| Whether it’s deciding between
a small-town college and a big urban university, or
paying in-state tuition versus out-of-state expenses,
finding the right school takes a lot of work.
The School
Academics
Type of School
While people generally refer to all institutions of
higher education as "colleges," there are
actually several specific types of schools to choose
from:
- University
A cluster of colleges operating under a
single administration. The engineering school is one
of several specialty colleges. Universities often
have a strong emphasis on research and offer a wide
range of majors and a diversity of students.
- Four-year college
Colleges are usually smaller and don't put as much
emphasis on research. Typically, engineering programs
at colleges feature a strong liberal arts component.
- Institute of Technology/Polytechnic Institute
Focuses primarily on engineering and the sciences.
Many of these schools are renowned for their engineering
programs. But if you're not sure that engineering
is for you, you may want to attend an institution
that offers a wider range of studies, giving you the
flexibility to switch majors without having to transfer
to another institution.
- U.S. military academy
(Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, Military,
and Naval Academies) Offers engineering programs at
minimal cost to students. In return, students agree
to serve, upon graduation, a specified term of service
in the armed forces.
- Two-year college or community college
Students choose two-year college or community colleges
for many reasons: close proximity to home, lower tuition,
less stringent admissions criteria, smaller class
and/or campus size, and so on. If you plan to attend
a two-year college, ask the guidance counselors or
transfer office staff about articulation agreements
with local four-year institutions that guarantee your
community college credits will be accepted when you
transfer.
Campus Activities
College is not just about attending classes; it may
also include writing for the school paper, serving in
the student government, or playing intramural sports.
Check to see if the institution offers whatever extracurricular
activities you may wish to participate in.
Student Body
College gives you the opportunity to grow and learn
by working with other classmates and making new friends.
Some students prefer to attend a school that has a diverse
student body, while others prefer a more homogeneous
one. For example, some African-American students, wishing
to attend a school with a large African-American population,
choose a historically black college or university such
as Tuskegee Institute or Howard University. Other people
select a college affiliated with their religion. Women
may wish to compare the graduation rates of women engineering
students at different institutions.
School Size
Some students feel more comfortable at a small school
where they'll know more of the students, while others
prefer the diversity of a larger school.
Location
You may want to consider your location preferences
concerning climate, distance from home, and whether
the school is in a rural or an urban setting. You may
also want to choose a school located near the types
of industries that you are interested in pursuing. That
way, while you're in school there will be more opportunities
to gain relevant experience through internships, co-op
programs, and summer jobs, and upon graduation you may
be able to find a job in the area.
Campus Facilities
The campus will be your home for the next several years,
so make sure it has whatever nonacademic facilities
are important to you whether it's on-campus housing,
sports facilities, cultural and leisure activities,
or places of worship. It's wise to tour the institutions
you are considering attending to see if they have the
facilities important to you.
Academic Program
If possible, you should choose a program that is accredited
by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
(ABET). Most employers and graduate schools prefer applicants
who have earned a degree from an ABET-accredited program
because accreditation ensures that the program follows
national standards of quality for faculty, curricula,
students, administration, facilities, and institutional
commitment. Attending an accredited program also makes
transferring credits to other institutions easier and
allows graduates to take the examinations necessary
to become a professional engineer.
Once you're seriously considering a school, it's a
good idea to also look through its catalog and browse
through its home page to learn more about the program
and what course work it entails.
If you're not certain which engineering specialty you
want to pursue, it's wise to pick a school that has
around seven or more ABET-accredited programs. You should
also investigate academic approaches. Some engineering
programs take a theoretical approach, while others provide
more practical experience. Some concentrate on specializing
in a discipline; others offer an interdisciplinary or
general engineering degree. Some have a five-year undergraduate
program, while others have a five-year combined bachelor's
and master's program.
Academic Atmosphere
Do want to attend a competitive engineering program
where you’ll have to push yourself, or would you
rather have a more easygoing experience that gives you
time for other activities? These are questions you should
consider when looking at engineering schools. Pick a
program that is the right level for you. Of course,
how difficult a program is for you depends on your own
academic background and how much time and effort you're
willing to give to your studies.
Certain schools have a reputation for being especially
prestigious. This, however, should not be your most
important factor in selecting an undergraduate school,
because all ABET-accredited programs are highly regarded
by the profession.A good way to learn how demanding
a particular program is would be to talk to students
currently enrolled in the program. They know the workload
best and will most likely be direct and honest with
you. Your high school counselor as well as advisors
and faculty from the colleges you are considering can
also help you in this area. Some questions to ask are:
- How many credits will I be expected
to take each semester?
- How many hours a week, per credit
hour, should I expect to study?
- How strong a math and science background
do I need to be successful in the program?
- What are the average grades and
SAT and ACT scores of students in the program?
No matter what type of atmosphere you choose, you'll
want one that is conducive to studying. Are there study
groups and tutoring services? Are professors readily
available to help students?
Academic Resources
If the institution you select has the academic resources
that are important to you, you'll be able to concentrate
on learning rather than having to search for materials
and equipment, or to settle for out-of-date or inadequate
ones. Here are some questions to ask about a school's
academic resources:
- What type of library facilities
does the institution have? Is there a special engineering
library? Does the library carry prominent engineering
journals?
- What are the computer facilities
like? Are students required to have their own computer
and/or software?
- How current is the institution's
laboratory equipment? Are students required to pay
lab fees?
- What type of advising, counseling,
and tutoring services are available?
Faculty
Examine whether the faculty has a more established
reputation for teaching or research and how many students
are in typical lecture and laboratory classes.
You may also want to find out if the school has a
diverse faculty - that is, one that includes women and
members of underrepresented groups. Learning from a
diverse faculty will prepare you for your career, where
you'll most likely be working with people from different
cultures. Additionally, if you're a member of an underrepresented
minority group, faculty members of the same race or
gender can serve as important role models.
Special Programs
Engineering education is more than just the traditional
classroom and laboratory experience. Some special programs
you may want to look for include:
- Internship and co-op programs that
give you industry experience while often letting you
earn money.
- Study abroad programs that will
give you an edge in today's global market.
- Dual-degree programs with other
majors, such as business.
- Research opportunities that give
you hands-on experience.
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