<p>I'm now facing a pretty confusing situation. I believe I am the fit for Wesleyan - I am not into greek life, big athletics, parties but more of an intellectual, polished, refined type of person. I like the idea of a small college in a small city. So socially, there's no doubt Wesleyan is the place for me.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I am absolutely sure I want to study engineering. Wesleyan -> Columbia (3/2 program) is a wonderful path, but the thing is it's only guaranteed if I meet the academic requirements. While I absolutely expect to meet and exceed these requirements (3.3 GPA overall and in engineering prereqs exclusively), there is certainly the possibility that I fall short, even if by a fraction of a point.</p>
<p>That makes USC an excellent alternative because I am enrolling directly in an engineering program! And while USC does not have the prestige factor that Columbia boasts, USC engineering is still pretty strong and I think the Trojan alumni network is enviable in any case!</p>
<p>I am also absolutely serious about going to (an elite) professional school, probably law but maybe business - if that's relevant.</p>
<p>As far as finances, I will be on aid at both, and USC is offering a $2k better package, which is relevant but not a deciding factor. I am inclined towards Wesleyan personally, but the fear of being unable to get an engineering degree is what's keeping USC in the picture. That, and the extra year it will cost. Any ideas, feedback, tips, advice?</p>
<p>Columbia raised the standards from 3.0 to 3.3 for guaranteed admission for those starting after 2011. There are over one hundred participating 3-2 institutions with Columbia SEAS. Few are of the quality of Wesleyan, and some are very weak like CUNY Queens. You may not be guaranteed admission below 3.3, but coming for Wesleyan you will likely get in if the Wes 3-2 advisor recommends it. </p>
<p>After three years, how would you make the choice between transferring away from your friends to a big school in a big city to complete an engineering degree, or foregoing engineering to stay where your would fit better socially? Also, are you willing to risk the uncertainty of financial aid at Columbia or other “2” schools? (assuming you are admitted as a 3+2 transfer)</p>
<p>Remember also that 3+2 involves an extra year of cost compared to a regular 4 year degree program.</p>
<p>Given that the reason for going to college is to learn something, it would make more sense to prioritize your academic goals over social fit, as long as the social fit is acceptable. And if a big school in a big city is an unacceptable social fit, then neither of your choices is realistic, since with the 3+2 program, you would have to go to a big school in a big city eventually, if accepted for transfer (and you would risk not being accepted for transfer or finding the “2” school to be unaffordable).</p>
<p>If you’re planning for grad or pro school after your EE degree you’ll have to keep your grades up in any case. Neither of my kids nor most of their friends are into Greek life but all were happy at USC. The engineers have some social opportunities made just for the engineers as well as dedicated internship and job placement. S and meany of his friends got their EE degrees and enjoyed their experience at USC. </p>
<p>If you’ll be in college for an extra year, you need to add that to your cost, a well as factoring in transferring after your JR year. Both of my kids made great friends in college and wouldn’t be happy to transfer after their JR year of college.</p>
<p>I think you maybe very confused in your goals. Undergraduate in Engineering and then law school or business school. Do you know you need to get high GPA for law school? What is the chance that you would get high GPA with engineering.
From what you wrote If I were you I would pick Wesleyan.</p>
<p>Engineering -> law school usually indicates a goal of patent or intellectual property law, although it is possible to go into patent or intellectual property law with an undergraduate degree in science instead of engineering.</p>
<p>Yes, my S is flirting with the idea of going to law school, with his EE degree. He is interested in IP and patent law, but currently has a job with the federal government that he’s not particularly willing to give up to go to law school. He did take the LSAT and GRE, just in case he decides he does want to go to law school; scored well on both.</p>
<p>Thank you for all your comments. I’ve considered most of those points and I understand the tradeoffs pretty well - at least I think I do.</p>
<p>USC is the academic win and Wesleyan is the social win. I just can’t rationalize which is more important for both the short and long runs. I’m leaning towards Wesleyan, but I don’t want to rule USC out just yet…</p>
<p>Does anyone know about grade inflation/deflation at USC and Wesleyan? What about their average GPAs?</p>
<p>IDK. To me, they are all too high. At Columbia, when you come in as a 3-2 student you’ll be housed though the same network for grad students and not with the SEAS undergrads in dorms.</p>
<p>I’ve also know people who were 3-2 engineering until they decided to turn down the “2” part. They returned as seniors and then went to Columbia for an MS for 4-2 engineering.</p>
<p>Consider what the purpose of going to college is. While there are some who view it as a four or five year party, for most (particularly engineering students), the purpose is to do some academic learning.</p>
<p>Consider that if you go to Wesleyan for the social aspects, you will have to transfer away from your friends there to a big school in a big city to finish an engineering degree anyway.</p>
<p>Not if OP does 3-2 at Caltech. Dartmouth has a 2-1-1-1 option where you spend a junior year away and take the fifth year right after the senior year.</p>
<p>3-2 works best for physics major/EE combination.</p>
<p>@ubcalumnus
By social, I mean environment, not necessarily the friends. As in, I generally don’t get too attached to any one thing or any entity, so I don’t suppose leaving that college space or group of friends would be emotionally strenuous, just as leaving my high school is emotional but really, no problem.</p>
<p>I do expect myself to be a little frustrated with living and commuting in NYC, but since its only for 2 years and my eye is on a worthy prize, i.e Columbia education, I expect it to be fine.</p>
<p>My concern is that Wes + Columbia will cost an extra year and has the constant stress of having to meet minimum requirements to move ahead. Since I am intent on pursuing law thereafter, 3+2+3 is a pretty long route and I am not so sure how well I will be able to follow through with such a heavy path!</p>
<p>My chief USC concern is that I won’t really fit in and that there will be too much going on that will intimidate and distract me; versus Wesleyan which appeals as a softer, more comforting, welcoming environment. I’ll need to decide very soon and I just wish something could make the choice a lot easier!</p>
<p>That’s not true about Dartmouth’s Thayer School of Engineering ABET B.E. program, which is exclusively for those with other B.A.'s. Besides that both Dart and Wes are members of the 12 college exchange.</p>
<p>Caltech is difficult, but it has an acknowledged program with Wes.</p>
<p>I’m not really interested in Caltech; frankly I don’t think it’s my fit at ALL! Dartmouth is ok, but since Columbia is guaranteed, I’m pretty much set on that path.</p>
<p>I’m inclined towards USC on the overall, since it saves time and is probably a lot less hectic. On the other hand, I can’t shake the feeling that I would regret skipping Wes since that’s where I see myself fitting in best. The close-knit environment really is especially enticing and the 18k undergrads in LA has the opposite impact as I am claustrophobic. If I get a positive response from the Wes Engineering Liaison I emailed, I’ll settle for Wes, but otherwise I guess I’ll be a Trojan :)</p>