Which are the top engineering schools in the USA?

I'm planning to study engineering and want to attend one of the best programs in the US. Which schools should I be considering? Any advice on the application process or specific features to look for?

For engineering, there are numerous prestigious schools offering excellent programs, and each have their unique strengths. Here are some prominent colleges renowned for their engineering programs:

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

- Stanford University

- University of California, Berkeley

- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

- University of Michigan

- Carnegie Mellon University

- University of Texas at Austin

- Princeton University

- Cornell University

For applying, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the specific program you're interested in at each school. Research the specific types of engineering each school is recognized for. For instance, UC Berkeley has an exceptional civil engineering program, MIT is renowned for almost all areas, especially computer science and electrical engineering, and Stanford is known for computer science and mechanical engineering.

Apart from the program-specific details, it's important to work on showcasing a well-rounded profile. This doesn't necessarily mean excelling in every field, but rather showing deep involvement and achievements in a few areas (your "spike"). In your case, building a spike in engineering-related activities could be beneficial. These could include participating in math or science competitions, completing relevant summer programs, conducting research in engineering, creating engineering-related projects, or interning at an engineering firm.

Don't forget to keep your academic performance high, especially in rigorous math and science courses.

Regarding essays, avoid generic topics and instead, try to share a unique, personal story. Show the admission officers what captivated you about engineering, how you've pursued it, and how you'll continue this presence at their institution.

The application process will be various among these universities. Some like MIT and Carnegie Mellon have their own applications while others like Stanford and Princeton use the Common App. There will also be different supplemental essay prompts, which might ask you why you're interested in engineering, why you are applying to that university, or to describe your most significant activities.

Remember to check for any updates or changes in the application process of your chosen universities as some of them have made modifications in their test policies, so always get the latest details from the universities' official websites.

Good luck with your applications!