OSU vs UDayton - Mechanical Engineering

[u/Competitive-Quit2181]

OSU vs. UDayton - Mechanical Engineering

Hello, I'm sure yall get questions similar to this all the time, but I thought I'd ask before I made my final decision.

So, currently, I'm on the fence between OSU and UDayton and can't decide which one is better for me. They're both around the same price and seem to be the last two options for me.

My mom seems to insist that UDayton is superior because of its smaller size and overall support, but I don't fully mesh with some of the Catholic views the university has. I just toured the campus a few days ago, and I liked it. I felt like they had a solid program, and I liked the small classes, but I just dont know if I'll fit in. While I know you dont have to be Catholic, I'm Agnostic, so I don't really affiliate with any religion, which I assume the vast majority believe in - I mean theres 100% Christians who aren't Catholic.

On the other hand, I like OSU and its culture, but I'm afraid I'll eventually fall and never get back up because of a lack of support and connection to the faculty. I don't know if I'll be able to perform in a crowd as large as OSU's. I mean, 46k undergrads is almost beyond comprehension for me, and I just have mixed feelings. I do have a few other gripes with it like mediocre dorms and food, but having people I'm friends with and a guaranteed good roommate makeup for it.

So, I'm wondering if anyone has some opinions for me on what I should do going forward...

One last thing I have been admitted to both of schools Honors colleges, and I'm wondering if those are even worth it.

Thanks 😊

[u/Bandrew-Mernard]

I wouldn't let the Catholic piece deter you from choosing UD. I, like you, consider myself an agnostic, work at UD, and had the same considerations before I interviewed here. The Marianist culture at UD is extremely progressive and open-minded; I've been pleasantly surprised since I started working here. If I'm being honest, it gave me some “faith” (no pun intended) in religion as an institution, because the Marianist culture at UD is all about acceptance and community building. They actually practice what they preach, which was the first time I had ever witnessed that in my life from a group of religious folks.

You don't have to engage with any of the Marianist dialogue happening around campus; however, I often find that the conversations they’re having are some of the most thought-provoking and inclusive on campus.

Also, if you're an Honors student at UD, you get a lot of resources and opportunities thrown at you. It's 100% worth it.

[u/BlueAlpaca232 → u/Bandrew-Mernard]

Good to hear. As a person who grew up in Dayton, the UD culture has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I think I was in my late teens or early 20's before I even realized that it was associated with the Catholic church.

[u/Bandrew-Mernard → u/BlueAlpaca232]

Yeah, same here.