartmouth, but I wouldn't want to feel too limited in terms of academic options at Bard itself.
The setting seems unique and interesting though.</p>
<p>These are three schools that are hardly ever named on the same person's college lists.
Bucknell has a mainstream student body in a small town PA setting. Social place with alcohol as the drug of choice
Bard has a left wing student body mostly interested in the arts and social sciences, which is constantly trying to establish itself as a place for those interested in the sciences, with limited success. Drugs the drugs of choice.
IIT is a heavy science nerd school located on the gritty Southside of Chicago. No known drug of choice.</p>
<p>i don't think that the Bard program is the right choice, given your interests. First of all, if money is an issue, you would have to spend 5 years to get your degree in engineering, which would add a lot to your costs. Secondly, the engineering program is only available to those who carry a 3.0 average (seems easy to get, but you never know).</p>
<p>Bucknell on the other hand has a highly regarded engineering program and seems to have some interesting computer science options.</p>
<p>As for issues of fit, both are small schools (although Bucknell is very large for an LAC) located pretty far from urban areas. As danas has said, Bard is very left wing and Bucknell is pretty mainstream. Bucknell is very concerned with job placement and probably has a better alumni network.</p>
<p>Honestly I'd choose Bard. I think it's a better school and you will get an intense personal education. Bucknell is also a good choice too, but I know they can be stingy with aid.</p>
<p>Have you researched travel to Bard and Bucknell from Colorado? This is worth looking into. Bard is a great place but quite a hassle to get to from any airport.</p>
<p>Student bodies at the two schools are going to be dramatically different. Bucknell seems to attract mainstream, preppy, athletic, outdoorsy kids who like to drink. Bard has a more intellectual vibe with more cerebral, artsy, hipster students who seem to prefer pot to booze.</p>
<p>Both have solid reputations academically. You've got some fine choices.</p>
<p>I visited last week and the student body were very friendly -- it seemed like a relaxed and non-competative atmosphere. Plus, they have the new Science Center.</p>
<p>Bucknell, the more conservative political atmosphere and drinking kinda turn me off (+ I'm not really into the whole frat scene), academic options seem pretty good...</p>
<p>Bard, no engineering (I'd be into comp. sci and physics, but would I get bored academically?). I think the atmosphere fits me best../art/music/video/design/etc. are strong interests, but I'm not sure if I want to pursue those for school..</p>
<p>IIT seems to offer the most intensive course variety and I'm very interested in Chicago, but I understand this is kinda in Chicago's ghetto south side (though transport to downtown is very easy)-My dad is encouraging me to go here currently.</p>
<p>For those interested,
Financial offers (offered/expected cost, approx):
Bucknell: $49,000/50,000 [$3,000 in loans]
Bard: $49,000/50,000 [$3,000 in loans]
IIT: $43,000/$40,000 [$4,000 in loans]</p>
<p>What would be your out-of-pocket costs to University of British Columbia (before considering the value of the U.S. dollar in comparison to the Canadian dollar)? Engineering is suppose to be one of their key strengths.</p>
<p>I'm a Canadian citizen (due to mother's nationality and a inheritance 2nd generation law) but I haven't applied for my citizen identification card for proof yet, which could take about a year.. </p>
<p>International.. they gave me a $5,000 scholarship, but it would cost about $35,337... so ~$30,000 out of pocket.</p>
<p>As a citizen.. tuition is about $5,000 + fees/living would be about $16,857. I'm not sure if the $5,000 can be applied to that as a Canadian citizen..</p>
<p>But still, ~$10,000, even with conversion rates is waay too much for my family at this point.. I think...</p>
