The first year engineering design courses that I’m familiar with grade base on design book, presentation, and build. If the project fails is a small portion of the grade if they team addresses why they think it failed and what they would do differently the next time.
For sure failure is one of the best opportunities for growth
That said, if a student is struggling with their intro courses, at some point it may be more realistic to do a deep dive on if the field is a good fit. For example, a friend’s son hasn’t been able to pass Calc II of Physics I in three tries. IMO that’s a problem. He’s supposing to be a junior now. His school allows him to keep retaking. At this point he’s added two more years to his graduation date, assuming he finally passes and his parents will continue to fund him.
Absolutely! That is a different concern completely. My heart was broken for a kid that had a 2.89. His state grant was cut and his family could not afford additional loans.
Not being able to progress at that stage calls for an intervention on what is going on.
I have been reading along, curious to where you are leaning on going? my daughter is also in engineering (but mechanical), also in Texas, also great stats (you really, really need to realize how great yours are! they are!). got into UT mechanical engineering but was sure she would ;). but is actually looking for Merit wherever she can find it! (and has found a bunch already, but not ‘the’ one she’s looking for yet!)
Congrats to your daughter on UT - she’s gotta be awesome.
I assume when you say she’s found merit and I don’t know if she wants large or small (or medium), but if she’s looking at Max $$, she’s found Alabama, Alabama Huntsville, Miss State, and Arizona?? Or is she seeking the top scholarships at places like Vandy and WUSTL??
What defines “the one” is what I’m asking?
Just curious - interesting comment about pursuing merit. If you’re in Texas and get into UT, unless you just need out, you’re not going to find a better blend of value and excellence.
she did apply/get $ at Alabama and looked at the others you mentioned. She’s also looking at Full rides at several. “the one” would be a school where she find that ‘fit’ and a full ride (yha! dreaming however, I think a full ride that offers those special cohorts, like Stamps, presidential, would make any school feel like the right ‘fit’). We are in Texas and she’d be happy staying close to home but didn’t get great vibes from UT (I’m a longhorn but things have changed a lot there since I went and she’s a different person than I am, much more reserved/introverted), I think it’s too big for her.
Well, I got TAMU, UT, Colorado, and Princeton. Deferred from Michigan and GT. Waiting on a few schools that I applied as a math major too. I’m waiting on financial aid info before making decisions. I feel happy to have great offers, especially after seeing so many amazing people on this site who are getting deferred a lot. I feel blessed but now CHOOSING feels hard. I need more time and info. And frankly, it also depends on what my twin chooses (because of money, not because I’m following him) I’ll update when I make my choice. Thx for all the support.
Congrats - I mean, anyone who gets into Princeton - wow. Michigan defers so many - so good luck there.
If you want to be an aerospace engineer, you shouldn’t go in as math - back doors are not easy and unless you are planning on a PHD, to me, it wouldn’t make sense. Hopefully you can afford Princeton. It’s an unreal get. I see you struggle with the size of the affordable and strong Texas schools. Their reps are great - for engineering better than Princeton as crazy as that sounds - but you have to be there four years and if the school is not right for u size wise - that matters.
At CU I got the Presidential Scholarship which is apparently the most they give to an out of state person (at least that’s what the letter said) but it still costs more than UT. Princeton comes close to in-state, believe it or not. We have to see what my twin gets.
I’m pretty sure Michigan was never going to give me a lot of money, so it’s ok that I’m deferred…it’s like a a soft cushy let-down.
Overall it looks like the price will be close to the same everywhere.
Does anyone have any perspective on WHY schools like UT, UM rank so high in engineering? What’s the basis for that ranking? What are kids REALLY getting at one school that they’re not getting at another? I’ve yet to really figure that out other than ppl just saying “it ranks high!”
Here is the methodology per US News. A lot depends on discipline too - but your campus experience is far different at Princeton than a large school. Frankly even UM vs. Princeton. CU is fine too - and yes, their OOW merit even in the best case isn’t strong - but most get $6,250 a year - or at least that was last year.
There are different rankings -niche for example but in US News Michigan is 6th, UT is 10th, and Princeton 12th. Assuming I wanted smaller and cost was the same, I’m going to Princeton - the prestige, the offerings of the school - amazing. On the flipside, you have to check the engineering offerings to ensure they’re as complete as you want But if the school works for you, what an unbelievable opportunity. Congrats. PS - Michigan defers a ton - it does not mean you were rejected. That you got into Princeton is a great sign.
Oh…and math isn’t a back door route. I’ve just been conflicted about my major for years. I’m quite comfortable going either route. So, I went ahead and applied to a couple of schools as a math major.
I was losing my cool!
(yha! dreaming 
we think she’s pretty brilliant, but we are kind of partial ;). good luck to all!