<p>I was recently accepted to the College of Engineering at Cornell University on the Early Decision round. The major that I plan on pursuing at college is Engineering Physics, mainly because of its breadth, focus on application of theoretical concepts and emphasis on mathematics, one of my favourite subjects.</p>
<p>My dilemma is this: I also wish to pursue a second major at Cornell, preferably one from the college of arts and sciences. (It is possible to do so, I've checked. The program is called pursuing a 'dual degree'). The options I'm torn between right now are Economics and English.</p>
<p>However, I've heard that the Engineering Physics major in particular and the engineering program at Cornell as a whole is rigorous, challenging and bottom line difficult. I have heard that my chosen major may restrict me from pursuing a second degree in any other field, especially in one which does not overlap with engineering at all.</p>
<p>It gets worse. I am dead set on taking the honors program for Engineering Physics; this I will do regardless of whether or not I pursue a dual degree. Will this make the dual degree even more unachievable? And worse yet, I want to do the Honors program in my second degree is well, while also taking part in extracurricular activities.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any advice for me on this matter? If this is manageable in any way or if I should lower the bar for myself?</p>
<p>Take into consideration that I have enough AP credits to place out of at least five introductory courses, so I do have a head start at the outset of my college career.</p>
<p>i think you should invent a car which runs on water…(100%) …sell it to my company for a million dollars (your not getting more than that) & retire :)</p>
<p>Just for that, the day I’m an industrial giant, I’ll buy your ruined company for a million dollars. You’re (not your) not getting more than that. :)</p>
<p>Please ignore the above two posts, it’s a friend of mine.</p>
<p>I don’t really know why you would want English though, it seems like economics would be more suitable, but this is just my opinion though. The rest just depends on your mental integrity and strength of will this because engineering physics honors by itself is probably very challenging by itself.</p>
<p>I have a friend who is getting a dual degree in EP and Economics, and then getting a M.Eng in EP, all in five years. He’s also on three executive boards, a break dancing group, does research, and parties every weekend. Oh, and he still manages a 4.0. It’s all a matter of time management, really. That, and no sleep. Also, be prepared to take a plethora of summer classes even if you have AP credit. There just aren’t enough hours in the day sometimes.</p>
<p>Don’t let what people tell you intimidate you as far as major or classes are concerned. It’s best to try it for yourself and see how you do. If you have an intuition for physics, EP might even be easier for you than other majors.</p>
<p>@Vorharhar: Creative writing has been a lifelong passion of mine. Cornell has an exceptional English department and a particularly strong and renowned creative writing concentration. I’d feel like I’d be wasting an opportunity of a lifetime if I didn’t do it. On the other hand… economics… Like I said, I’m torn.</p>
<p>If creative writing is a passion, it seems like a wise idea to explore that further. If you realize the dual degree path is too much or too overwhelming, you might find that you don’t necessarily want or need to get a dual degree, but just take as many classes in that area as possible. Way back when I was in college I was a bio major but found a real passion for religious studies. I think I technically ended up with that as a “minor” because I took quite a few courses in that area, but in the end it didn’t really matter. Nobody ever cared in my life if I had a minor in religious studies and I don’t think it would have mattered if I had a major in it either. But I have enjoyed and used the knowledge I gained throughout my life. It sparked and furthered an interest of mine even if I never used it for an employment situation. So, my advice would be to explore all kinds of areas that interest you but don’t necessarliy bog yourself down with trying to fulfill a bunch of extra degree requirements unless you feel it is going to open up certain doors for you that otherwise might be closed. It might end up hindering you and keeping you from taking other courses that you might find fascinating. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide!</p>
<p>wow, Aseyelum’s friend is inspirational! although it’s fantastic to hear someone doing so well, just because one person did it doesn’t mean it’ll work out for you, OP. you say you are “dead set” on the honors program, so I’m wondering whether you would be prepared to drop one part of the dual degree, or perhaps the honors program, if it turned out to do be more than you can handle. you never know how the transition to college, and the new perspectives you’ll gain here, will change your academic interests. I just recommend that you and everyone keep an open mind about academics in college, rather than relying on experience as a high school student to plan out four whole years.
I hope the dual degree program will work out for you though, so good luck!</p>
<p>I’ll certainly try, faustarp. Considering I’ll be doing something I love I think I’ll manage well enough. Or at least I naively hope. For now I think I’ll stick to my plans.</p>