SMU vs Texas A&M: Which to choose?

I'm debating between Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Texas A&M for my major, which is Electrical Engineering. Can anyone share comparisons about the quality of academics, campus environment, and job opportunities at these two schools? TIA!

Congratulations on your acceptances! Both SMU and Texas A&M are great schools, so you can't go wrong with either choice. I'll try to shed some light on the differences between them so you can make a more informed decision:

1. Quality of Academics: Texas A&M College of Engineering is highly ranked and widely recognized in the field of Electrical Engineering. SMU has a strong engineering program as well, but Texas A&M has a slight edge when it comes to reputation and resources. Additionally, Texas A&M offers a broad range of engineering electives and research opportunities due to its size and well-established engineering department.

2. Campus Environment: SMU and Texas A&M have different campus vibes. SMU is a private university in an urban setting and has a smaller student body (around 12,000 students). The campus is in Dallas, and there are plenty of internship and work opportunities within the city. On the other hand, Texas A&M is a large public university located in College Station, a college town with a student population of over 70,000. This means more diversity, more extracurricular activities, and a more extensive alumni network. However, the large student population may also mean larger class sizes, especially in lower-division courses.

3. Job Opportunities: Both schools have strong career centers and many opportunities for internships and co-op programs. As mentioned earlier, SMU's location in Dallas also provides access to a large job market in a major metro area. Companies frequently recruit on-campus, and the relationship between SMU and the Dallas business community is strong. Texas A&M, on the other hand, boasts an extensive and highly active alumni network, known as the Aggie Network, which can provide valuable connections for job prospects. The Aggie Network is famous for its loyalty, and companies that are 'Aggie-owned' often prefer to hire fellow Aggies.

In conclusion, your decision will depend on your priorities with regards to factors such as academic quality, campus setting, and job opportunities, as well as personal preferences in terms of campus size and location. If possible, try to visit both campuses to get a firsthand feel for the atmosphere at each one, or connect with current students, especially those in your major, to get their insights. Good luck with your decision!