<p>bsmyth1 -
My third year mech’e student faced the UVa/VT e’school choice two years ago. The choice was difficult as he was a long time VT fan, had slept under a VT flag since he was 7yo, etc. He really looked deeply into each program, meeting with professors, asking a lot of questions, etc. The programs are both excellent but their approach is different. If you look hard enough you will see it and almost always one will appeal to you over the other. It’s apples and oranges. He honestly faced a lot of questions from friends, teachers, and professional mentors, making the decision even harder. My advise to him was to block out the noise and think about what HE wanted, about which approach felt right to him, where he would be happier. You will succeed where you are comfortable academically and socially. Both schools provide an excellent education, it’s simply a matter of really spending the time to ask the right questions to determine which fits you best. He’s never looked back, is exceptionally happy, doing well academically, has had internships every summer (this year with Lockheed Martin). He has close friends in the e’school at VT that visit often. It’s wonderful to see them all progress and all very happy with their choices. Best of luck to you.</p>