Oppo, I Need Some Advice (Like really soon)

"Branden J -Reading the Manual" (intakelake)
02/18/2015 at 18:34 • Filed to: None

So, my search for colleges has finally managed to narrow itself down, and I have until Thursday (As in tomorrow, its been a hard decision) to let the schools know what decision I've made. On one hand there is the college I have previously mentioned, Rochester Institute of Technology, and also, the University of Pittsburgh. Now, in many ways the two are very similar, just for the sake of things anything I don't mention is either because they're similar, or its something that doesn't matter in my decision. So first off, RIT has the better Co-Op program, but Pitt has a better study abroad program. Both have FSAE teams but I personaly like the way RIT does things better. Now I don't know about the prestige of the two schools as far as for mechanical engineering (that kinda what I'm asking you all about), but it does sorta seem like RIT is a little more well known. But here's the kicker: All things said and done, at the end of my 4.5-5 years (because i plan on Co-Opping), RIT will be around $12000 more. I'm not necessarily asking anyone to make a decision for me, but some feedback might help me to make my decision. Thank you so much for the help.

(Vanquish for your troubles)

DISCUSSION (40)

Conan > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:40

Do RIT. I chose the less polished choice for college and I regretted it in the long term. They're both great acceptances to have though.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:40

co-op will make life easier in the long run. Northeastern had a huge co-op program and it made getting jobs easier. Oh and $

OPPOsaurus WRX > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:42

Talk to employers and see which grads they prefer

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Conan
02/18/2015 at 18:42

I can't thank you enough, I really appreciate the advice

Conan > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:44

I wish I had more to give you. I'm not personally familiar with both. The "engineering" branch of my family has all been up to RIT for various reasons though, and they seem quite taken with it.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > OPPOsaurus WRX
02/18/2015 at 18:46

That's why I planned on doing Co-Op at either school, RIT's is much more robust though in comparison. Thank you

MysticStick > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:47

As with many things, to the Google! Pitt vs. Rit A few quotes (RIT sounds like it would be my choice):

RIT is a very hands on school, which also really attracted my son. Not just the internships but he also has opportunities on campus to work on real life projects. Kids are also encouraged to join in on anything that interests them, whether it is major related or not (my husband is still trying to convince him to work on that NASCAR build...)

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

pitt #47 score 41/100

rit #82 score 26/100

[...]

RIT looks like it has 4 core concentrations in mechanical including auto/aero i'm not sure you have to choose only one of the 4. PSU/PITT have look like they have more options both have a great material sciences program, PITT seems to have and edge w/ the bio-mechanical.

Hi, I'm Troy McClure > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:49

Welp, I'll offer you my $.02, seeing as how not too long ago I was choosing an M.E. program to enroll in (ended up in business school in the end, best laid plans you know?). One thing I kept in mind was what kind of companies recruited out of the school for job placement out of college. You may have already considered this but a lot of times bigger schools can offer more job placement opportunities after graduation and can also provide you with more options to study should mechanical engineering turn out to be not your cup of tea. I thought for sure I was going to love engineering and end up working for an auto manufacturer. However, I didn't love engineering, but luckily for me Ohio State had a great business school and I ended up landing a job at General Motors a few months ago and I'm now totally pumped. Sometimes certain schools cast wider nets if you get what I mean. Anyway, best of luck with your decision and enjoy college, it really is an amazing time in your life unlike anything else.

E. Julius > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:56

I think an important question to ask yourself is what kind of worker you are. If you're an overachiever and you're aggressively trying to pursue top placement with an extremely reputable company, then reputation could be an important factor. With a degree in engineering though, where you have technical skills that are always in demand, reputation of your school matters much less outside of the top end of the job market. So if you're really just looking to pursue something you're interested in and don't care so much about the extremely competitive jobs, then reputation isn't as big of a factor.

Another thing too is that you want to be absolutely sure you can do the programs you mentioned if you use that to decide. If you're planning on doing a co–op and study abroad, you're likely looking at an extremely rigid schedule. That is to say, to graduate on time you will probably have to take a lot of classes each semester with a lot of restriction on choice and little room for error. From the people I know, studying abroad as an engineering major is difficult to do because of the curriculum, and often people can only do it over summer or if they take an extra year. Your school may be different, but make sure if you haven't already that you talk to someone in the education abroad office about specific details for engineering majors.

You should also consider how you felt on campus. In my personal experience, I was all excited and ready to go to the University of Michigan, but then I actually toured the campus and the atmosphere wasn't for me. Something to think about.

Assuming you'd just be taking out larger loans to cover the cost difference, I wouldn't worry about the cost too much. As far as colleges go, $12,000 over your whole school career isn't a lot. The different between my top choices was almost $50k. It might mean you don't get to fly to Europe or whatever as many times in your 20s before you pay your loans, but you can always do that stuff when you're older. You're only a brand new college student once. Especially considering engineering jobs pay pretty well, I'd prioritize other things over this.

I'm still in college myself (fourth year), so in a way I'm very qualified on this subject and not qualified at the same time. Regardless, I hope this helped.

Sn210 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:57

I'd go with the one that will leave you with less debt when you graduate. Does that $12k factor in the 5-7% interest you'll be paying on loans for 10 years after?

macanamera > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 18:57

I don't know anything about either school except that Pittsburgh is awesome!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > MysticStick
02/18/2015 at 18:58

Thank you! Sometimes I get so caught up in the decision i forget the simple things, that really helps!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Conan
02/18/2015 at 18:58

Any advice helps! I appreciate the concern and support.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Hi, I'm Troy McClure
02/18/2015 at 19:01

Thank you! And good luck with your job at GM!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > E. Julius
02/18/2015 at 19:07

That helped a lot, thank you so much, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

Trevor7452 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:07

I'd definitely recommend RIT, I'm a first year student here and am really glad I chose this over any of the other schools I was looking at. If you have any questions about the FSAE team or RIT in general I'd be happy to answer them

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:13

In the grand scheme of things $12k in extra student loan debt shouldn't make or break you. Personally I think of schools in tiers and I would put RIT and Pitt in the same tier, so it's a bit of a wash there for me. Think about where you would actually want to live for 4 years. Personally I think I would rather live in Pittsburgh than Rochester, but your mileage may vary. Also keep in mind that RIT is what, 2/3 male at least? If it were me, I would go to Pitt. Co-op programs are great, but from my experience as an engineer try not to get to bogged down in super specific industry specific knowledge. Of the people I knew in undergrad and I've met since in industry the ones who really really excel are the guys who have a very strong grasp of the fundamental math and science, the "general" stuff that seems stupid at the time. Being able to work back to the basics on anything means you can work on anything, regardless of specialty.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Trevor7452
02/18/2015 at 19:13

Thank you! What major are you? Whats the FSAE team like? Hows the course load?

Branden J -Reading the Manual > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
02/18/2015 at 19:17

Thank you! I'll keep that in mind, I had pretty much put RIT and Pitt in the same ballpark too, which is why I'm so conflicted at this point.

E. Julius > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:20

Glad I could help! I know that's a tough situation to be in.

yamahog > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:27

I'm an aerospace engineer (graduated 2012, currently working in the auto industry) and occasional recruiter: Pitt and RIT mechanical engineering degrees would hold equal prestige for me, FWIW. Co-ops are great on a resume either way, but study abroad isn't typically a big asset for engineering candidates. With that said, if you have good grades, good experience, and good interview skills, you'll be in a great position to pay off those loans after graduation no matter which school you choose :)

RIT has a better hockey program, if that helps.

Trevor7452 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:27

No problem! My major is Industrial Engineering, the course load is tough but definitely manageable and there's no shortage of resources to help you succeed, like study centers where you can ask a tutor if you're ever stuck on anything. The formula team is awesome, it's a great way to learn through hands on experience and it's very welcoming to beginners. In your first year you'll probably do a lot of the manufacturing, either with composites or machining, and as you get more experience you can try to become a lead and get a design position for a certain system of the car for the next year.

Kailand09 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:31

I know nothing of the two colleges and can't comment much on that...

That said, alumni networks are a great thing, and whichever has a better alumni network should get a +1. Lots of people (which I don't necessarily agree with this) prefer to hire from their alma mater.

A superior Co-Op program is paramount. Despite intern-level jobs giving little actual engineering experience most of the time (not all the time), companies are looking for more and more experience for entry level positions. This is a MAJOR plus if the school has high co-op placement numbers.

Also, $12k is a lot of money, but I wouldn't use that as a determining factor in your college. Yes, it makes things harder. It is more important to have a good job though so you can actually pay loans back. If you risk lower probability of job placement to save that $12k, it won't be worth anything when you don't find a job.

Also, be absolutely relentless applying to internships, co-ops, and senior year relentlessly apply to full time jobs. I knew people who loved to talk about how many they applied to, but really only applied to like 3. Before graduating, I had been through a ton of interviews (5-10 including full-time and intern level stuff) and worked at 2 different engineering places- meaning I had my fair share of jobs I didn't get. Relentlessness got me those two jobs though, and it paid off 100% leading into my current full time position.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > yamahog
02/18/2015 at 19:31

Thank you! Much appreciated!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Kailand09
02/18/2015 at 19:34

Thank you! I can't you how much this helps.

Kailand09 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:35

Hey man any questions/concerns feel free to ask. I'm not the most successful dude at all, but I did make it work and get a job not long after graduating.

I made one huge flub and lost a job I thought I surely had at a huge place, but that's life and you'll mess up. Keep at it!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Trevor7452
02/18/2015 at 19:38

Thank you so much! Do you you have any way i can get a hold of you? I may or may not have more questions in the near future.

Trevor7452 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:43

Sure, feel free to shoot me an email at txg5344@rit.edu anytime!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Trevor7452
02/18/2015 at 19:47

Thank you!

yamahog > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:48

No problem, and good luck!

911e46z06 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 19:52

Pitt. They have sports teams. Just go wherever you think you'll have the most fun. The academic stuff is important, but honestly they're all teaching the same stuff. Learning life lessons and figuring out what kind of adult you're going to be are by far the most important parts of college.

MrDakka > Kailand09
02/18/2015 at 20:16

Can't emphasize the internships and co-ops enough. IMHO most companies don't give two fucks where you got your degree as long as its accredited. Its all about internships, co-ops, and engineering projects along with your engineering GPA (especially upper div) that demonstrate your grasp of engineering. Passing the FE exam doesn't hurt either. As long as you can land that decent paying job after graduation, $12k shouldn't matter too much in the long run.

Ferrero1911 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 20:20

Given what other's have said I think academically the choice is RIT. A good Co-op program is really important. It seems like you think so too. I wouldn't worry about the 12,000 difference in tuition.

They're both good schools so here's what I would consider: Is there one campus where you think you would feel much more comfortable than the other? I can't emphasize enough how important it is that you enjoy yourself. The best program in the world won't matter if you're miserable. So basically unless you think the RIT campus would make you miserable, I'd go with that.

Good luck!

Kailand09 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 20:21

What Mr.Dakka said.

Also, adding to his point of "engineering projects..." You should, as early as you see fit and your curiosity desires, set yourself projects to challenge yourself outside of schooling. Especially when you have no homework during Co-Op periods.

Even if it isn't mechanical-based, grab an Arduino and make something happen, etc. This will differentiate you and prove your skills and application of your mind. Many can solve a dynamic equation, few can actually do something with that, and even fewer can build something easy to make in assembly that is effective in the field.

Luke Murphy > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 20:27

You need to choose which feels best for you, which school you will enjoy most and will make you a better engineer. I know a few people who went to RIT and loved it. It sounds like you would prefer that. Don't go into debt for it because Pitt is also great but if you like RIT more and think you can swing the finances go for it. Don't go into debt you can't handle.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Ferrero1911
02/18/2015 at 20:33

Thank you!

Branden J -Reading the Manual > Kailand09
02/18/2015 at 20:35

Thano you all so much, I can't say how much I appreciate all of the advice, it helps more than you'll ever know, I really appreciate the support

boredalways > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 20:37

The fact that you are asking means you already know the answer, and the answer is RIT.

At Pitt, you'll just be another number. Not necessarily a bad thing but it sounds like your goals are much higher than being "cool guy at party".

True story: had a roommate a decade ago that went to MIT, a doctor (PhD — we always called him Dr. [last name redacted for his privacy]), and at the time work at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Smart, cool dude, love to hang and party but kept it on the downlow by driving a lowly Honda Civic as his only ride. He had an ex-girlfriend, a Chinese woman, that was smoking hot (a little Joan Chen and a little Lucy Liu and would give current SI swimsuit models a run for their money) that would stalk him in her E39! He would have to park 2 blocks away and jump the back fence to avoid her. Also dated a Indian (as in Asia) woman as well that made me and another roommate's jaw drop when we saw her for the first time.

...long story short: you'll be fine.

Branden J -Reading the Manual > boredalways
02/18/2015 at 20:50

Thank you. (I appreciated the extra story, I needed that to get my mind off things)

Kailand09 > Branden J -Reading the Manual
02/18/2015 at 21:50

no problem at all. Ask away if you ever need anything!