Fortunate to be accepted to both NJ GSET and BU RISE, and trying to decide between them. I understand the cost difference, but I’m more interested in overall selectivity, quality of research, and long-term impact.
Would appreciate insights from anyone familiar with either program—especially regarding rigor, mentorship, and how each is perceived.
Also, must add — interested in studying engineering in college. From that pov which one is better.
You need neither to study engineering in college but it’s great to experience things now to confirm your interest.
You can ask ea h for previous students to get feedback from Most Governor schools are great honors to attend.
Good luck
Thank you for your reply! I reached out to alums and each and every one had the best things to say about the program they attended
That makes it so hard to decide!
Again, which fits your interest best - to learn if engineering is right for you?
Summer programs are best for that - to validate interests - not help for college but I actually think Governors Schools do have a cache that other pay to play don’t.
Then one is $6K and one is, well, free. I don’t know if finances matter to your family.
Obviously, BU is in Boston and perhaps that’s a pull - but with robotics, physics, design and lab classes, I think Governors School will give you a great sense of what engineering in college will be like.
I think it’s got clear advantages over RISE - just my opinion.
On paper, it’s not tough for me - you have “prestige” - if one will help for college and I’m not saying it will, it’d be Governors School. The curriculum seems great to validate interest in engineering. And it’s free.
The only advantage I see about RISE is if you want to live in Boston - otherwise, it doesn’t seem near as strong - that’s just me looking at it from the outside.
Rise is covering Data Science or Computational Biology - great subjects, but not quite aligning with your future interest. That’s another reason to choose the Governors School.
Good luck with what you ultimately decide but it doesn’t seem a tough choice to me.
Wishing you well.
Thank you for the great advice! All the things you’ve said make a strong case for GSET. No doubt, it sounds like it is going to be a great experience.