<p>These are two areas that I might want to go into and I am wondering how good these programs are at Washu.</p>
<p>I can only speak a little bit about their engineering program:
First, I know the Biomedical major is becoming increasingly popular and better. The university is finishing up an entire building dedicated to biomedical engineering, and with the #3 research medical school in the nation, research opportunities and mentors are easy to find.<br>
Second, I saw a video that talked about how WashU’s computer science program (which I believe is in the engineering school) is completely changing their curriculum and style of teaching in favor of a more hands-on, experience-based learning process.</p>
<p>I was going to wean myself from CC, but I guess I am addicted, lol. Anyway Hawkeye, I think you have to approach it a bit differently. If you are capable of being accepted by Wash U, then you are clearly smart and talented, and probably disciplined in your studies. Wash U is a top 20 university. That all translates into the fact that you will get a great education there, accounting and engineering included. Schools like Wash U rarely have poor departments, especially for undergrads. We are not talking trade school here. If you were looking at grad schools, then I would say that flushing out high level differences between programs at different universities makes sense. But you will be taking 75% or more of your courses in other areas, and you want a school where you feel comfortable with the overall atmosphere (size, location, other students, profs), that challenges you without leaving you in the dust (the latter probably not an issue, but for some students it is better to find a school where not every other student is smarter. At the same time, you don’t want to breeze through either, but that won’t be the case for any student at Wash U), and that you can afford. Fit is great, but not if it leaves you $150K in debt when you are finished. I am sure there are other factors, but these will serve you well. For a student of your presumed capability, since you are even thinking about Wash U, comparing schools on this basis as opposed to which has the “better” individual programs will put your mind in the right place to select a school where you will have a great 4 years. At the undergrad level, the material you will cover will be 90+% the same no matter where you go, especially at the most selective institutions. It is the other factors that will determine whether you have a fantastic experience, or a lesser one.</p>
<p>^ very well said, fallenchemist. I too have been trying to slowly visit CC less often. It’d be a shame if you left for good though, you’ve been so helpful to so many people on these threads.</p>
<p>BME at WashU is highly regarded. The other engineering programs are fine, but not at the same level.
What area of engineering are you interested in?</p>
<p>I really have no clue at this point. I do not know what I want to do but engineering and accounting both sound good.</p>
<p>All the more reason to pick a school that is excellent in nearly all aspects and has the added benefit that it is very easy to change majors. Most students end up majoring in something other than what they intended starting out. That, among other reasons, is why it is far better to choose a school based on the factors I mention above rather than some bogus ranking system or some perception of how “good” they are in some department or another. I cannot say enough times that at the undergrad level, it is just not a remotely significant factor compared to other considerations.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help. I really appreciate it.</p>