[Jaine Perotti]

Well, so far I have heard from 2 out of the 3 schools that I applied to early action:

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (accepted, $60,000 scholarship)
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (accepted, $53,700 scholarship)
University of Miami - College of Engineering (will hear back by Feb. 1st)

I am not sure which out of the three schools I am most interested in attending, but I am leaning toward UM. We will see what sort of financial assistance they will offer me.

In terms of where else I might apply for regular decision -

Cornell University
Carnegie Mellon
UCONN
Clarkson University
Georgia Tech

The only reason I did not apply to these other 5 schools early action was because there are one or more factors that I see as deterrents for wanting to attend those schools. Cornell and Clarkson are just too darn cold and out in the boonies for my liking! Carnegie Mellon sounds amazing, but I get the impression that it is very academically competitive. As for UCONN, I like it, but I don't love it. I spent a week there this summer at an engineering camp, and I was extremely bored half the time. Plus the campus isn't very pretty and it seems a little on the big side. Georgia tech sounds great, but its in the middle of a big city and I would prefer a more suburban environment.

The three that I applied to early action are by far my favorites because:

1) The quality of their academic programs is outstanding
2) Classes are taught by professors, not TAs
3) Professors are accessible after-hours for personal help
4) Numerous opportunities exist for undergrad research, internships, co-ops, and study abroad
5) All three universities take pride in their "hands-on, early on" approach
6) All three universities have displayed a sincere concern for each student's well being and foster a nurturing atmosphere

As I said before, I am currently leaning toward UM, mainly because it offers the full spectrum of majors as well as those in engineering. This is important to me because I want to be able to continue to study non-engineering related fields that I am also interested in, such as foreign language and art. Plus, I wouldn't have to worry about transferring to another school if I decided not to major in engineering. I am also considering a dual major in ocean/atmospheric science as well as engineering, and UM has a fantastic school of ocean and atmospheric science.

Good luck to everyone! I am looking forward to hearing more updates from all of you.