Finding a list of campuses that meet your support and resource needs will make the challenges much more achievable! From this foundation, you can secure the fulfilling engineering career you envision. 

Top 10 Engineering Universities in the U.S. (Elite, Ivy, and Public)

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT, situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is synonymous with innovation and excellence in engineering and technology. Renowned for its groundbreaking research, it leads globally in fields like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Aerospace Engineering. 

The institute’s hands-on approach to learning and state-of-the-art facilities make it a preferred choice for aspiring engineers. MIT graduates are among the most sought-after globally, with a proven track record of driving transformative technologies.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Tuition: $57,590 (private)
• Average GPA: 4.17 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 94%
• Specializations: Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Aerospace Engineering
• Unique Features: Interdisciplinary learning environment with access to advanced research labs and faculty leaders.

Video: This is engineering at MIT

2. Stanford University

Stanford University, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. Its School of Engineering is celebrated for its programs in Electrical, Environmental, and Computer Engineering, fostering collaboration between students and industry leaders. 

The university’s proximity to leading tech firms like Google and Tesla gives students unparalleled internship and networking opportunities. Stanford consistently produces graduates who make significant contributions to cutting-edge technologies.

• Location: Stanford, California
• Tuition: $56,169 (private)
• Average GPA: 4.18 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 96%
• Specializations: Environmental, Electrical, and Computer Engineering
• Unique Features: Encourages sustainable engineering solutions and offers strong industry connections.

Video: Stanford School of Engineering Welcomes New Graduate Students

3. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

UC Berkeley, a flagship public university in California, is highly regarded for its research output and diverse academic offerings. Known for excellence in Civil, Mechanical, and Bioengineering, it provides students with access to premier research facilities and funding opportunities. 

Its vibrant campus life and rigorous academic programs attract top talent from around the globe. Berkeley engineers are well-prepared to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.

• Location: Berkeley, California
• Tuition: $14,226 (in-state), $44,008 (out-of-state)
• Average GPA: 4.15 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 93%
• Specializations: Civil, Mechanical, and Bioengineering
• Unique Features: Strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement through engineering projects.

Video: Berkeley Bioengineering welcome

4. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Caltech, located in Pasadena, California, is renowned for its focus on rigorous academics and advanced research. It excels in niche fields such as Aerospace, Electrical, and Quantum Computing Engineering, offering students unparalleled opportunities to collaborate with leading scientists. 

Despite its small size, Caltech has a big impact on the global scientific community. Its alumni include Nobel laureates and industry leaders who drive innovation.

• Location: Pasadena, California
• Tuition: $60,864 (private)
• Average GPA: 4.21 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 95%
• Specializations: Aerospace, Quantum Computing, and Electrical Engineering
• Unique Features: A low student-to-faculty ratio ensures personalized mentorship and cutting-edge research opportunities.

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leader in engineering education, particularly in Robotics, Software, and Cybersecurity Engineering. Known for its interdisciplinary approach, the university integrates engineering with computer science, making it a powerhouse for tech innovation. 

Students benefit from hands-on learning, research funding, and collaborations with industry leaders. Its graduates are highly sought-after in industries such as AI, robotics, and cybersecurity.

• Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Tuition: $59,864 (private)
• Average GPA: 4.07 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 91%
• Specializations: Software Engineering, Robotics, and Cybersecurity
• Unique Features: Globally recognized as a hub for advanced robotics and artificial intelligence research.

6. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is a leading public institution with a diverse selection of engineering programs. Renowned for its strengths in Automotive, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering, the university maintains strong connections with the automotive industry. 

Students benefit from a vast alumni network and internships with major firms like Ford and General Motors. The university's emphasis on practical application prepares graduates for leadership roles in engineering fields.

• Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Tuition: $17,786 (in-state), $57,273 (out-of-state)
• Average GPA: 3.87 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 92%
• Specializations: Automotive, Industrial, and Electrical Engineering
• Unique Features: Strong partnerships with leading automotive companies and a robust co-op program.

7. Princeton University

Princeton University, based in New Jersey, is an Ivy League institution known for academic excellence and a personalized learning environment. Its School of Engineering specializes in Chemical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions. 

Princeton’s small class sizes and access to cutting-edge research facilities give students an edge in their fields. Its graduates go on to make significant contributions in academia, industry, and government.

• Location: Princeton, New Jersey
• Tuition: $57,410 (private)
• Average GPA: 3.9 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 97%
• Specializations: Chemical, Environmental, and Civil Engineering
• Unique Features: A strong focus on sustainability and mentorship from world-renowned faculty.

8. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

Georgia Tech, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is one of the premier public institutions for engineering education. Its programs in Aerospace, Mechanical, and Biomedical Engineering are highly ranked for their practical applications. 

The institute’s strong industry partnerships provide students with co-op and internship opportunities. Georgia Tech is also noted for its affordable tuition, making it an excellent choice for in-state students.

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia
• Tuition: $10,258 (in-state), $31,370 (out-of-state)
• Average GPA: 3.75 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 90%
• Specializations: Aerospace, Mechanical, and Biomedical Engineering
• Unique Features: Known for experiential learning and strong job placement rates.

9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)

UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is a top destination for students interested in Computer, Electrical, and Agricultural Engineering. Located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, the university offers excellent research facilities and industry collaborations.

UIUC graduates have a strong reputation in the tech and engineering industries, often landing positions at major companies. Its emphasis on innovation and collaboration fosters a culture of excellence.

• Location: Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
• Tuition: $17,210 (in-state), $36,720 (out-of-state)
• Average GPA: 3.83 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 89%
• Specializations: Computer, Agricultural, and Electrical Engineering
• Unique Features: Well-funded research initiatives in renewable energy and technology.

10. Harvard University

Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is known for its cross-disciplinary approach to engineering. Specializing in Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Data Science, the university emphasizes research and innovation. 

Its affiliation with cutting-edge research institutes gives students access to premier resources and facilities. Harvard engineers are equipped with the skills to lead in academia, business, and technology industries.

• Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
• Tuition: $57,246 (private)
• Average GPA: 4.18 (weighted)
• Passing Rate: 97%
• Specializations: Bioengineering, Materials Science, and Data Science
• Unique Features: Home to the Wyss Institute, fostering advances in biologically inspired engineering.

Other Top 90 Engineering Universities in the U.S.

Standard College Considerations

First off, you have so many standard college considerations that will vary by student, like cost, size, location, etc.  

Second, you have program-specific considerations.   (Agricultural engineering is definitely not the same as aerospace engineering!)  Some programs have mentoring tracks, while others foster R&D incubators.  Every undergraduate engineering program has unique competencies.  

Industry Considerations

Physical proximity to key employers is another factor worth considering.  Many engineering programs will have ties with nearby employers, including internships.  These internships are the best way to secure a good job after graduation.

For instance, if you want to work in Silicon Valley, you might look at CompSci programs at Stanford, U.C. Berkeley, and other nearby schools.

Alternatively, if you’re interested in agricultural engineering, Texas A&M may be worth looking at.  Or if mining interests you, you might consider the Colorado School of Mines. There are options to research in regions across the country.

Engineering is a Broad Industry

While engineers all share a common skill set, there is a diverse range of industry specializations, including:

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Biomedicine
• Aerospace
• Construction
• Mining
• Civil
• Robotics
• Safety
• Software
• Petroleum
• Transportation

Engineering Careers are Well-Paid

Engineering jobs tend to be stable and well-paid compared to many fields. 

There are many online resources for browsing median salaries for different types of engineers, such as this list.  You can browse titles of engineers and corresponding median salaries.

Payscale offers an ROI Calculator (return on investment) for undergraduate engineering programs.  (As a future engineer, you’ll quickly spot the methodological limitations to this tool – but it can be fun to play with.)

Engineering is an International Field

Unlike lawyers and other English-intensive professions, engineers speak the international language of numbers.     

This can have many implications.  For example, engineers may find work in multinational engineering firms, and work abroad.  At the same time, engineering programs at U.S. universities attract the best and the brightest from overseas, which makes them more competitive.

Picking the Right Engineering Program

Ready to turn your college admission dreams into reality? Join the 98% of students who have worked with Empowerly and been accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our college counselors are the best-rated in the country and have proven to improve college admission rates by 11x. Book your FREE consultation today. 

Additional Resources

• For students exploring diverse academic options, The Best Art Schools in the US offers a comprehensive guide for those with creative inclinations seeking top-tier institutions.
• If you're particularly drawn to engineering programs in the Empire State, What Are the Best Universities & Colleges in New York? provides an in-depth look at top schools in the region.
• For students considering schools with broader accessibility, Best Division 2 Schools with High Acceptance Rate outlines excellent choices that balance competitive academics with more inclusive admissions.

The post What are the Best Engineering Colleges in the U.S.? appeared first on Empowerly.

The Definition & Meaning: What Exactly is a College Yield Rate?

A college’s yield rate is the percentage of people who accepted their offers of admission. In other words, the percentage of people who chose to enroll in that particular school after having been accepted there.

For example, if a college had 5,000 applicants and accepted 1,000, its acceptance rate would be 20%. If 500 of those 1,000 accepted students chose to enroll there, the school’s yield rate would be 50%—because half of the accepted students selected that college.

What’s the average yield rate? Scroll below to see the full list of 2027 College Yield Rates. Each school has different goals and methodologies to achieve them. Therefore, the concept of an “average” yield rate might not make sense. However, we can tell you that a 50% yield rate indicates positive student enthusiasm, and top schools boast yield rates of 80% or higher!

Video: Understanding Admissions Yield and Admissions Rates

Why Do College Yield Rates Matter to You?

It’s in a college’s interest to keep its yield rates high, as this suggests that it’s a desirable school. Think of it this way: if you heard 95% of accepted students enrolled in a particular school, that would suggest that it’s a lot of people’s first choice, right?

On the other hand, if only 10% of admitted students enrolled, you might think that just about everyone would rather go somewhere else, and only choose that college as a last resort.

Because a college wants to keep its yield rate high, it’s more likely to offer admission to people who it thinks are likely to accept. If a school thinks you’re more likely to go somewhere else, it may be less inclined to accept you. It’s not because you aren’t qualified, but rather the college administrator’s attempt to keep their college yield rate high.

Yield Rates and the Waitlist

Uncertainty in accurately predicting yearly college yield rates is one reason so many universities use a waitlist system. During any given year, the school can’t know the exact number of accepted students that will ultimately enroll for the upcoming semester. However, they also can’t issue more acceptances than there are spots in the freshman class. The consequences of over- or under-enrolling the student body can create issues with the university budget, student housing, and even class offerings. To avoid this, many college administrators prefer to have a backup plan. By keeping a set number of offers conditional, they can balance any unclaimed spots with students from the waitlist.

If you’re totally unaware of college admissions, you can also consider hiring a good college counselor to make the process smooth. Here are some tips to help you find a perfect college counselor according to your needs.

Taking Yield Rate into Account

For the most part, the yield rate is not a deciding factor for students and families. For colleges and universities, some of their exclusivity is based on selective acceptance and yield rates (among many other data points). However, other aspects of the college experience that impact your day-to-day life are far more important. When selecting schools for your college list, compare academic programs and social environments first.

Later on, once your college list is built, it may be worth investigating yield rates. After all, some admissions readers may take their yield rate into consideration when deciding on their freshman class. Your best bet for avoiding rejection, for this reason, is to demonstrate an interest in the college. If you go out of your way to show a college that you’re really interested in attending, the admissions officers will understand that you’re likely to boost (rather than lower) that school’s yield rate.

Here’s a list of 2027 college yield rates:

Explore: trends in yield rates at four year colleges.

What is Yield Protection & Tuft’s Syndrome?

Yield protection (also known as "Tufts syndrome" in some contexts) refers to a practice where highly selective colleges may reject or waitlist overqualified applicants who they believe are unlikely to attend if admitted. This is done to protect the college's yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who actually enroll. Yield rate is an important metric for colleges because it affects their rankings and perceived selectivity. Colleges want to maintain a high yield rate to demonstrate that they are highly desired by admitted students.

How it works: If a college suspects that an applicant is using them as a safety school (i.e., they have much higher qualifications than the typical admitted student), they may reject or waitlist that applicant to avoid wasting an offer of admission on someone who probably won't enroll. This practice can be frustrating for highly qualified applicants who genuinely want to attend that college but are perceived as using it as a backup option.

What Can Applicants Do to Prepare?

You may be familiar with the “why this college?” essay. There are certain prompts that appear on many applications in slightly different ways, and this is one of them. 

For instance, “Why do you want to attend Monsters University?” or “What draws you to apply to the engineering program here?” If given the chance, this prompt is a particularly good way to explain that you know all about the school and have compelling reasons to want to attend college there. 

To achieve the best possible response, be sure to research your answer and reference specific details when writing.

Additionally, you’ll most certainly want to proofread for errors throughout your entire application before sending it off. If you reused sections of your essay submissions (or activities descriptions and the like) from other applications, remove ALL mentions of the other school. It’s worth saving your drafts and proofreading with fresh eyes another day, or asking a trusted friend to review them, to ensure you don’t miss anything.

Another strong strategy is to ensure that your college list appropriately balances safety schools, target or match schools, and reach schools in the first place. In other words, a wide range of institutions that range from easy enrollment to extremely selective. Every school on your list, regardless of the acceptance or yield rates, should be somewhere you can see yourself thriving academically and socially. 

Taking the time to build a reasonable list of colleges you’d be happy to attend reduces the pressure for any single one from the very start.

FAQs about College Yield Rates

What Is the Yield Rate in College?

The yield rate in college admissions refers to the percentage of admitted students who decide to enroll in a particular college or university after being offered admission. It is a critical metric for institutions to understand because it helps them predict how many admitted students will actually attend.

Here's how the yield rate is typically calculated:

Yield Rate (%) = (Number of students admitted / Number of students enrolled?) × 100

What Is Open Admission In Colleges?

Open admission in colleges refers to a policy where colleges and universities admit all students who have completed high school or earned a GED (General Educational Development) certificate, regardless of their academic qualifications or background. This means that as long as a student meets the basic requirement of having completed high school or its equivalent, they are granted admission to the institution.

When Do College Admissions Come Out?

College admissions decisions are generally released in the spring, with regular decision applicants typically receiving their results between mid-March and early April. Early action and early decision applicants may hear back as early as December. Rolling admissions schools review applications as they are received, releasing decisions on a continuous basis. Students admitted early action receive non-binding decisions, whereas early decision is binding. Waitlisted students may receive decisions later in the spring or summer if spots become available. It's essential for applicants to monitor specific college admissions timelines, as dates can vary and are typically communicated through applicant portals or email.

Can You Accept Admission To Multiple Colleges?

No, generally you cannot accept admission to multiple colleges simultaneously. When you accept an offer of admission to a college or university, you are expected to commit to attending that institution and withdraw your applications from other colleges where you have been offered admission. This process ensures fairness in college admissions and allows colleges to manage their enrollment effectively.

What Is Yield Protection In College Admissions?

Yield protection, also known as yield management or Tufts Syndrome (named after Tufts University, which was once reputed for this practice), refers to a strategy used by colleges and universities to manage their yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who accept their offer of admission and enroll.

Empowerly Can Help You Increase Your Chances of Admission!

For more advice on how to level up your application to be as compelling as possible, college admissions experts like Empowerly can answer your questions!

Ready to make your college admission dreams a reality? Join the 98% of students who partnered with Empowerly and got accepted into Ivy League and top 25 schools. Our top-rated college counselors boost admission rates by 11x for our students. If you have any questions or challenges, book your FREE consultation, and we’d be happy to help you.

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Here’s how one Bay Area Empowerly student cracked the code to top computer science programs.

The Humble Beginnings of Our Student Story

During the summer before his sophomore year, his mother asked him to help bring heavy groceries from the garage. Naturally, Miko wondered how he could move them more quickly and efficiently. 

However, what he did next set him apart from other high-achieving peers. He researched, designed, and assembled an autonomous robot from scratch using materials around his house—including a hoverboard and commercial off-the-shelf electronic products. Today, that very robot has become a helpful addition to mundane household tasks. 

As a matter of fact, this would be only the first of many robots Miko would build himself.

The Sky’s the Limit…

Noticing this uniquely impressive aptitude for constructing and coding machines, Miko and his mentors began to unravel his talents. With the help of his counselor, Miko delved deeper into the nexus of autonomous vehicles and software development. 

A Few Ways Empowerly Helps:

• Academic Course Selection: On campus, Miko brought his best to high school with confidence in his choices. Miko took nine different Advanced Placement courses while remaining in the top 10 percent of his class, graduating with a 4.0 unweighted GPA.
• Passion Project Guidance: Continuing to develop and refine his robotics work, Miko even began applying his skills to his concerns about food supplies with the world’s growing population.
• Support with Internship Search: Miko’s counselor supported him in reaching out to high-quality mentors and internship opportunities that would further his resume and firsthand experiences, ultimately landing him in collegiate labs and alongside a team of NASA engineers.

The Ultimate Computer Science Admissions Profile

On his own, he excelled in student leadership by delving into engineering, robotics, and ethics organizations with his fellow peers. With guidance from his counselors, Miko’s work led him to shine. 

Reaching for the Stars — in Computer Science and Beyond

The summer before his senior year, Miko applied and was accepted as an intern with the research software team at NASA. As a result, he spent the semester working with engineers on various challenges. The project focused on developing new simulations that could help astronauts use autonomous landers on a planet like Mars or aid farmers in avoiding injury by having them use robots to perform potentially dangerous tasks. 

This amazing experience changed the direction of his student story. Miko focused even harder on his dedication to making our world, and the next, more manageable. This passion and his remarkable accomplishments as a student earned him acceptance to Rice University’s freshman class. There, he will continue to solve problems on the cutting edge of one of the most competitive fields in academia, and beyond!

The post Empowerly Student Cracks the Code to Top Computer Science Programs appeared first on Empowerly.

We meet many high school students who are not aware of the full range of options when it comes to a major. But deciding on a field of study helps narrow down your list of colleges, and provides cohesion to your overall app. This article is part of a series on unexpected majors you can pursue at a variety of different colleges. We hope these articles encourage you to explore your options and find a major that helps you achieve your goals. Next on our list is the fascinating academic world of environmental engineering.

Do you enjoy inventing and building new things? Do you also want to help the environment, and make the earth a better place to live? Well, then an environmental engineering degree could be for you. This field of study gives you the opportunity to learn how to develop cutting-edge designs. This ranges from wind turbines to solar panels, to developing entirely new technology to keep life on earth sustainable.

This field of study comes in a variety of majors offered at a number of schools. Take a look at the similarities and differences here.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

What is it: A degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering will allow you to solve technical and social problems of the future. These programs focus heavily on math, science, and research, and many of these degrees are available at the graduate or undergraduate level.

Which schools offer it: Princeton, Stanford, Berkeley, and other top colleges.

Energy Resources Engineering

What is it: This degree arguably focuses more on the energy and sustainability aspect of Environmental Engineering. The program at Stanford in particular focuses on CO2 research in a variety of environments such as geothermal and marine energy systems.

Which schools offer it: Stanford, and the University of Illinois.

Environmental System Engineering

What is it: Differences between an Environmental System degree and a Civil Engineering degree are subtle but relevant. The main differences lie in accreditation, although an Environmental System degree at Stanford also provides three focus areas: Urban Environments, Freshwater Environments, and Coastal Environments.

Which schools offer it: Stanford, Penn State University, and University College London

As you may have noticed by now, Stanford offers a wide variety of Environmental Engineering degrees. However, a number of other colleges offer great options as well and depending on what aspect of the environment you want to work with, you may want to consider how location plays into your studies.

Finally…

To discover more about food sciences or other interesting majors, consider working with an experienced mentor. Alternatively, you can also browse the “majors” page of different college websites. Oftentimes when a college offers majors as specific as these, they also have more general versions of the same degree. This can help you explore a field of study if you’re not ready to choose such a specific major. Of course, you can also work with a college counselor to assess your interests, explore majors, and discover colleges you love.   

Find all three final installments of this series on the blog below:

• 1: Food Sciences
• 2: Environmental Engineering (this post)
• 3: Social Justice Majors

The post Interesting College Majors Part 2: Environmental Engineering appeared first on Empowerly.

What do you have to do if your high school does not offer the AP classes you really want to take? There are several ways you can solve this problem: online courses; courses at a 4-year college; or courses at a local community college. Let’s talk about how you can take college level classes.

Online College Level Classes

First, online courses are likely the most convenient choice. These courses are not only cheap, sometimes even free, but they also save you a lot time – you can even take them during school year. Depending on the website you choose, the course may be used for AP credit, college credit, or for a special courses/skill, like coding or design.

However, the drawbacks of these courses are likelihoods that you will not receive formal school credits. Nonetheless, you should check with your top colleges if they do give credit for the specific class. The schools will likely have past data on whether they accept a specific course at a specific school. If they do not have data, you will likely have to submit the course syllabus, and determine if it satisfies the requirements.  

Where do I start finding online classes?

Some great websites/organizations that we recommend to look into include: Khan Academy, EdX, Coursera, and Codecademy. Khan Academy offers AP courses and intro courses to many academic disciplines, including finance, engineering, and computer science. Khan Academy is completely free and accessible; however, it does not offer credit. So it would be a great way for you to expand your knowledge and explore interest in their free time. Coursera, on the other hand, provides students with 2000+ courses from schools like Stanford and Yale. Just like formal college courses, Coursera has weekly assignments and exams. In terms of college credits, Coursera courses and certificates don’t necessarily carry university credit —” though some universities may choose to accept Specialization Certificates for credit.

In-Person College Level Classes

Besides online course, you could also choose to take summer courses at a 4-year college or at local community college. In this case, most colleges would recognize the credit you earn. Some great choices in the Bay Area include UC Berkeley’s Pre-collegiate program, San Jose State University, City College of San Francisco, and San Jose City College.

How can I narrow down what college classes to take?

Choosing what kinds of courses to take definitely require some research based on your schedule and budget. After all, taking courses outside of school is a great way to help you discover academic passion and help your college application stand out.

It is important to note, many schools prefer courses to be completed at 4-year colleges, but will still be happy with community college courses.

Regardless of where you take the course (online or in-person), the knowledge gained by taking the college course will be looked upon favorably by universities, and can potentially help you in other classes once you are in college yourself —” whether it be study skills or knowing parts of the material beforehand. 

Interested in college counseling but not sure if you want to commit? Chat with us about our available packages and services to find the right fit!

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I mustered my courage and took one last look at my family, as they waved their goodbyes. They waved before turning around and walking towards the departure gate. With every step that I took, thoughts came gushing through. I was traveling to UC Berkeley to study Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Am I ready to leave behind the people I adore; the places I frequented and had become so fond of; and the delicious, exotic cuisine; to travel halfway across the globe just to attend college?

Do I want to give up everything that is familiar and start anew, with zero certainty that I will assimilate into American culture well? How will things be different the next time I see the folks at home?

I remember vividly the time I told my parents about my inclination to study abroad. We were having dinner and I just casually mentioned a few of my friends whose intentions aligned with mine. At the time, I knew little about what it took to attend colleges in the United States (or how much it would cost). My dad thought it was a good idea, given the political turmoil of our country, and went on to rant about the corruption plaguing the country… This conversation consequently brushed off my idea of furthering my studies elsewhere. 

First obstacles…

I spent the next few weeks researching. Soon, I was dejected to find out the exorbitant cost of attending U.S. colleges as an international student. So I sat down with my parents and brought it up to them, anticipating their aversion to my decision; but they assured me incessantly that they had sufficient funds to get me through college overseas. My parents had always been quite reserved about the family’s financial situation; so, when they gave me the go-ahead, I asked no questions.

Thus began my preparation for college. I did everything I could for admissions; but when it came time to write the essays, I knew that was my opportunity. I’d need to inform admission officers about myself in ways I hadn’t in other parts of my application. Colleges receive tens of thousands of applications each year; so I had to tell a compelling story about what made me different.

How I Got into UC Berkeley for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Here were the two main themes that emerged throughout my application:

Showed passion for the major I was applying for.

Frankly, my situation was unlike that of kids in the United States. Most applicants grew up witnessing new technologies developing in the vicinity of their homes. Where I am from, technological advancement was gradual, if not practically non-existent. The only indications I had of the myriad of innovations taking place outside of my country were foreign films.

In high school, I realized that I really enjoyed Mathematics. The first time I saw somebody operating a graphing calculator, I was fascinated by it. It was my interest in math and obsession with technology that made me decide on what I wanted to pursue. Despite only being acquainted with the capabilities of a computer then, I started learning programming and as I got a solid grasp of the fundamentals, I built myself a graphing calculator. Applying to college, I was without any internships or projects of great significance, but my background perhaps tilted the scale in my favor.

Talked about my personality and how it came to be.

I was 12 when I found out that my mom was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Some days, I would watch her return from the hospital post-treatment and lay in bed, her feeble body barely able to move. Other days, she would mutter a few words to my siblings and I before going right to sleep. It was disheartening seeing what she had to go through. The least I could do was attend to her and help out with the chores.

My mother’s incident had taught me valuable lessons. I also picked up a number of traits in the months that she was recuperating from illness and even years after that, three of which I vowed to carry with me for the rest of my life – independence, kindness and, most importantly, determination. I exhibited these traits in my essays and explained how they helped me through the various stages of my life, particularly in acclimatizing to a new environment and putting great attention to detail in whatever I do.

Walking the walk

Needless to say, the work ethic that I possess came primarily from what happened when I was younger. From that point on, I would often do everything within my ability to get a job done and spend substantial amount of time and effort on something down to the tiniest of details, making sure to get them right. I understood that as someone without much exposure to computer science, I had to work extremely hard and persevere through late-night debugging and studying just to get up to speed.

In retrospect, all of this might have seemed melodramatic and I deliberated on whether they were considered hardships and if I should have included them in my college applications. I am certainly not glad that my mom’s biopsy came back positive and that it took a toll on my family, but I am proud to have made the most out of a precarious situation, and especially so when I opened that letter from UC Berkeley notifying me that I had been accepted.

Final Thoughts

If you’re interested, you can read this post I wrote about what it was like being an electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) major at UC Berkeley.

Interested in crafting your own college story? Meet others who have succeeded along similar paths as you, and check out what the Empowerly community can offer you to help you shine.

The post UC Berkeley: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science appeared first on Empowerly.

So you love to tinker on the computer, you’re a whiz at coding. Maybe you’ve managed to pull apart your computer, pop a new hard drive in it, and build it again. Why not pursue your passion for all things computer science and its hardware, and major in computer engineering? Check out these top computer engineering programs!

What is computer engineering? 

Computer engineering integrates two main fields. Firstly, computer science, the study of computation and information. Secondly, electrical engineering, used to develop computer hardware and software.

MIT‘s website sums up the difference between the two majors well:

• Electrical Engineering is a very broad program that starts with basic circuit theory and moves into systems, physics of electronic devices, and quantum mechanics.
• Computer Science majors concentrate on how to make computers faster, more efficient, and more intelligent. Students begin by learning to deal with complexity through modeling and abstraction, and proceed to study computer system design and artificial intelligence.

In some cases, the two disciplines are combined to make a major, and in others, you can only major in one or the other but are still expected to take courses in both subject areas. 

So, let’s take a look at some top undergraduate computer engineering programs.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT is world-renowned for its engineering programs, boasting gold standard researchers and academics who teach and produce research. The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science program is by far the most popular on campus, known to emphasize theory rather than practical skills. In fact, it offers a flexible curriculum allowing students to pave out their own degree according to their interests. Additionally, students are encouraged and given credit for research they get involved in. Unlike engineering programs at other colleges, its program is not capped—”students admitted to MIT are free to choose any major. One downside, though, to choosing the most popular program on campus with no capped places: classes are typically large, with between 125 and 200 students filling the lower-level courses.

You’ve got five different programs to choose from in this field:

• Electrical Science and Engineering: majors study circuits and devices, materials and nanotechnology, communications, control and signal processing, and applied physics.
• Electrical Eng. & Computer Science: combines both subject areas into a flexible major that prepares students for careers and research fields where an understanding of both hardware and software systems is essential.
• Computer Science and Molecular Biology combines study in molecular biology and computer science. Students also learn to leverage computational biology for careers in such fields as pharmaceuticals, bioinformatics, and medicine.
• Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science: Contemporary electronically mediated platforms for market-level and individual exchange combine complex human decisions with intensive computation
• Computer Science and Engineering: centers on computation structures, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer algorithms, and computer systems.

Carnegie Mellon University

Computer engineering at CMU packs a punch, ranking number 2 in the nation among other big-name colleges. For a college that looks unassuming, it surpasses some of the more well-known Ivy league colleges in this field—”and others, such as business. CMU offers a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering which is a broad and highly flexible degree program comprising core subjects. Specifically, these subjects include electrical and computer engineering along with mathematics, science, computer science, and statistics. Further, if you are interested in cybersecurity, you have the ability to concentrate in the one specialization offered through this program – Security & Privacy. Not only that, students also have the option of completing a master’s without having to apply separately through the integrated BS/MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering.  

Finally, if you’re interested in purely computer science, the BS is offered through the School of Computer Science.

University of California, Berkeley

Why not study at one of the most prestigious public computer engineering programs in the US? Berkeley’s Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science offers an array of cross-disciplinary, team-driven projects which provide many research opportunities for its undergraduate students. The Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences (EECS) combines the fundamentals of computer science and electrical engineering in one major. Like CMU, you can also integrate an MS with your BS through their five year BS/MS program. However, the program is capped and competition is high amongst Berkeley applicants.

You also have the option to study a joint major—”Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences/Materials Science and Engineering (Department of Materials Science and Engineering) or Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences/Nuclear Engineering (Department of Nuclear Engineering). On the other hand, for students interested in materials and devices, a joint major in electrical engineering and computer sciences (EECS)/materials science and engineering (MSE) can be valuable. Those interested in nuclear engineering can opt for the latter and study electrical power generation, automatic control, computer sciences, and plasmas in addition to the core courses in electrical engineering.

Georgia Institute of Technology

In the deep south at Georgia Institute of Technology, you can find tinkerers and creators in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Actually, Georgia Tech is known as one of the leading technological and scientific research institutions in the nation. In fact, computer engineering is one of the most popular amongst students. Moreover, you’ll be challenged every single day through class assignments and find opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to the real world through research projects.

In fact, the program offers computer engineering as a standalone degree (Bachelor of Computer Engineering) and allows you to choose electives grouped thematically in many areas. Specifically, your options include Cloud Computing; Mobile Computing; Cybersecurity; Internet of Things; and Multimedia and Streaming Systems. During the senior year, students undertake a year-long design project allowing them to develop technologies across a myriad disciplines. It also offers a joint B.S./M.S. Degree Program. Like MIT, be prepared for large classes—”the college as a whole has a high student to faculty ratio (21:1).

Stanford University

In the heart of Silicon Valley, you’ll witness the entrepreneurial spirit at Stanford. (Who knows, maybe even catch the start-up bug…) Truly, who wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to study computer science at a college with strong connections to the tech industry? Not only that, but there are plenty opportunities to engage in research. Indeed, cross-collaboration is common through its multiple interdisciplinary programs and research institutes. Stanford offers a pure BS in computer science with nine different tracks to choose from. In fact, the tracks include Artificial Intelligence, Theory, Systems, Human-Computer Interaction, Graphics, Information, Biocomputation, Unspecialized, and Individually Designed.

Electrical Engineering is not combined with this program, but instead is offered as a separate major. However, students majoring in computer science are expected to complete some of the   School of Engineering requirements including engineering fundamentals, math, and science. Other computer science-related programs are Mathematical and computational science and Symbolic systems, however most students interested in learning about computing major in computer science at Stanford.    

So what does it take to actually get a look-in at these colleges? 

Computer engineering remains a popular program. As a result, in many colleges, programs cap the number of students allowed. Admission rates in general for these colleges are competitive, so expect the admission rates to be even more competitive for these programs, especially where capped. Applicants will generally need to be in the top 10% at your school and at least the 75% percentile across SAT/ACT. Therefore, students should choose STEM-related high school courses to help prepare for a major in computer engineering. For example, many colleges recommend and in some cases require that applicants have taken requisite courses in math, physics, and chemistry.

In addition to the academic profile, extracurricular activities are important. Additionally, you want to have participated in extracurricular activities that allow you to develop a deep involvement and understanding. Activities where you can also demonstrate leadership, initiative, and self-starter qualities can really show you passion for a subject and set you apart from other applicants. For a student interested in computer engineering, Empowerly recommends participating in activities that back that interest. For example, competitive national or state-level competitions in the area of technology (US Computing Olympiad or Google Science Fair) or research (Science Internship Program @ UCSC or Stony Brook-Computer Science and Informatics Summer Research Experience Program) will really show your mastery of the subject.

Need help with paving out your academic and extracurricular path?

Looking for ways to boost your extracurricular profile or map out your courses for your next year of high school? Empowerly can help you find your path to great computer engineering programs. Book a free, no-obligation consultation call with one of our enrollment team members to get an expert opinion on where you stand and how a counselor could help you.

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