Minors in Electrical Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of pursuing minors in Physics and Mathematics alongside a major in Electrical Engineering. Participants explore the implications of these academic choices on GPA, job prospects, and graduate school applications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the potential impact of taking on two minors on their GPA, which is currently very high (3.97), and questions whether the minors would be worth the extra effort.
  • Another participant suggests that GPA is likely more important than having minors, indicating a belief that academic performance should take precedence.
  • A different viewpoint proposes that pursuing a double major might be more beneficial than obtaining two minors, as it could be perceived as more appealing to future employers or graduate programs.
  • One participant with experience on a graduate selection committee notes that factors such as GRE scores, undergraduate institution, and research experience are prioritized over minors or double majors.
  • Some graduates suggest that broadening knowledge within Electrical Engineering may be more valuable than pursuing minors, indicating a preference for depth over breadth in education.
  • A participant mentions their own situation, where they anticipate having a lower overall GPA (3.5) but hopes that a double major will compensate for it when applying to graduate schools.
  • Another participant provides details about the specific math courses being taken, which include Differential Equations with Applications and Applied Linear Algebra, both at an advanced level.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether pursuing minors is more beneficial than maintaining a high GPA or whether a double major is preferable. Multiple competing views remain regarding the value of minors versus GPA and the overall approach to academic credentials.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of consensus on the importance of minors versus GPA, and the discussion does not resolve the varying opinions on the best academic strategy for graduate school applications.

pete5383
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Hey everyone. I'm a sophomore in Electrical Engineering, and with the deadline coming up for dropping/adding classes, I was hoping I could get your opinions on some things. I love EE, and I'm loving it more now that I'm getting farther into it. And somehow, my schedule works out such that I will be able to take 1-2 extra classes a semester. So my first thought was to double minor in Physics and Math, so I took three math classes this semester. But now I'm reconsidering...my schedule is pretty tough, and two of the math classes I'm taking are 4000 level classes. I plan on attending grad school after I'm done with my undergrad, so I'm wondering: how much of a difference will minors make when I'm looking for a job/applying to grad school? I feel that if I get the two minors, they might cause my GPA to slip (not to brag, but I'm at a 3.97 now). I'm currently looking for an internship as well. So my question is, what is better; minors, or a good GPA? And are the minors really going to be worth the extra effort? Thank you!
 
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I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that everyone in here is going to say that your GPA is more important.
Just curious, what are the math courses?
 
Well, instead of two minors, I would pick up another major, but that may just be me. Two majors, to me, have more appeal than two minors.
 
Having served on a graduate selection committee, I'd say that GRE scores, school of undergrad attendance, GPA (both overall and major), and research experience were factored in... before ever looking at double majors or minors.
 
Grads that I have talked to, some of which went on to grad school, seem to agree that it’s better to broaden your knowledge of EE rather then waste (their word, not mine) your time on other minors.
 
When I graduate and begin applying for grad schools I will only have a 3.5 overall GPA (and higher for my major GPA) and am hoping my double major will make up for my lack luster GPA.
 
The math classes I was taking were Differential Equations with Applications, and Applied Linear Algebra. Both would be my second course in each of those subjects.
 

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