<p>I just got into Wash U School of Engineering. I'm really excited because it's one of my top choices, and I could easily be going there - I'll make my choice once I know all of my options. Anyway, I've heard that Wash U is extremely focused on biomedical. I'm not exactly sure what field I want to go into yet (although I'm leaning towards mechanical); however, I am 90% positive that I'm not interested in biomedical.</p>
<p>So my question, in short: is Wash U so focused on biomedical engineering that it isn't worth going to study another field?
(Forgive me if this has been asked before; I'm not very good at navigating this site.)</p>
<p>Not at all. I started out in Systems Engineering and I have now switched to Computer science (which is also in engineering at WashU). One thing I have enjoyed is the size of the departments. The professors really get to know you since all of the departments other than BME at WashU are fairly small (around the 100-200 mark). However, all of the engineering disciplines at WashU are also highly regarded. Every week we have recruiters visit our school and offer students jobs. I don’t know too much about the mechanical engineering at WashU; however, I have seen a lab or two that look quite extensive. As an engineer not in BME at WashU, I have to say you have a bit of a leg up. My roommate is in BME and finds the size of the class somewhat unnerving. BME is very weed-out heavy while the other departments are far more collaborative.</p>
<p>Chemical is the second biggest, and probably the second strongest department at WashU after BME. The other’s are smaller, but decent. There’s no civil. Definitely don’t go into BME if you’re not interested.</p>
<p>BME will not ruin you in one semester if you care about getting good grades regardless. </p>
<p>That being said, don’t do it if you think you don’t want to. Also don’t do BME just because it includes many of the pre med requirements, I know a couple of kids who did that and hated it. Only go for BME if you are 90% certain you want to, and you’re the other way around.</p>
<p>Perhaps take EN120 if you attend. It’s a one hour per week pass/fail class, where current students show off projects in each of the different majors, and guide you through some hands on activity related to each major.<br>
And while BME is popular, and well regarded, it doesn’t mean it’s what you have to major in. I’m in CS and completely happy with my choice.</p>
<p>Hey, so I am actually a sophomore mechanical engineer, and when I first started at Wash U I was in the same boat - I wanted to do BME but was not sure about the program and such. So I know that Wash U Engineering is heavily emphasized on BME, but Mechanical is the second biggest field. The BME is much more research based and not as much practical, and the mechanical is a bit more practical and applied. The department is a good size, and you become really close with your fellow Mech E students because you all start taking the same classes, like Mechanics 1 and 2. I actually started out as a Pre-Med Mechanical Engineer, which if you would like to avoid the BME class (I think it is BME 140 that kills everyone) but would still like to do applied science in the medical field, then this is the better way to go in my opinion. I am no longer pre-med for my own reasons, but it can be done with a lot of hard work and effort. If you have more questions about Mech E or even Mech E pre-med, just let me know :)</p>