What are the best electrical engineering programs?

I'm a high school junior looking to major in electrical engineering and I want to make sure I apply to some of the top programs. In your opinion, which schools have the best electrical engineering programs? I've been looking into some of the usual suspects, like MIT and Stanford, but I'm also interested in hearing about any lesser-known schools that have strong EE departments. Also, how important is program ranking versus finding a school that fits my personal interests and vibe?

As a prospective electrical engineering student, you're asking a great question! Selecting the right program can have a lasting impact on your undergraduate experience and future career. You've already mentioned MIT and Stanford, which are consistently ranked as top schools for this discipline. Other top-tier programs to consider are the University of California—Berkeley, California Institute of Technology, University of Illinois--Urbana-Champaign, and Carnegie Mellon University. These schools have excellent reputations and faculty renowned in the field of electrical engineering.

Now onto lesser-known schools with strong departments. Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Indiana is a small engineering school that consistently ranks high in undergraduate engineering education. Other strong but perhaps less widely-known programs include the University of Michigan, University of Texas--Austin, and University of Wisconsin--Madison.

To your last point, deciding between program ranking and finding a school that "fits" you depends on your personal goals and what you want from your college experience. It's important to visit campuses, talk with current students and faculty if possible, and do some introspection about what you're looking for in a school. Think about aspects beyond the academic program: location, size, availability of extracurriculars, student culture and support services might all play a role in your decision.

Remember, rankings can give you an idea of a program's reputation, but they don't necessarily reflect the quality of the undergraduate experience, so don't use them as your sole deciding factor. A strong program at a school that matches your vibe could make for a more fulfilling college experience that leads to better engagement, grades, and outcomes.