What Should I Do About My Undergrad Dilemma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a student's dilemma regarding college admissions and choices for undergraduate studies in physics or engineering. The scope includes considerations of school reputation, transfer options, and program structures, particularly the 3-2 engineering program.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses disappointment over college admissions results, having only been accepted to Rutgers and the University of Richmond, while being waitlisted at BU and NYU.
  • Some participants suggest that if the student wants to pursue engineering, Rutgers is the only viable option currently available.
  • Concerns are raised about California state schools facing budget cuts, which may impact the decision to consider schools like Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Harvey Mudd, or Pomona.
  • The student questions the reputation of the University of Richmond in producing successful physics graduates and the value of its 3-2 engineering program in comparison to traditional four-year programs.
  • There is uncertainty about the adequacy of a 3-2 engineering program regarding the breadth of knowledge compared to a full four-year degree.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best path forward for the student, as there are multiple competing views regarding the value of different schools and programs.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific data on the success rates of graduates from the University of Richmond in physics and the varying perceptions of the 3-2 engineering program's effectiveness.

Who May Find This Useful

Students navigating college admissions, particularly those interested in physics or engineering, and individuals considering transfer options or program structures in STEM fields.

member 178484
So college admissions decisions week has come and passed, and it left a pool of disappointment. I wasn't admitted to my first five choices, and only got into my safety, Rutgers, and into University of Richmond (a LAC in Richmond, Va). I was, however, waitlisted at BU and NYU. I'm a bit torn though because I was always fairly sure I wanted to go into physics, but recently I've been second guessing myself and now I feel like engineering (Biomed or Aerospace) might be the better option. I know URich doesn't have eng, but I really didn't like Rutgers when I visited. What should I do?

I'm also VERY open to transferring, even though I've always had reservations about it. If I were to transfer it'd be to any of UVa, William & Mary, Vanderbilt, or possibly a Cali school such as Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Harvey Mudd, or Pomona
 
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At this point if you want to do engineering you only have one choice: Rutgers. You could wait and see how BU and NYU shake out if you want.
 
amill311 said:
or possibly a Cali school such as Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, Harvey Mudd, or Pomona

Keep in mind that California's state schools are undergoing severe budget cuts right now, because of the state's financial crisis.
 
@ fss: I am not entirely sure if i want to, i just figured i would consider it as an option

@ jtbell: that's a good point, ill probably just save those for grad school then

However I mostly was wondering if anyone had an opinions on URichmond as a school. Is it known for producing physics grads that tend to do well in grad school and beyond? And also, they have a 3-2 engineering program there, and it is with either of Columbia or UVa, they offer it with both. Is a 3-2 engineering program worth it, or do grad schools/employers see those as insufficient in terms of the breadth of knowledge one would acquire in only 3 and 2 years compared to the full 4?
 

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