@CU123, that’s because they are in TX. Engineering recruiting is largely regional, even at the top schools. Two thirds of Illinois graduates practice in IL or a state that touches it. The bulk of the rest are in CA or AL, two major aerospace hubs. In Houston you’ll find grads from most any school that has a program, including the Oklahoma state schools.
True, but this is a sidebar, I think I was clear that if a school public or private excels in a particular area, the grads majoring in that area are recruited by the companies that hire in that area. These companies know where the cutting edge research it taking place and/or quality education in the field is taking place.
I know nothing about engineering, but my understanding is that an ABET accredited program adheres to standards that are universal and that where a student gets a degree from really isn’t the main consideration. It’s ABET that matters. If this is the case, then the OP is going to be fine going to UA, especially given the proximity to CA. I can’t see the prestige of WUSTL making much of a difference in CA for a student with an engineering degree in an ABET accredited program.
ABET only matters in some engineering disciplines, honestly. The OP is better off asking in the engineering subforum.
ABET sets what they consider a minimum standard of education within the field. It doesn’t mean the curricula can’t include more and it doesn’t imply that every equivalent class is the same. For instance, classes at MIT and Caltech (for better or worse) tend to move substantially faster than at Podunk U. Accreditation is very important for classic disciplines like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Aerospace. It can be less of an issue in newer disciplines. In those instances, institutional reputation is even more important and a bigger differentiator.
@Ariz0na , I’m the parent of a high school junior and have been trying to sort out answers to some of your questions myself, before even reading your post. WUSTL was on the list of colleges for my daughter because virtually everything I read about the school on cc was positive, including having a rigorous academic environment without the cutthroat competition that you might normally see at other prestigious schools. Those are important criteria, in my opinion. Clearly you are an accomplished student and most likely worked hard to get where you are. At WUSTL I suspect you’d be surround by like-minded students.
We took it off of our list because the merit scholarship potential isn’t there but if money weren’t a consideration, it would be back on in a second. Definitely give it a chance when you visit this summer. You’ll know if it feels right. But also remember that buyer’s remorse is common; it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not the right choice.
@Lindagaf I am an engineer and that is far from correct, engineering school reps matter…a lot. MIT and Stanford are the go to schools that get recruited by most everyone, that is if they offer competitive wages and interesting jobs. As I have said before, Stanford’s engineering program has only 3 of 9 ABET accredited.
Ok @CU123 . I didn’t pretend to be an expert. OP isn’t going to Stanford or MIT. And OP seems to have disappeared.
Just trying to clarify what ABET means and what it doesn’t.
@Lindagaf No, I’m still here :D. Just reading through all of the replies, thanks to everyone for responding.
I’m going to wash u on Sunday for the orientation program. I’ve also scheduled a tour of UA.
Make sure you tour the engineering facilities, particularly the labs. Have fun!