<p>We all know that MIT is the big cheese when it comes to engineering and science. But I think there should be some other options with similar appeal (besides the obvious Caltech). Here’s what I like about MIT:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Known for academic challenge and depth of study. There’s a discussion related to this in the Engineering Majors forum right now, and the general consensus is that MIT classes delve deeper into subjects than is common at most other schools.</p></li>
<li><p>Outstanding opportunities for undergrad research. Something like 85% of MIT undergrads complete a UROP during their stay, and I think that says a lot.</p></li>
<li><p>An extremely intelligent and academic student body (but still with some quirks).</p></li>
<li><p>MIT excels in more than just engineering. As someone considering majoring in math, top quality science programs matter just as much as engineering. Great life science and business departments also make MIT more well-rounded than a place like RPI.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>There are also some cons:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Extremely difficult to get in. To an extent any school with #3 above will have this, so it’s a balancing act. I have room for some reaches, but a less-selective school still possessing some of these advantages would be great.</p></li>
<li><p>Very expensive.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>So, what other universities do you know of that offer some of these advantages but without one or both of the disadvantages?</p>
<p>^ I know somebody who attends RIT, and it doesn’t really fit. The study isn’t that deep, the student body isn’t that studious, and undergrad research isn’t that big of a deal.</p>
<p>The usual suggestions besides Caltech would obviously be Stanford, Cornell, Cal Berkeley, etc. </p>
<p>I’d give you a somewhat more unusual alternative though: go to Princeton. Princeton has academic challenge and depth of study, an extremely intelligent and academic student body, outstanding faculty, excellent undergraduate research opportunities, top math and science departments, and, last but not least, an exceptionally strong school of engineering. In fact, beyond USNWR’s useless survey of university administrators, Princeton actually ranks much higher in all academic rankings of scholarly productivity in engineering.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t go to Harvey Mudd College. It has a very small engineering department, with a somewhat obscure faculty, and offers only a general engineering major with a fairly limited choice of available courses. In other words, nothing like the breadth and depth of knowledge you would get at MIT, Caltech, Berkeley or Stanford for example.</p>
<pre><code>To make the assertion that Northwestern ISP rigor matches Cal Tech is absurd. Have you seen Cal Techs program? completely different.
</code></pre>
<p>As Flipper519 suggested, you should check out University of Michigan. I know someone who’s going there for engineering, and it’s definitely a good option.</p>
<p>Also, RPI is making efforts to become more well-rounded. It recently opened a new performing arts center: [The</a> Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center - Troy, NY USA](<a href=“http://empac.rpi.edu/]The”>http://empac.rpi.edu/)</p>
<p>Whether or not Northwestern’s program matches Caltech’s is immaterial. The OP wanted a school that lacked either one or both of the following attributes:</p>
<p>
</li>
</ol>
<p>Both Northwestern (and probably moreso its ISP program) and Caltech are some of the most difficult colleges to get into and the most expensive colleges to afford. Michigan seems like a great option because although it is selective, for most students that have a good shot at MIT gaining admission to Michigan won’t be a difficult trial. Also its engineering, math, and pretty much every other program is top-notch. If you can somehow snag instate residence or a scholarship the cost will go down as well.</p>
<p>While MIT graduates a similar number of undergraduates to RPI, it has almost four times as many math majors. RPI is an engineering school, and the sciences there aren’t the same.</p>
<p>Michigan definitely seems like on of the best options. I think it’s a match and the price isn’t quite as extreme as some comparable schools.</p>
<p>“I wouldn’t go to Harvey Mudd College. It has a very small engineering department, with a somewhat obscure faculty, and offers only a general engineering major with a fairly limited choice of available courses. In other words, nothing like the breadth and depth of knowledge you would get at MIT, Caltech, Berkeley or Stanford for example.”-Bruno</p>
<p>Are you KIDDING ME?!
You do not know what you are talking about! Harvey Mudd College engineering is quite possibly the best undergraduate program in the COUNTRY! </p>
<p>Without <em>ANY</em> specialization, I managed to come out of there with a personal emphasis in propulsion (aerospace) engineering. Upon graduation, I landed THE toughest job in the industry…and I happen to be the youngest employee at my secretive aerospace research and development engineering firm, which I cannot mention here.</p>
<p>HOW is it, that on a day-to-day basis that I can hold an intelligent conversation (hell, work with!) some of the best individuals (that most often have PhDs)? The answer is a DAMN good undergraduate education… one that I am proud of and will rip your F-ING head off if you challenge me on anything technically oriented.</p>
<p>One personal story does not make a trend, you should know that. Harvey Mudd may be hot stuff, but it’s got its own disadvantages no matter how good the students that come out of there are.</p>
<p>Also, I really must roll my eyes at your “secretive aerospace research and development engineering firm”. If you really want to be paranoid, just say you work for Lockheed, as opposed to saying you work at Skunk Works, for instance.</p>