<p>My main (and CRUCIAL) point applies to every school, anywhere: the strength of a program within a school lie in the differences between other programs/schools.<br>
Yes, VT has a #17 overall undergrad ranking. Yes, it is a powerhouse engineering school, churning out only the best. But it lacks other aspects, some of those being what is most important to some students, like myself. UVA, or any other school, may lack the great ranking, but still have other strengths. And you’ll see this when looking at any top two programs, which is what students should really focus on when chosing schools. While people may think VT overall is a lesser school than UVA, which may be true simply because it’s smaller and younger, it doesn’t mean every program lacks. UVA has a stronger liberal arts side, which appeals to someone like me. VT has a more technical approach, which benifits many many students. It just depends who you are and what you want out of an undergrad experience.
Also, I find it appalling that my future coworkers are so ignorant about things like this. How can I expect to work well with a graduate from another school when they bash my school left and right? If someone like sv3a bashes schools like VT (again, ranked #17), how can engineers be successful? Will he always expect to only work with UVA grads, or be stuck with lesser engineers?
Now, I love both schools. But I would hate to work with these types of people, regardless of where they graduate from. I just hope I can have the choice coming up here soon.</p>
<p>But just remember: you need to be open minded, in any career, and especially engineering. Engineers strive on creativity and teamwork. Without creativity, no idea is formulated. Without teamwork, the entire project can’t be completed. An aerospace engineer trying to build a plane may be able to design it, but needs a material science engineer to develope the materials, an EE to wire the plane, and ME to develop the engines, ect ect. Open-mindedness starts with being open-minded to other people with different backgrounds. And you’ll need that more than anything in engineering, and in life.</p>
<p>PS- im a girl 
I help that 1:7 ratio at VT</p>