I have noticed that a lot of smaller non-Ivy like schools offer Dual Degree engineering (or 3-2 programs) with the Ivies. A couple of examples are: Wheaton College and Dartmouth (Thayer School of Engineering) or Stonehill College and Notre Dame.
What should I look for in the 3-2 (or dual degree) schools? How do I determine which will help me succeed? And is there a way to go from a school that is not partnered to another (bigger) school for the 3-2 program (ie. from Wheaton to Notre Dame)?
Dual degrees aren’t always between multiple universities/colleges. For example, umich allows dual degrees between engineering and LSA, music, etc. However, it really isn’t always worth it. Pursuing a dual degree can result in you taking as long as 6 years. You would finish your bachelor’s when you could have already picked up a master’s.
Do a search on “3-2” in these threads. Many of us during college search for kids found them at first appealing… then decided not practical.
We visited lots of LACs offering 3-2s with USC and Columbia. We weren’t looking at engineering (lot alone 3-2), but those schools did come up frequently.
There are 3 issues with these programs. First is that there is probably a better than 99% chance that your career will only be significantly aided by one of the two degrees. Second is that you will spend extra time and money getting them. Third is that you have the added inconvenience of moving to a new school and learning a new system and making new friends.
If you are okay with these, then they are usually good schools.
There’s more downsides that just those. You aren’t guaranteed admission into the second school just because you are admitted to the first. Financial aid isn’t guaranteed at the second school. The second schools aren’t usually top schools in engineering even though they are prestigious names. Many students don’t want to leave their first institution after they’ve learned all the ropes and become kings and queens of the hill. As a result, many don’t. There are lots of other drawbacks, but as @colorado_mom said, just search the forum. There are lots of threads on this. Good luck!