<p>"The “hardest” classes I took over these four years (in terms of how long it took to master the topics) was by far my Music Theory classes. "
-BTW, Music Theory were my D’s easiest R&R classes that were part of her Music Composition minor. But it does not prove anything at all. The simple comparison would be that 5 years is normal for Engineering major while 4 years is normal for other majors. There are exceptions. But at D’s UG program (as one example) one was not allowed to gradute with engineering major in 4 years. I have been on both sides, engineering and non-engineering. As one person with one brain and the one who tends to be very strong in all math and physics (all across), and also the one who was in school until her 40s (while working full time), I can attest that despite of my huge preference for all the math, physics and specifical complete understanding of Electirical Engineering concepts, engineering is still way way harder than anything else that I have ever studied (mostly CS, IT and business). There are geniuses who will disagree. But for the rest of population, do not expect to walk in and have fun with it, you will have to work very hard and have much less of free time getting your As than your normal regular pre-med in any other major.<br>
BTW, one of D’s hardest class was Paper Making and I have warned her about it, but she was stubborn about having some art class after years and years of group and private art lessons outside of school. She has learned her lesson. Art is simply very time consuming at college level. </p>