<p>Yes, the Cornell program is 4 years, while the Middlebury programs are 5 years. But with the Middlebury program, you get two degrees.</p>
<p>I did some direct calling to school that offer 3/2 engineering degrees. I was surprised by the real story told in numbers.</p>
<p>Few students who start 3/2 engineering programs at LACs actually finish. Due to the lack of social support of other engineering students or hands on engineering projects, they drift off to other majors.</p>
<p>Students become attached their “3” college and don’t want to leave just as senior year approaches. </p>
<p>The actual numbers of students in the 3/2 programs is tiny. Call Middlebury etc and ask just how many students transferred in the past two year to which engineering schools. LACs offer these 3/2 programs as window dressing to attract families that want marketable skills after paying $200,000 for an education. Check to see if the program is large, vital, and not a marketing scam.</p>
<p>The OP’s most recent post indicates he is considering the “dual degree” option described in the first paragraph of Arcadia’s #19, not the “3-2” option described in the second paragraph of #19. Right?</p>
<p>OP is considering the 3-2 dual degree program (mentioned in the second paragraph of post 19). The dual degree program with Dartmouth involves going back and forth between the schools (and admission to Dartmouth isn’t guaranteed), while the 3-2 program with Columbia involves three at one, then two at the other (and admission is guaranteed with a B average).</p>
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<p>That’s the beauty of a liberal arts education. You don’t pigeon hole yourself to one outcome. If along the way you find something else that interests you, then you can pursue it. I see that as a positive.</p>
<p>Good News: I received an email from Middlebury. The AdminOfficers are going to meet in committee to discuss my February enrollment status. My mother is calling in tm to just discuss her concerns too.</p>
<p>Also, Middlebury offered to let me send my commitment card in late. (I am not double depositing)I am keeping my place at Cornell and will consider withdrawing when I hear back from the AdminOfficers at Midd. </p>
<p>I need to make a plan around the possible outcomes. </p>
<p>@blu_g8orade: What did you mean by your third comment? </p>
<p>@toadstool: Yes I know that it is not an extremely popular option. (Max 7 a year wind up doing some type of 3+2) Not Many students want to leave their senior year to start at Columbia SEAS. Kids just think “Hey why leave for my senior year in a year when I can just to go grad school. later.” Did you get examples of the situation you mentioned? “Few students who start 3/2 engineering programs at LACs actually finish. Due to the lack of social support of other engineering students or hands on engineering projects, they drift off to other majors.” That sounds a little discouraging. </p>
<p>@kayf: My parents dislike paying the extra two semesters of tuition but will do it to get 2 degrees instead of one.</p>
<p>@tk21769 the 3+2 and the dual degree programs are one and the same.</p>
<p>UPDATE: Middlebury called me yesterday and honored my request to change from a February student to a September Admit. So now I would not need to deal with the added confusion of starting a semester late and nailing down the requirements for the 3-2 program.
I visited Columbia today just to check it out( its only 12 minutes away) I learned you have guaranteed suite-style housing for the 2 years at Columbia. </p>
<p>SO THE QUESTION REMAINS:
In you mind is it better to do this program
or continue on with Cornell?</p>
<p>What do you think?</p>
<p>I think you are skirting very close to being a double depositor.
I think you need to make a decision.</p>
<p>My impression was, you were leaning strongly toward Middlebury.
Strongly enough that the only real issue in the way was the February admission.
Now that issue has been removed. So it should be easy for you, certainly easy enough that you don’t need to be visiting dorms at Columbia in the middle of May. You owe it to Cornell to inform them that you are no longer committed so they can open up a spot on the waiting list, or, do the same for Middlebury.</p>
<p>Let me level with you (not to belabor a lecture). My son was rejected by Middlebury. He is a high-scoring, decisive person who had a very clear idea of what he wanted to achieve at that school in a specific program that is offered at few other LACs (not nearly as well, anyway). So it pains me a little to think he was rejected in favor of someone who is now being so darn wishy-washy!</p>
<p>Tk I understand how you feel. We all have weaknesses but honesty I need to send the word in by sunday it goone on long enough.</p>