Anonymous wrote:DS is interested in studying engineering at mid sized schools where students are studying a variety of interests (including liberal arts) and he could perhaps minor in something outside engineering. He wants a collaborative environment with a social life not focused on fraternities/drinking. Would Carnegie Mellon or case western be good fits? He's also looking at Tufts and University of Rochester. Brown would also be great, but a super high reach.
Haven't you posted this before? If he doesn't want a social life focused on fraternities and "drinking' than he doesn't need to join or go to parties. The majority don't. My son is at a Top Engineering school in a fraternity, pledged last fall, and doesn't drink. Go figure! He also can take many electives, if he chooses, that are non-engineering and they can be whatever he wants...business, humanities...whatever and minor in that if that's what his heart desires. Lastly, schools focused on Engineering are all collaborative. They generally consist of students with a common intellect all working on a common goal which a mutual understanding of the difficulty of the curriculum which generally helps breed a strong supportive vibe among the student body.