Looking for feedback about the program, positive & negative.
We looked at 3/2’s in the Northeast, and spent an accidental 15 minutes with the director of the program at Dartmouth. He was very open, and made it clear that the sending schools tend to overplay the popularity of the programs. He noted that a lot of kids struggle to leave their school after 3 years. There are some 2/1/1/1 programs that more closely align to junior year semesters abroad.
There is also the issue of being accepted into the programs. I would not select St. Mary’s primarily as a way to ND. If St. Mary’s is where the student wants to be for college, the potential to get to ND is a great bonus.
The Dual Degree in Engineering Program offered jointly through Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame is unique in many respects and 5th year students we spoke with at ND Welcome Weekend were all very positive about the program and Saint Mary’s/Notre Dame integration, described in additional detail below:
https://www.saintmarys.edu/majors/dual-degree-engineering
@FarmerMom did your daughter decide to pursue the dual degree program?
My daughter was interested in this option as a senior back in 2004. SMC is my alma mater and I was excited about that prospect, but when she talked to one of the professors there, he essentially told her that if she was set on engineering, then pick an engineering school. (She went so Naval Academy instead). But if you are sort of sure or maybe sure, and love the Notre Dame/SMC community, it’s an amazing place.
Here is some great information from the Observer
https://ndsmcobserver.com/2017/08/saint-marys-students-pursue-fifth-year-in-engineering-program/