What are the best colleges for engineering and architecture?

I'm really interested in both engineering and architecture. Are there any colleges that are strong in both fields? Ideally, I'd love a program where I can explore both areas. Any personal experiences would be helpful too!

Certainly! Here are a few institutions that offer strong programs in both engineering and architecture:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): Consistently ranked as one of the top engineering schools in the nation, MIT also boasts a highly-respected architecture program.

2. University of California, Berkeley (Cal): Cal has respected programs in both areas. The College of Environmental Design houses the architecture program, while the College of Engineering offers various engineering courses.

3. Carnegie Mellon University: Known for its robust STEM programs, Carnegie Mellon also offers a B.Arch program through its School of Architecture and consistently ranks well for both architecture and engineering.

4. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO): This school is distinctive for its "learn by doing" approach, which means you'll get plenty of hands-on experiences in both engineering and architecture. Their College of Architecture and Environmental Design is one of the most highly rated programs in the nation, and the College of Engineering is renowned for its emphasis on practical experience and high placement rates in industry jobs.

5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is ranked among the top engineering schools, and the School of Architecture consistently provides strong programs as well.

6. Cornell University: Cornell's architecture program is one of the best-regarded in the country, and gives you an excellent, interdisciplinary foundation in the field that incorporates many engineering principles. Cornell also has a separate, top-ranked engineering school where you could pursue your interests in that field in more depth.

Remember, the best school for you will depend on a variety of factors beyond academic strength in certain areas, like the culture, size, location, and more, so make sure to consider these aspects as well when applying. And to augment your application, consider extracurriculars relevant to your fields of interested. High tier ones could include placing in architecture or engineering competitions at the national level, for instance.

Good luck!