I know almost nothing about grad school so forgive me if I sound uninformed. I am apply for undergrad now for chemical engineering (I’m a senior in high school) at the University of Texas (Austin), the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities), and Texas A&M. I am not particularly interested in oil or energy efficiency, but I do have an interest more so in the biological applications of chemical engineering (pharmaceuticals and biotechnology). Also interested in Materials Science and Engineering as a potential minor during undergrad so that could take me down a biomaterials route.
Basically I want to know how much I need to factor a school’s MEng program into my undergrad decision. I really like MEng because it is suited for those who want to go straight into a profession not into a PhD, and it only takes one year to do. For example, UT Austin is my #1 choice but they do not offer a MEng degree. How different is it to be accepted into a grad school that does offer MEng after doing undergrad at a school that does not?
Cornell offers MEng in chemical engineering with a specialization for pharmaceuticals and industrial biotechnology, how competitive will this program be? Like do I stand any chance of being accepted down the road? Minnesota does offer MEng for chemical engineering but they do not mention any specialization, will that even make a difference?
I’ve got time to think about it, and I know it’s not worth worrying about, but I feel that it is at least worth considering. Hopefully my jumbled and likely confusing questions make a little sense. Pour your wisdom upon me so that four years from now I have a better idea of my future.