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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]DS is a junior, not sure what he wants to do yet. Possible interests have been business and IR, but now he's realizing he may want to explore engineering. He likes and is good in math and sciences, likes building things too. We have been targeting liberal arts colleges for him, both because the smaller size would suit him well, and also to allow some time for exploration before declaring a major. Most of these schools have some type of path for engineering, such as a 3-2 program, or a pre-engineering advisor, and some say that students major in a field like physics then apply to a master's program in engineering.

Does anyone have experience with engineering or pre-engineering at a liberal arts college?

And yes, I'm aware that there are more traditional engineering programs, but DS is just starting to explore this. He's not going to be in a position to lock in and apply to an engineering program in less than a year. We just want it as a viable option in college. [/quote]

They are viable but they do involve compromises that I think hold a lot of kids back when it comes to actually doing them.

Completing the prereqs for engineering school requires a more structured environment while LACs are exploration centric.
Does a kid want to leave their friends and graduate somewhere else after 3 years?
Dos a kid want to go an extra year?
Do parents want to shoulder the cost of a 5th year?

I like them but one needs to be sure. I think that a safer path for many are LACs like Lafayette, Union, Bucknell which have engineering. They aren't in the very top tier but they are quite selective and great schools overall. Another option is small R1s like Rochester and Tufts. Rochester is very flexible and very strong for engineering.[/quote]

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