I’ve been accepted to three schools (their colleges of Arts and Science): UVA, University of Richmond, and Wake Forest.
Honestly, I think I’d be happy going to any of them, but overall, I think I lean towards UVA. It seems to have the best atmosphere, and it’s also the most prestigious. UVA and Richmond are the same price for me, but I haven’t heard back from Wake Forest financial aid, so if they miraculously give me a free ride, I’ll probably go there regardless.
The problem is, I’m not exactly sure what I want to major in–which, I’ve been okay with. I’ve been leaning towards economics or statistics or foreign affairs, something like that. Except now, I’ve been thinking maybe I want to do engineering–but I’m not entirely sure. I don’t know how much of it is a passing interest of mine, or whether I would really enjoy it. Plus, an engineering degree could be lucrative.
The thing is, although UVA has an engineering school, I’ve heard the experience there kind of sucks. The actual classes are far from the rest of UVA, and E-students are really secluded from the Arts+Science students. And I’d also have to transfer into their E-school, and I’d be kind of committed once I transferred–so if it is a passing interest, I’d be screwed. Plus, if I do want to go into engineering, I think I might want to do petroleum–which isn’t offered at UVA. Then again, I don’t know, it’s just a thought.
The other schools don’t have engineering programs, but they do have dual degree programs, where you get a bachelors of physics there (either 3 or 4 years) and then get an engineering degree at a different school (either bachelors or masters, depending on the program). This would be great because I’d have 3 or 4 years to figure out if I do want to do engineering and I’d be able to get petroleum degree if I want to. I’d also be able to have the liberal arts experience while taking the physics (engineering prerequisite) classes. Who knows, I could even double major in physics and economics before going off to get an engineering degree?
So, the problem is, if I end up not liking engineering, UVA has a better program for other majors (like economics), but if I decide to do engineering, the smaller schools are better.
So, do you think I’m better off just going to either Wake or Richmond? I’m just afraid that I’ll decide I hate engineering and I want to do economics, and then I’ll have screwed myself over by not going to UVA. But I’m also afraid that if I go to UVA, I’ll want to do engineering, but I’ll make myself miserable by locking myself into their E-school–and I wont get the petroleum degree that I want.
I’d very much appreciate insight and advice! It’s kind of a complex situation, so hopefully I made it clear. If you don’t understand, just ask. Thanks in advance!