What should I consider when choosing schools for software engineering?

I'm planning to major in software engineering and would love some advice on what to look for in potential schools. Are there specific programs or reputations I should be aware of?

There are several factors you should take into account when selecting a college for studying software engineering:

1. Academic Quality & Curriculum: Look for colleges with a strong reputation in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, especially those well-regarded for their Computer Science and Software Engineering programs.

2. Research & Practicum Opportunities: Colleges that offer undergraduate research opportunities, internships, or cooperative education (co-op) programs can provide substantial hands-on experience, which can be valuable for prospective software engineers.

3. Faculty: Strong faculty in your program of interest can profoundly impact your academic experience. Look for institutions with faculty who are well-published, highly cited, or have worked directly in the software engineering field.

4. Resources & Facilities: Schools that heavily invest in their technology and engineering departments might offer state-of-the-art labs and resources, including dedicated computer labs, high-speed internet connections, and software suites.

5. Career Support & Alumni Network: Check out the college's career services department and their success at job placement. The strength and reach of a school's alumni network in tech companies can be a tremendous advantage when job hunting.

6. Location: Schools situated near tech hubs, like Silicon Valley, New York, or Boston, might have more internship and job opportunities due to partnerships with local tech companies.

Examples of schools with strong software engineering programs include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of California, Berkeley.

Remember, it's not all about reputation. You should consider the right fit for your personality, learning style, and personal and financial circumstances. Consider visiting colleges (if possible) to get a feel for the campus culture, and reach out to current students or alumni to hear about their experiences.