<p>Most of these places other than HMC are large universities. Half of them are well known for academic rigor. </p>
<p>The thing is, I DO want to earn a quality education. What I don't want to do, is just do that. </p>
<p>I don't have any intent to smoke up and laze in the sun, but I do wish to relax a bit, find time to quietly unwind, aim for a bit of peace.</p>
<p>I'm in a real twist here and I don't know what to do. At least my impression of these schools is that they are have a lot of stuff happening, but the all you do is work, work, work, and all work and no play makes me depressed. </p>
<p>I want work, play, think, growth as human being. Am I asking for too much if I'm ALSO asking for a quality education?</p>
<p>Its certainly possible to achieve all of those things which you think. While I believe I am experiencing pristine quality education here at Mudd and have seen myself grow in many ways over the past year especially, I dont think offering a good combination of the above is specific to us and would be available at most of the schools you listed. Of course being an LAC i think we handle the education part the best, but I am biased ^_^.</p>
<p>Thanks Seiken -- that gives me some hope. While we're at it, do you get any chance to contribute to the community through Mudd? Volunteering, fund raising? My soul searching leads me to the conclusion that I really need to help people to give life meaning. I like Mudd's personality though -- specially the emphasis on humanities. </p>
<p>But...is life at all of these schools not generally regarded as hectic/fast paced? </p>
<p>Thanks a lot for replying.
P.S. I should apply to JHU with my name, eh? :P</p>
<p>Well, I really dont volunteer much anymore, but I often hear of others around here who do. For example, after Katrina I believe a group of our students flew down to New Orleans to help out, as well as some fund raising. </p>
<p>And Mudd is fairly fast paced, but you get used to it.</p>
<p>And, didnt House get kicked out of Hopkins for cheating? =P</p>
<p>Engineering is known as one of the more difficult majors at any college. If you want more time to relax and play while in college, you might want to consider an easier major.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the suggestions folks. Will look at those schools in more detail, and as interesting as that major appears, I kinda want to stick to engineering, lol -- thanks though! ^.^</p>
<p>tetrisfan, I'd give up college for the fifth season. Well, no, I'd have to have a real hard think :P</p>
<p>If you are female, Smith College’s Picker Engineering Program is excellent and has an innovative approach to teaching engineering. Smith students learn not only the essential principles of engineering; they focus also on decision-making, critical thinking, and the social, political, economic, and environmental impact of their work. And Smith provides an excellent liberal arts education. </p>
<p>Smith is also part of the 5-college consortium (with Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke and Univ Mass). You can take classes at any, and there is a free shuttle bus to get to classes and activities at the other campuses. </p>
<p>have you thought of Franklin Olin's college of engineering? It's basically a school of 300, but everyone there is extremely intelligent. Your tuition there is free too (for everyone enrolled). The teachers are the best of the best (yes, better than some at ivy leagues). If you're really into engineering, then you should absolutely consider applying there.</p>
<p>Many programs are academically rigorous and engineering is no exception. However, that doesn't mean that you won't have time to make friends, go to movies, pursue hobbies or even laze around in the sun and get stoned. It's all about prioritizing your time correctly.</p>