<p>I am going to apply to both universities and liberal arts colleges this year and I intend to do my major in mechanical engineering or applied physics. </p>
<p>But most LACs have a 3+2 engineering program, in which I would have to study 3 years at the LAC and the last 2 years at Columbia or RPI.</p>
<p>Is this program better than studying engineering at a university for 4 years?</p>
<p>A vast majority of students who think they are going to do a 3+2 program don’t end up doing it. If you really think you want engineering, I’d advise (and this is coming from someone who encouraged DS to look at LACs) pick a school with an engineering program. My s considered the exact same majors. Though he wanted to be an applied physics major-- but ended up switching to Mech E. He finished in 4 years. Younger s started as a chem major and switched a little late in the game to Chem E. He is sweating to fit everything in to graduate on 4 years-- and he really wants to graduate in 4. You will too. </p>
<p>If you want a school with a more LAC “feel” in the NE that also has engineering, look at Brown and Tufts. Or just apply straight to Columbia rather than do 2 yrs there.</p>
<p>There are LACs with engineering. Lafayette, Bucknell, Union, Swarthmore all come to mind.</p>
<p>Princeton has engineering too.</p>
<p>So I guess I shouldn’t apply to LACs which do not offer engineering.</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>^ Yes.
If they don;t offer 3 years of engineering, I don’t even think you will receive your engineering from Columbia. Like impossible,. I know Adelphi offers 3+2 with Columbia.
Can you give more information, like which LAC?</p>
<p>If they offer engineering @ LACs, by all means go with it. Some people might actually like LAC than the usual science colleges.</p>
<p>From what I have witnessed, the only quasi-engineering major that you can take at a LAC in its entirely is computer science…and it will be most likely through the math department.</p>
<p>ABET accredited engineering programs DO exist within LAC’s. They tend not to offer the breadth of options that larger universities do (graduating with a general engineering degree as opposed to a chemical or electrical or whatever engineering degree). </p>
<p>[Accredited</a> Programs Search](<a href=“http://www.abet.org/AccredProgramSearch/AccreditationSearch.aspx]Accredited”>http://www.abet.org/AccredProgramSearch/AccreditationSearch.aspx)</p>
<p>This list includes many larger universities, but also LACs such as Smith, Swarthmore, Union, and Trinity College.</p>
<p>EDIT: The link doesn’t show the exact search, but to see the list search for engineering for accrediting body, and for program choose Engineering, Engineering Physics, & Engineering Science.</p>
<p>Check out Lehigh, Bucknell & Lafayette. I believe all three have very strong programs with some breadth. Lafayette is the smallest of these 3 and offers civil, electrical, mechanical and chemical…also with some further specialization, if desired.</p>
<p>LAC==“liberal arts colleges”, yes?</p>
<p>sorry to sound noobish</p>
<p>Yes, uclacee, Liberal arts college. Here’s a great thread to help with “CC-speak”. <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/52585-abbreviation-thread.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parents-forum/52585-abbreviation-thread.html</a></p>
<p>Ok, thanks everyone. one last question.</p>
<p>So I should apply to LACs which has a fixed engineering program like Lafayette & Bucknell, instead of LACs offering 3+2?</p>
<p>UMN-Morris has a 2-2 program with the main campus where you just get an engineering degree. That might sort of provide a compromise.</p>
<p>Do Swarthmore, Harvey Mudd, and Lafayette have strong engineering programs?</p>
<p>Mudd FOR SURE!!!</p>
<p>Yes, all 3 schools have strong engineering programs. Different, but all strong. Lafayette is a traditional LAC with a very strong Engineering focus (about 1/3 of students are in engineering). Harvey Mudd only offers Engineering and other degrees in physical science (you can major in math or physics but not in English or History). Swarthmore is has a small engineering department that does not off any specialization (you major in Engineering not Mechanical or Chemical). Swarthmore also has one of the highest rates of graduate school admissions of any college or university. </p>
<p>What are you looking for? Big school, small school? Do you want a Liberal Arts College or would you be happier at a Tech focused school? Are you going to need financial aid? What are your stats? Both Harvey Mudd and Swarthmore are highly selective (94% of Mudd’s students were in the top 10% of their class) Swat has an admit rate around 16%. Lafayette is a little less selective and gives merit money.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I guess among LACs I would go for Lafayette, Mudd, Swarthmore & Bucknell
And among universities: Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, MIT, Tufts, Lehigh, Caltech, Rice & Boston U</p>
<p>@nursekay:
I am an international student and yes I need financial aid (approx. $30-35k), since my parents are already paying for my sister’s college.</p>
<p>I am going to give my SAT this october. Expecting around 2000 on the first attempt (based on practice test scores). Probably going to give it twice. But I’m confident about SAT II: 750+ in maths2, physics and chem</p>
<p>My class rank is very good. Top 5%. GPA: 3.9/4</p>
<p>Expecting good recommendations from the teachers. Not quite sure about the counselor (she doesn’t like me)</p>
<p>Don’t have too many ECAs but I have been a member of the computer club for 3 years, community service-1 year and MUN-1 year. And I have been practicing music for more than 10 years. And I have learnt French as a foreign language-3 years</p>
<p>Well Emory does not offer engineering, but it does offer 3+2 program with GIT. To me it is a bit waste of time. I would rather opt a four year school with engineering. Or I’d be better off doing co ops for 5 yrs. It is all up to u. I would not advise that way though.</p>