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

momofboiler1
Mon, 04 May 2026 19:07:09 +0000

Have you started visiting any schools yet? We found it super helpful to go visit some local schools to try to see if our D had a preference for big/small/urban/rural/hands on/theoretical. Once we figured out her preferences, then we created the list. Even if you need to go in the summer when college students aren’t on campus, it’s still worth some visits!

Our daughter really wanted a hands on program too and that had a first year engineering design course, and was more focused on career readiness, well supported co-ops and internships, etc… She was a chem E and chose Purdue. She did not want to be in a city. She had 3 internships, a 3 term co-op, and did undergrad research (that was published) so being in a more rural area didn’t matter at all in terms of opportunities. She had close relationships with her professors as well (that isn’t a big/little difference but a kid getting involved difference ; )).

Pitt is a great option! Apply early as they have rolling admission.

RPI, WPI and RIT are worth looking into. My daughter would have picked RPI if she hadn’t been accepted to Purdue). Also not far from NY - Lehigh.
I’d also research SUNY Buffalo and Clarkson (as a safety).