hm how is the Physics and Engineering department at Dartmouth?

<p>Hey guys, I was reading over many of your threads and the Official Decisions Thread, and it didn't seem to me many are applying to Physics and Engineering at Dartmouth. So I m just wondering how are the two departments at Dartmouth. I am not too familiar with Dartmouth yet, but I will apply in RA. Appreciate your informations!</p>

<p>my daughter, an 09, is still a physics major. she says the classes are difficult but the professors are usually very good. she also said, outside of introductary classes, the physics classes usually have between 15 and 20 students in them. i also know there is an observatory with a fairly powerful telescope on campus. she also has not had much difficulty getting the physics classes she has wanted.</p>

<p>wow sounds cool, but how difficult is getting in as a Physics major at Dartmouth comparing to at Cornell?</p>

<p>Because most schools know that students change their minds and majors unless you have a true track record in physics as demonstrated before you get to college your applying as a "phyics major will probably not tilt your application either way at either school</p>

<p>understand that obtaining the professional BE requires more than 4 years at Dartmouth. However, it also means that one graduates with a true liberal arts background in addition to the engineering degree.</p>

<p>k I got it, thanx for your help!</p>

<p>I think the BE takes 5 years because you graduate with 2 degrees one in liberal arts (where you graduate with your class) and the other in engineering (5th year).</p>

<p>One of the things I like about Dartmouth is their approach to becoming an engineer. As I'm sure everyone knows, most schools force you to apply to their engineering school out of high school. I am not convinced that all high school students are really ready to make this decision, yet they are literally forced into it. Dartmouth on the other hand says we will not pigeonhole you into engineering immediately. Come here, take engineering courses if you like, and then decide if you really want to be an engineer. Sure, you have to go to the engineering school for an extra year, but at least you know you made the decision intellingently and you never have to be afraid you made a premature mistake.</p>

<p>The BE will not take 5 years if you plan out your schedule correctly. It is possible to graduate with an AB and a BE in 4 years if you plan ahead and take the right courses.</p>

<p>wow the BE degree is amazing. I always wanted a solid science background when I get to an engineering grad school. </p>

<pre><code>But do you guys know how much competition is there for physics majors at Dart? I looked through the Dart board and didn't see many (if I actually saw any) CCers applying to physics major. And I have a good backgound in math and sciences, got many nice rankings in math and sciences contests (top 150 in US in math phy and chem). Have a 1570/2260 SAT1. But only average ECs, Recs, Essays.
So any one want to access my chances? I really hope I can get some ideas of where I am. Thanx a lot in advance.
</code></pre>

<p>I don't think it makes much of difference what you apply as. They don't have a specific quota for these things because, as others have said, people often change their minds</p>