<p>Son is accepted to or expected to be accepted to all, with UMD the cheapest, then most likely Case, RPI, and GaTech, because of scholarships. We are willing to pay for any of them. He said biomedical engineering on his apps for major, but he may decide to change to Computer science, physics, or some other kind of engineering. He is very introverted, and a little quirky. He plays way too much computer right now and I’m nervous about him going to a college and just studying and sitting in his room playing computer. He will likely go to grad school/med school. On paper it looks like Ga Tech may be the best by reputation, but he might thrive more in a smaller setting. He also loves math, and is very advanced in that area already. He may minor in math but will not likely major in it. Any advice?</p>
<p>If UMCP is the cheapest, and you need to ask for a ranking to establish any clear preferences, then go there. These schools are all closely ranked and have fairly similar strengths. USNWR is not so finely tuned that a difference of 10/15/20 positions means much difference in quality among similar schools.</p>
<p>Thanks. I’m familiar with the USNews rankings, but I’m hoping to hear other criteria and/or information that may help us decide for my son, given information I’ve shared.</p>
<p>They are all good schools and can provide your son the opportunities to prepare well for a top graduate program. The curricula and quality of undergraduate education is likely equivalent for all of them. He (and you) should make your decision based on what might be the best fit. The choice is between large and small, state and private, urban and rural. The type of student body is also a factor. A larger school which has much more than science and engineering will likely have a different student body than a smaller tech school. All four are top notch research universities so if your son wishes to get involved in research, there should be ample opportunity.</p>
<p>Bottom line, finances and fit should be driving the decision.</p>