ranking undergraduate engineering schools

shoebox10
Thu, 05 Apr 2007 18:02:12 +0000

mercy: The difference between the top 30 and top 40 is miniscule, since so many schools tie. But, beyond 40, schools start to really look the same in engineering strength terms. Also, UVA is ranked #21 in EE, and VT is #20, so if we’re still going by rankings, UVA is in the top 30 still.
As for the liberal arts approach I want, it comes from my background. I’ve always loved liberal arts type classes, and have always done very well in them. However, I prefer engineering for my major. So, I want a university that I can graduate with a great engineering degree, but still have room in my curriculum to take other classes i’m passionate about. Furthermore, I hope to go to grad school for an MBA upon graduation, and a broader UG curriculum would better prepare me.

Bet77- As for VT, freshman year is rough on engineering students. 1/3 of all entering freshman drop out before the end of the year and either transfer colleges within VT or transfer out. However, it’s not like engineers have no social life, and there is room to take other classes outside of engineering if you come in with English credits. However, the math classes are rough, and chem/physics are “weeder” courses. The engineering classes arn’t a ton of trouble, just a lot of work. So, VT overall is tough engineering school when it comes to academics. But, its very rewarding, and will turn anyone into a very proficient, intelligent engineer with a strong math/science background. Plus, job recruitment here is amazing.
As for Gailio program, I wouldn’t suggest it. Your son will be overwhlemed with engineering as it is, and its not hard to find others to study with. Allowing him to have friends outside of engineering will be crucial to keeping his mind sane =P However, it does provide a ton of support and his hallmates will never be going out on a Wednesday night while he’s stuck inside studying.