FIRST Class of 2014, Where are we going?

[cadandcookies]

Originally Posted by DampRobot

I think schools have grown tired of seeing FIRST on a extracurricular list. It seems, for better or worse, to look very pedestrian and not very impressive on college apps.

At least in my experience, the response I've gotten from my involvement in first has been significantly more positive when I talk about specific stories and how they effected me within FIRST-- just being on a robotics team is like just being on a swim team or anything else. My MIT interviewer was nonplussed when I mentioned that I did FRC, but really started to come around once I talked about the non-technical lessons I've gotten from FIRST and my experiences volunteering in FLL and FTC. Just doing robotics isn't enough-- it's letting the passion for robotics and STEM/STEM education shine through that get people to bite on it.

[Steven Donow]

Originally Posted by seg9585

Not a HS student anymore but I am amazed at the number of folks applying to WPI. A bit curious if FRC's control system affiliation with them has any bearing on that decision?

As an RPI alumnus, surprised not to see as much enthusiasm for my alma mater. Both are good schools. WPI was sort of RPI's dark twin sibling across the state border whom we didn't interact with much. Ultimately, all that matters is what gives you the best opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom (ie internships!!!)

I applied to WPI (and got in), and one of my main "exposures" to the school was through FIRST. Academically, I considered myself "good but not good enough for Ivies" and combined with their (perceived, at least) love of FIRST, I considered it an upper-level school that was definitely in my reach.

Originally Posted by DampRobot

Deferred at MIT.

Applying regular to Stanford, Princeton, Cal, UCSB, Cal Poly SLO, Boulder, Olin.

I think schools have grown tired of seeing FIRST on a extracurricular list. It seems, for better or worse, to look very pedestrian and not very impressive on college apps.

I'm not an admissions expert,but in my opinion, it all comes down to how you present your FIRST experience on your application. If you just say you were on Team XXXX and held XXXX position, that won't get you anywhere that any other extracurricular won't. It's the other aspects that FIRST participation can help; recommendations and essay. My essay was about FIRST, one of my recommendations was from a FIRST team leader, and I think some of my other teachers even dropped in mentioning of my involvement in their recommendations.

[Jay1986]

Applied:
University of Missouri (accepted)
University of Kansas (accepted)
Iowa State University (accepted)
University of Missouri at Kansas City (accepted)
University of Missouri of Science and Technology (Rolla) (accepted)

I decided to go to University of Missouri of Science and Technology because they are one of the top engineering schools and they reasonably close. My major will be computer engineering.

Anyone going to Missouri S&T?

[jasp]

Staying on the East Coast.

applied:
UMD college park
Virginia Tech

Accepted:
WPI
UMBC
Drexel

done applying to places now applying for scholarships. Will this process ever end?

[S.P.A.M.er]

I applied to University of South Florida, University of Florida, Georgia Military College and Florida Gulf Coast University. (in order of preference)

Accepted at USF and GMC. I decided on USF for Environmental Engineering with a minor in Military sciences. I am an Army Reservist and will be starting in Spring of 2015 (after all my training)

After Graduation I will be a 2nd Lieutenant with the Army Active Duty. I hope to get selected for MOS 12 ( Engineering Officer). My big goal in life is to become the Director of Jacksonville USACE District, and FIX THE EVERGLADES!!!

[pmangels17]

Hey guys, I have an update:
Accepted:
Purdue University
Villanova University
and....
THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME!

I can't even tell y'all how excited I am.

[S.P.A.M.er]

Originally Posted by S.P.A.M.er

I applied to University of South Florida, University of Florida, Georgia Military College and Florida Gulf Coast University. (in order of preference)

Accepted at USF and GMC.

Acceptance Update:
CORNELL! With possible softball spot (My other half applied for me without telling me)
USF Honors and Civil Engineering
GMC
FGCU Honors

Rejected at U of Florida

Still attending USF

[eli2410]

Finally saw this. Applied to one school in August, accepted in October. Attending the University of Central Florida in the Fall! Anyone else looking at or planning on joining me?

[jtaffy]

I've applied to the University of Washington, as well as The University of Advancing Technologies which is down in Arizona (my first choice!!). I'm really excited to go into Roboticsa Engineering!!

[faust1706]

Accepted
University of Missouri Science and Technology
Mizzou

Applied and waiting
Harvey Mudd
MIT
Rose Hulman
Rice
Washington University in St Louis

Preference order:
Mudd
Wash U
Rolla

[DEacho]

Proud to be going to Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering!

[Kevin Leonard]

I applied to 7 schools, got into 6 (pfff Cornell whatever).
I'm likely going to either RPI, WPI, or RIT.
Anyone else going there? I'm pretty torn between the three right now. One is currently ten grand per year less than the other two so I'll likely end up there if more money doesn't come through.

[Monochron]

Originally Posted by DEacho

Proud to be going to Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering!

You should come mentor with team 4561 then We are just a couple miles south of Duke.

[Skyehawk]

Only needed to apply to one college

Major:
Mechanical engineering

Applied:
University of North Dakota (accepted)

[geomapguy]

Accepted:

Centenary College of Louisiana (95% sure on attending)
Colorado School of Mines
Davidson College
Trinity University
University of Alabama
University of Oklahoma