<p>Congratulations to prospective engineering students, can't offer a lot but here goes. My S is a freshman in engineering this year. Like many others, one of the main reasons we even considered Northeastern was for its co-op program; he did not apply to any other OOS schools and was not interested in going far from home (Minnesota) but we both really felt the co-op program at Northeastern looked perfect for him on paper, since he is very much a hands-on learner as opposed to an academic scholar (although very bright). And he fell in love with the school after he finally visited last April (it was nice to see him really excited about college rather than just looking at it as a means to an end). </p>
<p>There is an engineering floor in Stetson West, one of the all-freshmen dorms. There is also a floor for female engineering students although I don't recall which dorm. S is on the engineering floor and I think this has benefited him as far as getting to know other engineering students, although his friendships have gradually expanded well beyond engineering majors. </p>
<p>One of the things that I like about the engineering program is what they call their Gateway program, basically there is a core curriculum for engineering freshmen, where students are divided into small sections, and classes and teachers are pre-assigned for the first year sciences (chemistry, physics), math (calculus) and basic engineering classes (with some exceptions where students place out or get credits for AP/IB classes); these are taught by a small group of faculty members. Class sizes are relatively small, mostly 29 or less, and honors sections are typically even smaller (I believe physics lectures will be larger in the spring but they only meet twice a week and then there also smaller sections for labs another 2 days a week). This is done so that they can group many of the same students in the same classes which allows them to develop friendships and form study groups or teams for class projects much easier. Unfortunately this also means not much choice in classes or hours during the first year for most students other than electives. </p>
<p>In addition, engineering students take a 1-credit Intro to Engineering class that meets once a week (required) and is taught by engineering advisors, where speakers are brought in, students take interest surveys and basically receive a general overview of different areas of engineering. I think my son thought this was something of a waste, but since he was very undecided and leaning towards either mechanical or electrical engineering when he started in the fall, and now is pretty convinced that he wants to pursue chemical engineering (just got grades and got an A in chemistry-hooray!), he must have gotten something out of it. But an easy A even if just for 1 credit.</p>
<p>During their second year, students will take an Intro to Co-op course which prepares them for co-op and is taught by the Co-op advising staff (separate from academic advisors); in this class they will learn how to write resumes, learn interviewing skills, and receive assistance in identifying and contacting potential co-op employers, lining up housing if needed while on co-op etc.</p>
<p>My impression is that first year staff and all the advisors have all been very approachable and can be reached very easily either in person or by email; instructors regularly schedule review sections for tests and email information or reminders to students. The required engineering courses include multiple quizzes, projects and presentations, as well as midterms and finals. My son has not used any of the tutoring services, but there is tutoring available pretty much on a walkin basis if needed for math, chemistry, physics etc. </p>
<p>Well this is all that comes to mind at the moment, S does not offer a whole lot of information so it takes some pumping to find out anything myself! Hopefully other engineering students may offer their perspectives as well and I certainly can try to answer more questions if I can!</p>