Choosing a university for aerospace engineering in the US?

Aerospace engineering is my dream field, and I'm researching which universities in the US have the best programs. Could anyone share their experiences or advice about where I might want to apply?

Aerospace Engineering is a fantastic field to study! There are several universities in the U.S. known for their excellent aerospace engineering programs, and it's really about finding the one that aligns best with your personal preferences, such as campus culture, size, location, costs, etc.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is widely recognized as having one of the best aerospace engineering programs in the country. Their curriculum is comprehensive and rigorous, covering both aeronautics and astronautics. It's also worth mentioning that MIT has a strong network in industry and research, which can be particularly beneficial for internships or post-grad opportunities.

Stanford University also offers a well-regarded program in Aeronautics and Astronautics. Similar to MIT, Stanford offers a rich curriculum with options to specialize in areas such as dynamics and control, structures and materials, fluid mechanics, or propulsion, among others.

In the public university sector, both University of Michigan—Ann Arbor and University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign offer top-notch aerospace engineering programs. These programs have solid reputations and a history of producing highly skilled graduates. Bear in mind that some public universities may have a reverse out-of-state admissions bias, meaning they may be more challenging to get into if you're not a resident of the state.

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and Purdue University are also notable for their aerospace engineering programs. They both offer extensive research opportunities and have great facilities.

Remember to pay attention to the specifics of each program and think about where you see yourself fitting in best. You might lean towards a program because of its specific concentration offerings, lab facilities, faculty, or location. Always consider your own personal preferences and financial situation when making your decision. It is highly recommended to also check if the schools you are interested in have resources like the net price calculator, which can give an accurate estimate of how much it costs to attend.

Finally, in regards to application strategy, make sure to have a balanced list: reach schools (hopes and dreams), target schools (50/50 chance of acceptance), and safety schools (high likelihood of acceptance). Hope this helps!