Have you looked at RPI?
If you checked Colgate.edu you would see that Colgate offers a 3:2 with Columbia and other schools.
https://www.colgate.edu/academics/pre-professional-programs/engineering
Best of luck with your college search!
If you really want to do engineering, be careful with 3+2 programs, because:
- Admission to the "2" school may be competitive and therefore uncertain (e.g. Columbia transfer admission for 3+2 transfers is competitive).
- Financial aid at the "2" school may be uncertain (e.g. Columbia does *not* promise to "meet need" for 3+2 transfers, unlike frosh and other transfers).
- Few students entering with 3+2 intent actually transfer to the "2" school for various reasons, probably including the above.
@ucbalumnus is correct. 3+2 programs sound nice but they’re tough to finish sometimes because of finances or grades.
Colgate’s physics program could be a viable option. It probably would prepare you for an engineering career or grad school.
NJIT didn’t tell me anything about financial aid, but I just got the acceptance, so I think financial aid letter will come later.
RPI? I did apply to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, only regular decision.
I might think about Colgate, but if I don’t really get good financial aid, I can’t go. I really can’t afford college without financial aid. Honestly without knowing about the FAFSA and financial aid, I would have gone to a Community College. I looked at private colleges and universities because I might get a better education and aid than at some state colleges and universities. Just ran NPC for Colgate, close to 5K, so I can definitely afford it. I was planning to work full time and study full time (my friends told me it wouldn’t be feasible and that I would be stressed beyond belief). Now I know that if I really want to do good I have to focus more on college and for work I have to start with few hours and climb up (maybe come down to 20 and work up, but that also means I have to go hunting for a job since good private colleges are not in NJ).
NJ math prof here with plenty of experience with first gen students and their challenges. Biggest barrier to success in college for first gen students is financial - many have to work to support themselves, and that cuts into the time they can devote to classes . For a demanding academic program, there will be plenty of homework outside of class and I would not advise any work, if possible, your freshman year.
Did you apply to the NJIT Honors program? As a first gen, Hispanic student with good stats, you have a very good shot a getting a full ride or close to one - with free Honors College dorm. It is a separate application from the regular one. NJIT open house is Nov 17 - you can visit and find out more. For in-state, a smaller engrg program like Rowan or NJIT would be advisable. Be careful with Stevens - I have known students who transferred from there to my university because they ended up with loans they could not afford.
Engineering and CS programs at ABET accredited institutions are quite rigorous, whether private or public. You really want to limit the impact of outside stressors such as finances, so that you can focus on your studies.
Feel free to PM me for more advice, if you wish.
Any engineering program is rigorous. Getting a job during school should be a low priority for now. Work study might be a part of your FA package. You can always work summers or on Christmas break. Also, see if you can win outside scholarships but make sure they’re stackable otherwise your FA could be lowered by that amount.
Yes, I’m hoping for work study. I am a good worker (I think). I don’t know where to start with scholarships though.
Your GC should know about local scholarships. You can also look on the websites of the schools you’re applying to. A lot of them have additional scholarships from donors or departmental scholarships on-top of school scholarships. Using Lehigh as an example.
https://www1.lehigh.edu/financialaid/undergrad/typesofaid/scholarships
CC has a good forum for scholarship info.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/financial-aid-scholarships/
Thanks
Also talk to your Admissions Counselor or Fin Aid department at the schools you’re applying to. Tell them your situation and that you’re looking for additional scholarships or grants. The good ones will assist you or point you in the right direction.
If you are open to other majors at Colgate, it is worth considering. This past year my son received a better financial aid package from Colgate than from Brown and Emory. Yes, some outside scholarships would be great but in my opinion, a good use of your time now is putting the best applications together that you can for the schools that might offer the best financial aid packages.
@firstgencollege For the NJ in-state universities (both public and private), you probably qualify for the EOF program , which gives additional funding and support. I am not sure if you apply for that separately. here’s the link to the EOF program at Rutgers:
https://admissions.rutgers.edu/new-jersey-educational-opportunity-fund-eof
I applied as EOF for Rutgers, waiting for my decision though.
Was going to suggest Alabama as well. DDs BF just got a full ride plus housing to Alabama with 4.2 weighted 3.999 UW, 1460 SAT. Extra cheers for the “decent football team” comment 
Thanks, I’ll apply to Alabama.
Actually, Alabama is not a full ride. It’s full tuition, and you MAY get housing - meaning it’s unaffordable for you even if it’s very generous and sufficient for middle class families.
When it comes to public universities, stick to in-state universities (APPLY TO HONORS ASAP because the application is likely due soon; when it’s by invitation, complete the application if you’re invited; some require you to apply separately so read through the websites). Honors college/scholarships would guarantee a better scholarship package than Alabama in your case.
You want a “meet-need” (private) university that will cover everything without loans.
Run the NPC on Skidmore, Bates, St Olaf, Haverford, Davidson, Hamilton, Grinnell, Macalester, Carleton for strong physics programs - they “meet need” but some may use loans so running the NPC is crucial.
For a freshman, working hours should be about 8-10 hours a week max (preferably only 2nd semester). Sophomore year you may push to 12 hours a week but that’s it. Don’t even think of working 20 hours while planning to major in CS, Physics, or engineering. Remember also that college isn’t just taking classes and doing well in them - you have a lot of other things (activities to build your resume, in particular).
If you are willing to go to the state of Alabama (or Texas), some actual full rides (not just full tuition) are listed in reply #3.