What are the top engineering schools in Pennsylvania?

I'm really interested in pursuing a degree in engineering, and I'm trying to figure out the best schools in Pennsylvania for this field. I've heard good things about a few universities but wanted to get a broader perspective.

Can anyone share their experiences or insights on which engineering schools are considered the best in PA? I'd love to know what makes them stand out, whether it's faculty, research opportunities, or campus culture. Any advice on getting into these programs would also be appreciated!

Absolutely, Pennsylvania has several fantastic schools for engineering! Some of the top ones that come to mind include the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Lehigh University.

Starting with the University of Pennsylvania, their School of Engineering and Applied Science is well-renowned. They allow students to put together personalized curricula combining core requirements, a specialized concentration, and electives. The university's close integration with the Wharton School of Business is also beneficial for students interested in entrepreneurial initiatives.

Pennsylvania State University's College of Engineering also boasts strong programs across several disciplines. They have a heavy focus on research and offer rigorous academic programs provided by highly esteemed faculty. Penn State also provides plenty of hands-on learning opportunities and research experiences that undergraduates can participate in, which can be crucial for your future career or further studies.

Carnegie Mellon is famous for its specific programs, like Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering. The school promotes interdisciplinary collaboration broadly and within the engineering department. CMU's focus on a strong grounding in math, science, and engineering design principles acts as a solid foundation for its students.

Lehigh University, meanwhile, has an excellent student-faculty ratio, meaning students can expect a more personalized learning experience. Their P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science emphasizes experiential learning and research, bolstering students' hands-on experience.

Remember that achieving a high GPA, taking rigorous courses relevant to engineering, and demonstrating your passion for the subject in your extracurricular activities will greatly aid your chances of admittance into these programs. Furthermore, many of these programs like to see a rigorous math and science-based course load. Also, creating a compelling personal statement that emphasizes your interest in engineering could give your application that much more leverage.

Each of these schools have distinct campus cultures and specific strengths within their engineering departments. Therefore, it may be beneficial to hone in on what discipline of engineering you are interested in and research each program's approach to that specific field.