I am very thankful for getting accepted into both colleges. However now I’m stuck choosing. I toured NC State before being admitted, and then snow and covid 19 has prevented me from getting a tour of Chapel Hill despite having walked the campus a few times since I grew up in Raleigh.
Now I’m presented with having to choose. I know for biomedical engineering, which is what I want to do, that the two colleges have a joint program and I’ll have access to both campuses with their benefits. I don’t plan on using my degree for premed since I can barely tolerate watching surgery videos without squirming a bit. I am more interested in helping with research and the development of nanotech, or genetic tech. I’m not sure where I plan to master, but as of now I don’t believe State or UNC have the specialties for that yet. Maybe I’ll pick a different specialty, have more options by then, or go to a new school. I can see myself going to a master to doctorate level in education.
I have read that biomedical engineers often have issues finding jobs due to the work being so closely related with either chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineering and their education usually only focuses on biology and general engineering later specializing more in biology; the engineering portion is not specialized making it hard to properly coordinate with other needed fields. In fact some colleges are considering taking it off as a degree for this reason. So I’m leaning towards NC State, since UNC doesn’t have any other engineering. I’m hoping maybe I could double major or minor in mechanical engineering or a form of chemistry to make sure this doesn’t happen to me. Does anyone know if this is an option in either College? State would be more likely to help me more in this case. Then again- UNC CH is more medically based than State, which could open more non engineering options that would strengthen me in the biomed field.
I also know that I will have to do one semester of classes before I can even be considered for the biomedical program at State. (Usually two but I have college credits through Wake Tech- yes both schools will accept them). I believe application is similar through UNC. I recently decided to switch from aerospace engineering to biomedical (I even applied to state with aerospace engineering intent), so I have very few experiences around biomedical other than general engineering activities and robotics. So I’m worried about being accepted into that program with only a summer and 1 semester to find related activities to put on my “resume.” I’ve heard it’s only 500 students a semester. So in which college I am more likely to get into the joint program is a factor. I’m guessing UNC CH is harder since that’s the only engineering degree there?
I am mainly leaning towards NC State. I have family that has gone to both schools but none in engineering. I have heard great things about both. For some reason people say that UNC Chapel Hill is generally the better school? Except I have heard the engineering college at State is considered more prestigious? I know NC State is best for engineering and UNC CH is best for medical, but what is best for an aspiring biomedical engineer not doing premed?
I only have a month to make a decision (May 1st) and with covid 19, I am sort of robbed of the chance to go to admitted student events to help me decide. So I’m hoping this forum will give me access to people with more insight than me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.