MIT vs Harvey Mudd vs Olin vs Cooper Union--Best overall education?

<p>I understand that these are all fantastic engineering schools and are very hard to distinguish between. I simply want to hear others opinions on which school will offer the best education. I am not asking for the one with the best reputation or nicest campus. I want to know which school develops critical thinking skills–which school best prepares you for an actual job? Obviously the differences are subtle, but if anyone has any input it would be appreciated.</p>

<p>I should probably add that I hope to do mechanical engineering.
Thanks for the help</p>

<p>When you get in all four and have to make that decision, let us know. Otherwise, it’s a pointless exercise because although all are great schools, the answer of which is “best” will depend on the individual student, and we’re not you.</p>

<p>I don’t think there is a best. There may or may not be a ‘best for you’. I don’t think any will appreciably help you develop critical thinking skills better than another, or prepare you for a job. But I do think there are appreciable differences not subtle ones, and those you can read all about: curriculum, graduation requirements, course offerings, school culture, setting, extra activities.</p>

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They are in fact very different from one another. Visit, if you haven’t already…And to for the sake of completeness add Caltech.</p>

<p>In really comes down to fit. You will have to work hard in all of them (and CalTech as well), you will learn a ton in all of them, and they are all well-respected in the engineering world, so it really comes down to which environment you would be happiest and most motivated in (because their cultures are quite different).</p>