3-2 Engineering Program and Studying Abroad

I am a Junior in high school looking into 3-2 engineering programs. I would most likely complete a degree in economics at a liberal arts college and then hopefully transfer to either Caltech or Columbia to pursue a degree in computer science (I have found that many liberal arts colleges have 3-2 programs with these two universities). However, I am also interested in studying abroad for either a semester or possibly for a full year. Generally, is studying abroad even an option for students in 3-2 engineering programs because of the strict course requirements? If studying abroad is an option, would it be during my first three years at a liberal arts college or during my last two at either Columbia or Caltech.

Thank you in advance for your input!

What you should do is contact the professor in charge of the 3-2 program at the LACs you are applying to. I spoke with the Haverford professor (they have the 3-2 with Caltech) and he said that there are people initially consider it, but he has only had 2 people actually apply (and then get accepted) through the entire duration of the program. This had more to do with the student’s falling in love with Haverford and not wanting to leave a year early more so than anything wrong with Caltech. I think you’ll find a similar train of thought at the other LACs offering a 3-2.

Also, I believe (at least at Haverford) you have to major in something related to your caltech major (ex. Physics for Mech E). I doubt you would be able to major in econ, go abroad, and then get a comp sci degree.

I apologize that I didn’t answer your question fully. I know I personally had trouble finding information on 3-2 programs so I typed out what I’ve learned.

Thank you for your input! I too found that the school websites provide very little information regarding the 3-2 programs.