<p>I am strongly considering Tech because of the BS/MS program in mechanical engineering. How realistic is it to complete this program in 5 years? Is it hard to keep a 3.5 gpa in the first place? Does the thesis option mean that you can get your masters(5th year?) free of charge if you are doing research? And lastly, will you still have time to participate in co-ops as an undergrad while pursuing this path?</p>
<p>Any students that have gone done this path for ME or Electrical engineering at Georgia Tech, your input would be much appreciated! And anyone else who has knowledge about this program.</p>
<p>Thanks so much</p>
<p>5 years with co-oping? I do not think that is possible even with taking the maximum allowed hours a semester (which would be the most miserable thing I can think of).</p>
<p>You can do it in 5 years. I’ll be out in 3.5 years (BS only), and 1.5 years for a masters is doable. My advice is to take your time (if you are financially secure). I kind of regret rushing things. </p>
<p>3.5 gpa? This is super relative from person to person, but a 3.5 GPA shouldn’t be too hard to maintain as long as you keep up on your academics (IE don’t put everything off to the last minute). Procrastination will kill your GPA. That’s not to say you need to study 2 hours a day everyday for each class. I study, on average, 20 hours a week for all of my classes combined (assigned homework included) (5 classes in a typical semester). That is 4 hours a day of studying (I typically don’t do school work on the weekends). 4 hours of studying + ~3 hours of lectures a day leaves me with plenty of time for other shenanigans. </p>
<p>The thesis option makes it such that you do not pay tuition. They also give you a stipend to cover day to day expenses, but it is really just enough to ensure you don’t starve to death.</p>