Engineering School Fit [NY resident, 3.8 GPA, 1500 SAT, 33 ACT, <$50k]

Missus
Mon, 04 May 2026 15:46:51 +0000

Hello, we are from NY and my son is a rising senior. He is easy going, good student grades (3.8 uw 4.0 w, 1500 SAT/33 ACT, will have 12 APs) and is on the quiet side.

He knows he wants to do engineering (chem e or bio e and work in Healthcare), but this may change so a school that offers program in first year that allows students to explore would he wonderful.

My question is what type of school would offer best experiential learning?

Urban vs suburban? Would urban allow for more opportunities if it is closer to hospitals or companies?

Large or small? How to compare size if larger instituons may provide more research vs smaller school where u get to have better relationships with your professors?

Any advice from a parent with a similar child in terms of what type of environment/school worked well for him or her? Or maybe specific schools that they can suggest?

Right now we are thinking Pitt, UD, or Penn State but not sure if we should consider some smaller private schools too. Thank you in advance.