<p>I have til May 1 to decide where i wanna go.. and i'm thinking of doing chemical engineering, but as of yet i still dont know if i will actually end up doing engineering. I do know that i will major in some science if its not engineering, but i also want to be able to take some language (japanese or chinese) classes, too! Tufts is very nice about doing liberal arts and engineering, but i've heard not so great things about their engineering program. Berkeley is really good at all engineering... and many other things incase i feel eng is not right for me, but its so intense there that it could be difficult for me to take anything but engineering-type classes. Its also huge and might be difficult to change majors. U of M is #1 in chemical engineering, and also has a good pharmacy school, which is something i may wanna pursue after undergrad... So ya.. any thoughts? thaaaaanks</p>
<p>^Tufts is not really known for it's engineering, if that's what you think you want to study. Good luck.</p>
<p>tufts' engineering school is pretty integrated with the liberal arts school, so you could definitely take classes in each, but I don't know if a lot of people actually do. the other great thing about our engineering school is that it's not isolated from the LA school either. it's not on a separate campus, and engineering kids live in harmony with liberal arts kids in the dorms etc ;)</p>
<p>I don't know anything about U of M, but I do know your other schools. They are both wonderful, but very different.</p>
<p>Berkeley is huge. Classes are enormous, and advising is not a strength. It can be difficult to schedule the classes that you need and want. Consequently, for undergrads, it's best for students who are aggressive in figuring out how to get what they want.</p>
<p>Tufts is more nurturing. It is easy for engineers to take classes in the liberal arts, even double major. Though the engineering program is not as well known as some, employers in the Boston area are happy to employ its graduates. And the university-wide emphasis on international issues extends to the engineers as well. Your desire to combine engineering with foreign language would seem pretty normal.</p>
<p>Good luck. It sounds like you have three great choices and just have to figure out which one is right for you.</p>
<p>To sam297: engineers are actually required to take some social science and humanities classes (some are covered by AP credits though).</p>
<p>Tufts prepared me well for pharmacy school, and I currently go to the University of Michigan. I'm actually the first person ever from Tufts! :) Message me if you have any questions about either about my experiences; I'd be happy to share them with you.</p>
<p>Berkeley is obviously has the more prestigious engineering school, but the prestige of your college means very little in the real world. These 2 schools are very extremely different in every aspect. Visit both schools overnight and see which one you like more.</p>
<p>FYI, don't pay attention to random rankings of undergrad programs that you may find in a magazine or online. UC Berkley and Tufts are both much more prestigious schools than U Minnesota regardless of what your major is.</p>
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Classes are enormous,
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<p>Lower division, introductory classes are sometimes huge. But this is way overemphasized. Beyond those classes, the size differences are not there to any great extent. I'd provide numbers, but I'm too lazy to go looking for them. Investigate for yourself.</p>
<p>Regarding the rest of the post, I'd say that it is true Berkeley favors independent, self-starting students.</p>
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but the prestige of your college means very little in the real world.
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<p>Au contraire, particularly in a field like engineering. [Hint: There is a reason that Cal is well thought of around the world.] </p>
<p>OP: Cal also has excellent language classes as well (all of which are capped, btw). But, yes, to complete your degree, Engineers have little space for electives, but that's true at most top engineering colleges (unless they are a 5 year program.) Pharm grad school is all about grades and test scores, and engineering classes are not known to boost gpa. :)</p>
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Au contraire, particularly in a field like engineering.
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<p>Uhh no?</p>
<p>There is an abundance of entry level engineering jobs available, and everyone with a BS in engineering should be able to get one. The pay for these jobs are extremely constant. Additionally, selectivity for these jobs focus on your undergrad GPA more than anything else, so an engineering grad from a state school with a 3.9 will be more competitive than a grad from MIT with a 3.0. On top of that, the overall prestige of your college is also taken into account. So while Harvard is not known for its engineering, a Harvard grad will be more competitive than a UC Berkley grad with similar GPA and credentials.</p>
<p>By the time you do anything interesting in engineering, when the gap between the talented and the untalented is obvious, you will be judged almost solely on your previous work experience and perceived talent. Therefore the prestige of your undergrad college makes almost no difference. </p>
<p>Pick a college where you'll be happy at and one where you could succeed. Again these 2 colleges are completely different in many ways. Just glancing at college board, UC Berekey is 45% Asian, 30% white, 12% Hispanic, 3% Black and males out number females greatly. Tufts on the other hand is 53% white 13% asian, 7% black, 6% hispanic and 51% woman 49% men. You'll find much sharper differences when you visit both schools. The "prestige" of your undergrad college for engineering means nothing.</p>
<p>Chapstick:</p>
<p>I do agree that one should pick a college "where you'll be happy at and one where you could succeed." And, I also agree that engineering jobs are plentiful. But, I strongly disagree that a 3.8 from Podunk State will have the same (or better) opportunities than a 3.0 student at MIT (or Stanford or Caltech or Cal).</p>
<p>Are you an employer? Have you recruited college students, particularly engineers?</p>