<p>Assuming that I will follow through with the 3-2 engineering program would it be better to do WakeForest+Vanderbilt or LAC such as Hamilton+Columbia Engineering. "Better" considering the quality of each school and the job opportunities each opens up.</p>
<p>I’d give the edge to Columbia, and I believe Occidental (L.A.) and Carleton (near Twin Cities area) also have 3-2 programs with Columbia. There might be others. At Occidental you could even go to Caltech if your 3 years there are strong enough.</p>
<p>Jobs at graduation will mostly depend on recruiting at the “2” school, though you can do your own search to apply to companies that do not come recruiting. However, there may be a disadvantage in finding engineering internships while you are at the non-engineering “3” school.</p>
<p>As far as quality is concerned, check the curriculum of each particular 3+2 combination. Would your course selection and major at the “3” school be specified, or could you major in anything while fitting the lower division engineering courses (math, physics, etc.) around your major? Would admission to transfer to the “2” school be guaranteed if you meet a specified GPA, or would there be another competitive admissions process? Would you be able to handle the uncertainty of financial aid at the “2” school? If class size is important, check the on-line schedules at the “3” and “2” schools.</p>
<p>Have you looked at whether you are guaranteed a spot at the second school?
Are you sure 3+2 is what you really want to do anyway? You could get a master’s degree in 5 years…
If you just like the LAC atmosphere then study engineering at schools that have the best of both worlds such as Bucknell, Lafayette, Union etc. or small universities like Tufts, U. Rochester.</p>