#4. Choose what kind of environment you will thrive in.
Some programs have large engineering departments that receive lots of funding and resources
but this also attracts many students and can result in a higher student to faculty ratio. So, it is
very important that you reach out to professors and departments and ask questions on the size
of their labs and what you can expect once you arrive on campus.
#5. Public vs. Private
In the U.S., you can find reputable and high quality engineering programs at both public and
private universities. Although not always the case, private universities tend to have a smaller
overall student population.
#6. Get to know your competition.
Knowing the data on who’s coming to the U.S. can be an advantage
for you. For instance, 48% of international students in the U.S. study
Electrical Engineering alone, while only 9% of students are studying
Chemical Engineering, which could be an advantage if universities are
recruiting more international students like you.
“When a student finds a
school and program that
fits them well, there is a
higher likelihood that the
student will perform well
and complete the
program.”
Dr. Myron Thompson,
Associate Provost and
Executive Director of SUNY
Buffalo Graduate School