<p>If you aren't familiar with the 3/2 program, basically you major in Physics in a Liberal Arts college such as Colgate or Colby for 3 years, and then get a guaranteed admission with a 3.3+ GPA to Columbia University for 2 years to study engineering. In the end you end up with two BA/BS degree, one in physics (LAC) and one in Engineering (CU).</p>
<p>My question is, is this worth it? My eventual goal is to go to Grad school. Would this have an advantage vs. a traditional engineering school. I really do not care for Columbia, but knowing that its an Ivy, would this opportunity be too good to pass up? Do you think it would be better to go to a school like RPI to get into a top grad school? Im extremely torn between these choices. I wouldn't really mind a liberal arts education but I am more science/tech oriented. Should I care for the prestigious. Sorry If I am repeating questions sentence after sentence, I just have trouble getting my thoughts down properly.</p>
<p>I strongly urged my son to stick with the more traditional programs…primary reason being that there are so many schools to choose from, from big state schools to tiny private schools…from tech schools to liberal arts schools, and they all offer great engineering programs… I don’t really understand the need/want to pick a program where you know you’re going to have to leave - friends, activities, professors - after three years. But that’s just my opinion. Others may have strong reasons for encouraging the 3/2 programs.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Are you sure that admission to the “2” school is guaranteed?</p></li>
<li><p>Can you handle the uncertainty of financial aid and scholarships at the “2” school?</p></li>
<li><p>Does the extra year of costs matter (after financial aid and scholarships)?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Yes I am sure it is guaranteed. No I come from a low income family, making around 40k. The extra year of costs do matter. I am not sure whether its covered or not. But with out the financial reasons, would it help me get into a top Graduate school. Would the experience be worth it vs. 4 years at a traditional school. I am not sure how friends will effect me or whether I will even have much of a connection to people at college.</p>
<p>Given the financial aid needs, it would be safer to go to a school with a 4-year native engineering degree program and reasonably known financial aid and scholarships.</p>
<p>Note that many state universities are among the top schools for engineering, and considered plenty good as preparation for engineering graduate school. If you live in a state with good in-state state universities that are decent with financial aid, then you may want to consider that option.</p>
<p>So basically what I am getting from you guys is that the name does not matter. Considering that RPI/CMU is better at engineering than Columbia, I should be there rather than elsewhere. But the problem is, I hear that many graduate school highly regard LACs, any thoughts on this vs RPI/CMU/Other schools with Engineering.</p>
<p>PhD programs for engineering prefer students from good undergraduate engineering degree programs, although they may sometimes accept those from sciences or other majors with appropriate additional course work.</p>
<p>If you really want to attend a LAC or LAC-like school for other reasons, there are a few with native engineering degree programs.</p>
<p>Sorry for wasting your time guys. I came to realize (after only an hour :/) that what I really wanted is a geek/nerdy tech school rather than LAC. I guess I was hung up on the prestige of Ivy League which I honestly realized I don’t really care about anymore unlike many in these forums. Thank you for helping though, you guys gave me some great insight.</p>