Questions about engineering/drinking

Hello, I am currently a junior in high school, and I am interested in studying electrical engineering at Union. However, I have a few questions.

First off, I have heard that Union is sort of big on drinking. Is this true? How so? Would I feel alienated or awkward at the college since I do not want to drink at all?

Second, I realize that the engineering department at Union is not quite as big as many of the big engineering institutions. Engineering students at Union, do you feel that you get more or less opportunity for research, learning, and technological resources than at other schools that are known solely for engineering? Also, do you get as many job opportunities as an engineer at Union? Union’s engineering program isn’t known as well as some other schools, so would this present a problem when looking for jobs?

Thank you for any help. I greatly appreciate it.

We looked at Union this year for my D. She was really impressed by it. They did a day long open house that we went to that was one of the best-run ones that we attended. If you are able to go to one of these programs, by all means do it. Our tourguide was terrific, a kid from upstate NY. He had just graduated and he was headed off to the University of Pennsylvania the following week to begin graduate studies. Obviously a very, very bright kid.

We ended up looking at close to 20 liberal arts colleges with our D. At almost every one we heard something about a culture of drinking. But in talking with most students, we also heard that students are generally accepting of other students’ personal preferences, and that nondrinkers can be found on all campuses. So I wouldn’t let this dissuade you from applying to what is a really outstanding school.

A couple of tips, FWIW. If you have good grades and think you will have good teacher rec letters, don’t submit scores if your scores are below the median for Union. Make sure you demonstrate interest by connecting with your Union admissions rep at a college fair and by visiting campus. If you happen to be female, you probably get a bit of an edge in admissions. Good luck.

I saw from your other thread that you are looking at Ivies, too. Make sure you have a rock solid application strategy: safeties (such as big State U), matches, and reaches. Really do your homework as to which applicants are most likely to be successful with their applications. Study the Common Data Set for each school. Ask your guidance counselor to go over the school profile for your school with you, so you can see where you fall on it, because the admissions committees will be looking at your transcript alongside the profile. Generally the students who start the applications process early, and devote a lot of time to it, get the best results.

My children go to Union College - both in Engineering. Union DOES have a lot of drinking - more so than we were led to believe. That being said one of my children is a non-drinker as well and just does not partake in the whole scene. He participates in activities on campus and does a lot of homework - as you would expect for someone in Engineering. He has also had no problems getting internships and job offers. Union engineers are well respected from what I have heard. Both are happy with the small school atmosphere. Their high school has more students than Union. Of note is that Greek life is a lot more prevalent than we believed. Neither of my children are into Greek Life and are doing ok but aren’t really into the huge social scene anyone. They hand with a few friends. Definitely go to the open house and spend time on campus. Best of luck with your college search.

if you come here you have the option to drink or to not drink. Most people drink and that’s really the best way to be social, meet people, have fun and destress, but if you don’t want to, like a lot of people here, there are other options. Give it a shot though.

@SerpentesX my DH has visited Union 3 times for our 2 kids. He is really impressed with the school, but noted the engineering department considers themselves to be instructing future managers of engineers. They are ABET accredited but don’t claim to be a techie school. My son has applied and is waiting to hear, but after being exposed to the resources and labs at larger schools he understands that there is a difference. In no way am I putting down Union - we would be thrilled if he ended up there and I have no doubt he would do fine with respect to internships and job opportunities. I’m just trying to point out a subtle difference in their focus and strengths. And this perspective came directly from administrators who spoke at the open houses he attended.

Regarding drinking at college, unfortunately it’s a big part of many/most schools. My D was pretty shocked her first semester at the sheer number of kids who were, um, a bit out of control, but she said after that it seemed to calm down for most. It just may be harder to avoid on a small campus that has a strong Greek culture. Have you looked at Trinity in Hartford (I don’t think it’s known as a party school), Villanova, Clarkson or RPI? Also agree with @MidwestDad3 suggestions. Try to Look at schools of all types (urban, rural, tech, LAC w/engineering) and sizes to find your best fit.