Posting on behalf of my son, who has ASU on his list for these programs specifically - he’s currently a Junior, from California, with great grades overall, all As in Science and Math, in AP Calc AB as a junior, and ASU does allocate scholarship funds to out of state kids, so quite a few kids from California go there, so this school is a possibility for him, both in terms of admission and financially (a maybe, not an impossibility).
Can anyone comment on the quality of these programs, both in terms of hands-on learning, and in terms of opportunities for undergrads to become involved in research?
Also, not necessarily finishing in 4 years, but perhaps in 5, how common/possible is it for a student in the engineering programs to double major in a science with some crossover in the lower division math and science course requirements (Thinking about the two majors in the subject heading specifically)? For folks who double major, are there summer term opportunities to knock out some Gen Ed requirements, or can some be taken over summer at a JC?
Any and all insights about Science and Engineering at ASU Tempe would be appreciated and valued.
@Poseidonis - I am a parent on my second time through with a student at ASU. Your son sounds like a great candidate and typical of an ASU Fulton Engineering student. When you compare to CA schools (I am in Northern CA), ASU was actually cheaper for us. The basic aid, depending on your financials, will bring the COA down to in state levels.
First, I recommend you have your son check out the Barrett Honors College. Barrett is a smaller, subset of the ASU campus. The advantage of Barrett is priority registration and dedicated dorms. Barrett students also get research $$.
Can you graduate in 4 years with a double major? Definitely possible. I would have your son take as many AP classes/tests as possible. FYI- you don’t need to take an AP class to take an AP test in a given subject. ASU allows a ton of AP credit if you get a 4 or 5 on the AP tests. My son came in with 27 credits, or almost a full year. He will be graduating with a CS degree in 3 1/2 years. He has been accepted into the 4+1 program that will help him get his masters in 4 to 4 1/2 years.
Hands on stuff - Neither of my sons were in Aerospace, so I am not sure of the level of hands on. There are several clubs that do some interesting stuff with rockets. There is also proximity to Raytheon, Honeywell and other space/defense companies.
Overall, ASU would be a great choice to keep on his list.