UMass Lowell vs Umass Amherst

My son got admission in Umass Lowell, Mech Engineering (Honors). He also got into UMA in Exploratory Natural sciences. His first preference is Mech. Engineering. But we really like UMA (The campus, academic challenge etc.). If he does well in first year in UMA, perhaps he’ll get into engineering school. But I’m not sure if it’s worth taking the risk. If you have been in a similar situation, can you please advise? What are the chances of switching major in UMA? Or may be should we just go with UML?

UML has a highly regarded engineering program. I think the advice, “Love the school that loves you back” is applicable here. My niece is in the Honors Nursing program. There are a lot of very good benefits to the honors program. I’m assuming Lowell is also less expensive? I think he will find it plenty challenging.

Lowell is excellent for Engineering, the honors college is quite good and will offer perks, not to mention academic challenges in addition to Engineering.
The risk at UMass Amherst is very high - then what would he do? He’d be stuck in a major he doesn’t want and without Honors benefits.
I’d definitely pick Lowell.

I am interested to hear if your son has made any decision. We are in the same boat here…UMass Lowell Engineering or UMass Amherst College of Natural Science.