I was accepted to WUSTL with the intent of studying in their PNP program :)>- , but I have a few questions for anyone who might know about the program.
I am doing pre-med. How easily does PNP integrate with their pre-med program?
How rigorous is the program? It says that PNP is a second major for many students. would you advice that I double Major? If so, is a second major in systems sciences reasonably possible? If GPA was not a concern, I would love to have at least some background in engineering and mathematics, but if it is difficult to balance the two majors and maintain a high enough GPA to get into medical school, I would rather not risk it.
When required coursework for the class? It appears that it is somewhat philosophy and psychology heavy. I am actually more interested in the chemical side of neuroscience, so this concerns me, but I would love to hear about other student’s experience with the program.
Any other advice or recommendations involving WUSTL are fully welcome, and if anyone wants to PM about the school for a more in-depth discussion about the school, please do!
I’m only going to address this part: “If so, is a second major in systems sciences reasonably possible?” Since I admit I don’t know much about PNP in general.
If you’re interested in engineering, make it your primary school with PNP secondary. You get out of a LOT of artsci requirements that way (ie whatever they’re calling clusters these days).
Also, with Systems Engineering, you have the option of doing an unaccredited degree. This means the requirements are much less strict - for example, no senior design, making a second major in PNP ridiculously easy to complete. Note: if you forgo premed and want to be an engineer, it might be best to take the accredited path, even though most systems engineers won’t be trying to get licensed. BUT since you’re doing premed it may be worth it to do the accredited SysE anyway.
I’m also a big believer that the smaller schools (read: arts, engineering, business) have better resources for students than artsci does, and it’s easier to take advantage of that if it’s your primary school. At the very least, Engineering Student Services (ESS) is fantastic.
I was an EE major (accredited) with a second degree in SysE (unaccredited) so I actually know a boat load about the ese department. Feel free to PM me if you want a more personalized look at the program from the engineering side. I also know a handful of people who were premed Systems so I can figure out how they worked out their schedules.