For context, I’m currently a junior with great academic stats and below average extracurriculars. I’m looking to go to a top UC (UCLA, UCB) or a top 30 private. Right now I’m torn between majoring in business or engineering. I’m pretty interested to major in engineering, but I don’t really want to spend 4 more years in an ultra competitive atmosphere.
So, I got into John Hopkins Engineering Innovation (maybe on financial aid) and I’m not sure if I should go. I don’t really have a backup summer activity apart from working. Would this program even help if I were to apply for business major? What summer activities should I look into for business?
“…but I don’t really want to spend 4 more years in an ultra competitive atmosphere.”
Then don’t go to UCLA/UCB, nor to any top 30 school!
Competition there, is more fierce than anything you experienced in HS.
I think it is more important that you choose between engineering and business. This way, if you hate it, you’ll know in advance, and if nor, then you’ll know what to major in. Accepting entry into this program doesn’t commit you to anything, unlike starting off your first semester in a certain area of study once you get to college. If it doesn’t cost you too much, I would recommend just doing it.
I do understand that college is not going to easy, nor do I want it to be. However, I wish to choose a major that would allow me to have enough time to enjoy the college experience. I just don’t want to look back at college and only see myself cramming for tests and fighting for the highest gpa.
That would be my main motive to going. However, that would leave me with no business-related extracurricular if I choose to go that path.
@Loriush123 You already said you don’t want a competitive atmosphere. Maybe a top 30 school isn’t for you. There are tons of public schools with top notch programs in certain areas and much more casual atmospheres. In those schools, GPA and test scores are much bigger factors, and a lack of spectacular EC’s won’t make too much difference.
You sound burned out. You’ve already done the hard work of getting great grades.
Maybe this summer, be a kid! Do something fun! You’ll be an adult for a loooonnnng time.
This is the same advice I’m giving my own DD, by the way. She has super grades also, and feels like she should always be pushing to “look good” to colleges. At this point, we’re telling her to not forget to enjoy this last part of her childhood.
Happiness is also important. There are many ways to measure success.
If you’re considering engineering, doing an engineering summer program is an excellent way to help decide if you want to major in it. It would be time well spent, even if you decide to major in business instead.
I’m going through the same decision right now! If you can afford it financially, I say go for engineering innovation and if you dislike it then you know you want to major in business! Have you applied to any business programs?
You might enjoy a program that is a combination of business and engineering like this one: http://met.berkeley.edu/
or
if you go straight business maybe a management technology program like these: https://www.tmp.ucsb.edu/
https://www.soe.ucsc.edu/departments/technology-management
Go to the summer program if you think you will enjoy it or learn from it, not for an admissions boost.