<p>I was accepted into the Vanderbilt College of Arts and Science intending to pursue a physics or mathematics related major. However, I regret applying to this college as I am now more inclined in pursuing an engineering major (in relation to computers). Where I see that though difficult, it is feasible to eventually make a switch into the College of Engineering, my question is whether or not it is worth it. My other option would be taking the Engineering path and full ride at the University of Florida, which despite being ranked substantially lower than Vanderbilt overall, has a higher ranked engineering program (according to usnews). I'm a bit skeptical about the US news methodology so I really just want to know if anybody can give me any personal information about this college.</p>
<p>As a current student in VUSE, I’d say that it really has a lot of amazing programs and I couldn’t be more satisfied. I obviously don’t go to UF so I can’t compare the two apples to apples, but I do know that the school of engineering here has something ridiculous like a 98% rate of engineers getting a job within 6 months of graduation (maybe not the exact statistic, but pretty close to that). There’s a lot of professors who want you to do well, and research opportunities abound if you actively pursue them. I know I’m getting a wonderful education here that would most likely be unparalleled by my state school.</p>
<p>On the other hand, if Vandy’s going to put you into debt and UF is free, go there. Despite the quality of teaching and amount of research available to undergrads, you’re going to learn the same basic principles either place.</p>
<p>Also to keep in mind: It’s very hard to transfer into engineering here–not implausible, but definitely difficult.</p>
<p>Well Vandy really wouldn’t put me into debt; they offered me 48,000 and I still have some money left over from Florida Pre-Paid. The only difference is I’d be paid to go to Florida, so in both cases I’d really be fine. I’m really just trying to decide purely based on educational value, and despite the fact that Florida engineering is ranked higher, other factors like internship opportunities at Vandy seem to be outweighing that. </p>
<p>I think I’m going up to see Vandy in a couple weekends and I’ll probably base my decision on the visit. Also, if transferring into engineering is unlikely, I may not even try to. </p>
<p>Which major are you leaning towards in engineering? I ask because I’ve mostly seen (at Vandy) biomed or chemical engineering majors and am a bit unsure whether or not computer engineering is a common choice.</p>
<p>I am civil engineering major at vandy. I personally know 2 computer engineering and 2 computer science majors. BME and ChemE are the majority, but there is a good number of others here also. all of them really like there classes. I would look at what classes you would be required to take at each school, and see how applied each program is. some are much more hands on while others are more theoretical based.</p>
<p>smalltown12, do you know how many engineering majors are in your class now?</p>
<p>You are in a pretty great position! Congratulations. Keep in mind that the VU and UF all round experiences are night and day re overall experiences. I wouldn’t argue against a straight out engineering school as I am ignorant on recruitment issues and have no doubt that UF Engineering is respected (Dad went to GA Tech)…but if you want an all round traditional fabulous college life for four years, you can be in Vandy Engineering and also be around students in the other colleges in a really intimate way. Obviously the basic requirements are different but the experience of living on the Commons and living in Nashville are unique, and Vandy is that great medium sized research institution that has so much to offer to undergrads. I think getting to go to Vandy with 48 thou covered a year is an lifetime opportunity as long as you can ace your basic courses and transfer to Engineering. I am sure an Admissions staffer or the Dean of the Engineering School office would have someone you could speak with about the issues re what you have to accomplish to change schools.<br>
Google Evil Robot, a young man who got into Yale and many other fine institutions and decided to come to Vandy on merit dollars in 2004. He got a masters in five years and is working at Google…I am not sure if he was computing engineering or not but the old threads on that would show his path to you. He was a “fave” on CC a few years ago…nice guy who was happy at Vandy once he made up his mind.</p>
<p>~40 are civil engineers ~300 total engineering freshmen,</p>
<p>I believe that if you are a student in good standing it is very easy to transfer. The difficulty with Engineering is that the curriculum is very specific so you want to make sure you take coarses that are compatable with the engineering requirements.</p>
<p>thank you, smalltown :)</p>