<p>Matches:
Carnegie Mellon
University of Rochester
Case Western</p>
<p>Safety:
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (I guess both of them are--not sure)</p>
<p>The problem is, my family income is very low, so I need colleges that will probably accept me and give me large amounts of grant and merit aid. I doubt my family will be able to cover much, if any, out-of-pocket cost. I'd rather not take out a loan from a bank. Also...I'm not even certain if I want to be a computer engineer. I like working with computers, but I don't know what being a computer engineer is like. I'd really like to have a job that I can enjoy; what do all of you engineers have to say about this? Is being an engineer fun? I might even be interested in going into a management position; again, I'm not entirely sure. I'm only 17. It's difficult to answer people when they ask me what kind of a job I'd like. All I know is that I'd like a job that isn't labor-intensive, has some job security, and puts food on the table. Oh, and working 40 hour weeks regularly is also good, but I wouldn't mind working overtime to finish up some projects. That's life. Anyway, I'd be glad to get information from anyone out there about engineering colleges and what it's like to be an engineer. Thanks parents!</p>
<p>First, Carnegie Mellon should not be considered a "match" - it is one of the most selective schools on your list with respect to computer engineering. Also, I'm not sure that RPI would fill the definition of being a safety. However, do look into the potential for the RPI Medal (??? - or a closely related name) which is awarded to the top science student from participating schools. If you and your school qualify, it could result in a very nice merit scholarship.</p>
<p>Secondly, is it the computer engineering that you are not sure of, but are quite sure that you might want some sort of engineering or related technical degree? If so then you can keep the techy schools like MIT, RIT, CWRU and RPI on your list. However, if you think you might want to do something completely different like liberal arts, then you might want to consider a school which doesn't focus on science and engineering.</p>
<p>Don't be concerned that you don't have your life planned out already. Most don't. If you do go into engineering, it will prepare you for a diversion into a non-technical career later in life as well as any major. However, if you don't start in engineering, it is very difficult/impossible to get into it at a later point. If you do choose engineering, be prepared to work much harder than your non-engineering classmates in college. Engineering can be one of the most difficult and time consuming majors.</p>
<p>Your stats would put you in the running for good merit aid at Tulane, which has a strong Engineering program. DSA ($22K this year), Founders ($15K this year) require no additional application. DHS requires a separate app and project and is for Full Tuition. My understanding is that Tulane's need-based aid is not reduced by their merit awards. It's not in the Northeast, but this is a school which is IN the South, but not OF the South.</p>
<p>S had a chance to job shadow during the last month of his Senior year in hs (our school does a Senior Transition Project). He job shadowed at a semiconductor firm and a structural engineering firm. He really enjoyed the semiconductor experience, which confirmed - at least for now ;) - his plan to go into EE/CE. You might see if you can do something similar later this summer, during vacation time next year, or even after senior year.</p>
<p>I have a definite interest in doing a math/science major, so I'm not too worried if I dislike engineering outright. I'll definitely look into shadowing and Tulane. Are there any engineers out there who can tell me more about being an engineer or my list? Thanks.</p>
<p>stepintoreality:
RIT offers a weekend program that helps seniors learn more about the fields they are interested in (and of course that includes all the tech fields). It is an admissions programs and so includes a campus tour and all that stuff. It's called College and Careers. I looked quickly at their web site and pulled up this page, but it doesn't seem to be the main one:</p>
<p>As the spouse of an engineer, I would suggest that 40-hour weeks are the exception rather than the rule, at least in his branch of the field. If you are serious about engineering, you can look forward to working overtime and weekends, and traveling as often as several times a month, off and on throughout much of your career.</p>