<p>I know that Michigan is highly ranked and well-respected in engineering. What I am trying to find out is what it is like to be an undergraduate engineer at the school. I know that the subject matter is difficult, but are the students collaborative, competitive or a bit of both? Is freshman year a U-Mich engineering a "weed out" process? I know that intro courses can be big, but just how big are we talking? What does an undergraduate need to do to get to know his/her professors? Or does that happen naturally as one progresses into more advanced subjects? What kind of support is available to help guide engineers if they are perplexed about choosing courses (peer mentors, academic advisors)? What kind of opportunities are their for undergraduates to do research work in the labs (even in very entry level roles)? How easy is it for an engineering undergraduate to get a relevant internship (either during the academic year or the summer) by leveraging university resources? Are there easy ways to make the school feel smaller than it actually is? I know Michigan is a strong engineering school. I am trying to get a perspective on fit. Thanks in advance for any perspective that you can offer.</p>
<p>Although I was not a student in the CoE, it was my impression from my friends who were that the general environment was very collaborative. The engineers I knew helped each other out with understanding various concepts, homework and preparing for exams. You will have competitive students, but by and large, it seemed that those were in the minority.</p>
<p>As for class size, you will typically have your fair share of large classes in Engineering, although classes with 300 students are highly unlikely. I would guess that most lower/intermediate level classes have 60-80 students.</p>
<p>Do not expect small classes at major Engineering programs. If you want small classes, you should check out LACs, like Rose Hulman Institute, Harvey Mudd etc…</p>
<p>Thanks, Alexandre. I am not looking for a Mudd or Rose-H type experience (actually too small). And I fully recognize that in any large research-oriented university there are bound to be some big classes. I am really trying to figure out if there are enough smaller classes (or maybe discussion groups) where you make connections with people in your major. My impression is that people at U of M seem happy, even at CoE where it is known to be hard. What I am trying to find out is why they are happy and whether those reasons align with what my S is looking for. Mostly what I hear about Michigan is that it is a great school with great academics and the solid sports program leads to strong school spirit and also that AA is a great town. I suspect that there are other things that make students happy. I am trying to find out what keeps the engineers happy, especially when they are in a difficult program and probably feel some academic pressure. I realize that I am looking for insight into things that are somewhat intangible and may differ from one person to another, but I am interested to hear from current students, recent grads and/or their parents. Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Just to give you some reassurance, my son is a sophomore at Michigan Engineering and he loves it. He made a lot of friends last year in the required programming class in addition to the engineers and non-engineers he lived with in the dorm. He often gets together with other students to study or work on projects, and I believe, has found the environment to be highly collaborative. He also has gotten to know some of his discussion leaders well and even some of his professors. But, he is the kind of student who will put himself out there to get to know his instructors.</p>
<p>The engineering school hosts 3 career fairs (I think) put on by various organizations. After his freshman year, he chose to take classes at a local university to get some requirements out of the way, but otherwise would have been able to find a summer internship in Ann Arbor. This summer, he has a great internship planned at a major tech company’s headquarters. There is plenty of support as far as putting together a resume and planning for interviews.</p>
<p>He hasn’t done research, but did approach a professor he got to know last year, but ended up not having the time. He has become very involved in several campus organizations, both engineering-related and otherwise.</p>
<p>Hope this helps some. If you put yourself out there, the school and environment have so much to offer. Good luck.</p>
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<p>Just 2/year. Though I think the Civil department holds one specific for their department in addition to those two. </p>
<p>It’s generally pretty collaborative I’d say. </p>
<p>It’s not especially “weed out”-y.</p>
<p>Classes usually cap out at about 150/lecture, but some courses have multiple lectures. Most major courses will have 100-150/lecture, and upper level electives will range from about 40-100 generally. A few may be a little bigger. </p>
<p>I got to know one of my professors pretty well by doing research with them, which I approached them asking for after doing well in their class. This professor is really good about getting involved with undergrads though, more so than most. This was a major course, 300-level if it means anything to you.</p>
<p>In terms of figuring out what courses to take, you’ll just figure it out. Don’t ask advisors, they aren’t students. Some departments might have peer advisors (usually junior or senior undergraduates) but generally your best bet is to ask friends. When you decide on a major you’ll start with just your major courses, and by the time you get to taking electives you’ll have a good idea about what you want to take and what you don’t. </p>
<p>I got the only research position I ever asked for and it’s been great! I’m just one guy but it seems that anyone who looks for research opportunities is usually able to get them. Probably not freshman year (though maybe) but by sophomore year if you’ve taken at least a couple of major courses you should probably be able to find something if you want.</p>
<p>In terms of getting internships, depends on the major. I can tell you if you’re a CS major, you’ll get one if you want one. If you put your resume in a few resume books there’s a good chance some companies will contact you asking if you want an internship at their company. CS is about as easy as it gets for that though, and those in other majors have to try harder. In terms of university resources, there are two career fairs and the Engenius website which has a bunch of postings which you can apply through. The IOE department (or someone from the IOE department) regularly sends out emails advertising jobs and/or internships too.</p>
<p>I don’t know what you mean by are there ways to make the school feel smaller than it really is.</p>
<p>[Career</a> Fairs | Engineering Career Resource Center](<a href=“http://career.engin.umich.edu/studalums/career-fairs]Career”>Career Fairs & Networking Events – Engineering Career Resource Center)</p>
<p>For your reference, here is a link to the career fairs. My son is a CSE major, so that definitely helped w/ his ability to get an internship.</p>
<p>I’ll second the recommendation to talk to friends about suggestions for classes.</p>
<p>As far as difficulty, engineering students work really hard, but my impression is that it’s kind of a we’re all in this together attitude. While a lot of the LSA students in my son’s dorm were going out to parties on the weekend last year, my son was getting together w/ friends to work on projects…that that in itself is social in a way.</p>
<p>Also, if interested, there are all kinds of unique speakers and performances that take place on campus.</p>
<p>Thanks – this is all very helpful information.</p>
<p>Umich8790, your son is a sophomore now? My son will be transfering into the CoE this fall as a junior, also in computer science. His first two years have been spent at Wash. Community College.</p>
<p>Just wanted to say hi! </p>
<p>And good luck to you, Blodgett!</p>
<p>Welcome, Villagemom. Yes, my son is currently a sophomore. For you, and any other parents w/ students at Michigan, there is a closed FB page that you can join to get to know some other U-M parents, w/ the opportunity to get tons of information and ask any questions you may have. Just do a search on FB for University of Michigan Parents and request an invitation to join. It’s a group started by parents for parents, not to be confused with the one put out by the University.</p>
<p>Yes, don’t confuse the university sponsored parent page by the original parent page. Very different. e-party happening right now waiting for the final four game. Its a closed group but has some helpful files. Engineering has phenomenal rep. Good luck in whatever your child decides.</p>
<p>umich is quite collabrotive in enigneering. I was surprised at how little the competitive air is. Competition is there in the sense that everyone wants to do well so they work hard and try.
My only qualm is that I find a lot of the kids to be too serious dunno. Need most ppl to goof around/ joke around.</p>
<p>Thanks, hylyfe. I appreciate your perspective. That’s what I am trying to figure out. If my son goes here, will he have any fun? Don’t get me wrong – I know people have fun at UofM. What I am trying to find out is whether the kids at CoE can get by with decent grades and still have a few laughs (even if they can’t get to every football game). I want him to have a good education, but I don’t want his four years to be miserable. (I suspect they would not be miserable, but you understand what I am trying to figure out).</p>
<p>No you can still have fun. Though not as much as other easier majors. One bad thing about umich is the whole north campus thing. It just further isolates engineers. As you get up in classes you spend more and more time there.</p>
<p>Personally I am a bit of goofball tbh and like to goof around so maybe thats why I find them to be too serious. Plus I am eecs so that is the worst probably.
Another thing that always gets me is when exams come up and so many class mates study so hard. Always worries me because I have no clue what they are studying that takes so much time, but most exams end up fine for me.</p>
<p>Personally I did not have a great time in college and umich but everyone follows their own path so your son can definetly have a good time.</p>