Major in engineering or not is the question for Duke University

decide to major engineeering

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1584367451760{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Duke is known as the most prestigious private university in the South, with academic programs to rival those of Stanford and the Ivy League colleges. Founded in 1838 as the Union Institute (later Trinity College), the university got its current name from the Duke Endowment, whose funds came from tobacco farming. As with any college, however, it is important to look beyond the “brand name” to determine if this college is a great fit. 

Here are a few quick facts about Duke:

duke sprawling campus
Duke has a sprawling campus

4-year Graduation rate: N/A

6-year Graduation rate: 95%

Acceptance: 10% 

Freshman retention: 97%

Freshmen out of state: 88%

Most popular majors: Economics, psychology

Housing:

Students must live on campus for three years. Freshmen live on East Campus in a faculty-led dorm. With its Gothic-inspired architecture, students often compare the accommodations to living at Hogwart’s (get psyched Harry Potter fans!). Sophomores live on West Campus, which includes special-interest dorms. Students may move off-campus as seniors, but many students report that the apartments off-campus “vary in quality.”

Academics: 

There are about 6,700 undergrads on this sprawling, woodsy campus. The academics are flexible, interdisciplinary, and emphasize hands-on learning. 

The key question for every college-bound teen interested in applying to Duke is, “Do you want to be an engineer or not?” Undergraduates at Duke choose one of two schools, either the Pratt School of Engineering or Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Duke’s engineering programs, especially electrical and biomedical, are some of the top in the country. Aspiring public servants and future leaders of nonprofit organizations, government agencies, may want to apply for Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy, which has tons of internships and apprenticeships. 

Similar colleges to consider: 

Cornell, Dartmouth, Stanford, University of Chicago 

Social: 

One of Duke’s crowning achievements is that it combines a strong reputation in athletics and academics. Greek life plays a big role, attracting 29% to fraternities and 42% to sororities. If you are concerned about the role of Greek life, definitely ask about its influence during your campus visit. 

Durham has a reputation as a foodie haven, and in keeping with that tradition, Duke offers the most lavish dining options of any college campus. Off-campus restaurants, many of which deliver, are also linked to the Duke meal plan.

Two noteworthy opportunities at Duke . . . DukeEngage has a $30 million endowment to support students willing to spend summers working on service projects and nearly a quarter of all undergrads participate in the program. Duke generously provides between $5,000-$15,000 to admitted students for an approved gap year program before students begin freshman year. (Kudos for this program because some teens just aren’t ready to go to college right away, especially after rigorous high school experience. And you know what? That’s OK!) 

Financial: 

Duke is need-blind, which means that students are admitted, regardless of financial need. Duke meets 100 percent of demonstrated need. Loans are capped at $5K and 67% of students graduate with no loans.  Merit scholarships are offered by the university as well, including the Rubenstein Scholars Program for high-achieving, first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds. The average cost of attendance is $74,000 and over half do not pay the full cost.

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Vanderbilt beyond beautiful campus: A great fit for engineering, research, community, study abroad and foodies

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University, the smallest and only private college in SEC conference, offers 68 undergraduate majors across four schools and colleges: the College of Arts and Science, School of Engineering, Peabody School of Education and Human Development, and Blair School of Music. Students apply to a school. Each school is special in its own way and worth highlighting further. Students in the College of Arts and Science can design their own major. There are 8 tracks in the School of Engineering and students choose 3 of those tracks in which to take courses during their freshman year. The Organization Development major in the Peabody School requires an off-campus internship either in 2nd semester junior year or first semester of senior year. Since the Blair School only has an undergraduate program and is NOT a conservatory, students earn their degree through another school.

Prospective students usually fall in love with the Vanderbilt campus. Its park-like campus is located in the heart of Midtown, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and cultural destinations. There are, in fact, over 80 restaurants within walking distance of the campus. (Foodies beware!) On the main campus, art and sculptures dot the landscape and architectural styles range from Gothic to modern glass and brick.

Vanderbilt University

Don’t let the beautiful campus fool you, though. . . .Vanderbilt is still one of the most selective colleges in the US. Check out their acceptance rate and these additional quick facts about Vanderbilt:

Acceptance: 8.8%

Freshmen from out of state: 89%

Most popular majors: social sciences, engineering, interdisciplinary studies (No wonder with the flexibility students have to double-major across schools.)

Housing: 86% of undergraduates live in the dorms. All freshman live together which can be a plus for meeting new friends and building a tighter class community.

4-year Graduation rate: 84%

Academics: Vanderbilt’s study abroad program attracts 35 percent of students and offers the chance to spend a summer, a semester, or a year on one of six continents through 130 programs. There’s even a May-mester option to study abroad, so no excuse for students not to take advantage of this amazing opportunity. An interdisciplinary approach to learning is embraced and undergrads are encouraged to take classes across all four schools. From their first year, undergraduates can get involved with cutting-edge research with world-renowned faculty and participate in internships. Keep in mind, though, Vanderbilt does not offer a “co-op” program.

Social: Vanderbilt students have remarked that “Nashville is so much fun,” and “The list of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and live music venues is endless.” In addition to the 500+ student clubs, over half of undergraduate women participate in sororities and 30% of the guys. Although many Greek parties are open to the entire campus, the strong participation in Greek life may suggest that Vanderbilt is not be the best fit if a teen is not interested in Greek life.

Vanderbilt has a long tradition of community service, starting an “alternative spring break” as far back as the 70s. Today, an impressive 75% of students participate in community service.

Financial: Vanderbilt offers university grants and need-based financial aid, with 100% of need fully met.  Their financial packages do not include loans (hooray!). Thus, Vanderbilt’s offers include only gift monies and a small amount of expected student employment.

What do you think of Vanderbilt? What about this college is a good fit? Please post your comments below.

Union College has interdisciplinary studies, engineering and unique study abroad options

union campus engineering

Union College is known for its interdisciplinary studies and study abroad programs. To emphasize creativity in its engineering programs, Union supports STEAM (with arts). During my visit there, I was most impressed with the high rate of graduation for women in the sciences and engineering. Union has a rather unique program in Siberian Russia which combines Russian studies and environmental studies. Building on a strong sense of community, all faculty, staff, and students are assigned to a “house” which is a space for them with seminar room, programming and community. (Upperclassmen can live in the house.)

Here are a few quick facts about Union College:
Union College

Acceptance: 38%

Freshmen from out of state: 75%

Most popular majors: economics, biology, psychology

Housing: Guaranteed housing freshman year

4-year Graduation rate: 80%

Academics:  “Union has outstanding academics.” says a freshman. Union operates on a trimester system, which means thrice-a-year exams and a late start to summer jobs—but also the opportunity to concentrate on just three courses a term. The common curriculum has modern language requirements and 5 writing across curriculum courses within the 7 distribution areas. Engineering majors must declare by the end of freshman year – bio-, mechanical, electrical, or computer. Union also provides wonderful opportunities for students to study abroad. One program allows students to study for a term in Siberia, Russia, delving into Russian and environmental studies. The professors here at Union are simply wonderful.” says another student. Students can expect to see full professors at the lecterns rather than TAs. 

Social:  “The majority of social life is on campus,” says a student. Campus events also include comedians, concerts, and speakers. What Schenectady lacks can be found in Saratoga Springs, which boasts restaurants, jazz clubs, horse racing, and Skidmore College, or in the nearby Adirondacks and Catskills. Popular road trips include Boston, Montreal, New York, and the ski slopes of nearby Vermont. Union’s athletic teams compete in Division III, aside from men’s and women’s ice hockey, both of which are Division I. 

Financial: Although the tuition and fees are approximately $62,274, Union College offers grants and need-based financial aid, with the average need-based scholarship of $32,000. 100% of need is fully met, although the Union is need-aware. Union does not combine merit and need-based aid.

What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

Why Johns Hopkins isn’t just for pre-meds, anymore

Motto: “The truth shall set you free” (Veritas vos liberabit)

The first research university in America, Johns Hopkins prides itself on motivation, collaboration, and a restless intellectual vitality. The main campus is nicely situated in a Baltimore neighborhood but balances the city-feel with numerous quads and classic-style buildings. and clear parameters. During my recent visit, I was impressed with the way the university had transformed its campus into more communal spaces where students could work collaboratively. What a way to build a strong community!

Here are a few quick facts about Johns Hopkins every applicant must know:

Acceptance: 11.5% (close to 50/50 ratio men to women)

Freshmen from out of state: 88%

Most popular majors: public health studies, international studies, biomedical engineering

Housing: Freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus

4-year Graduation rate: 82%

IMG_3990
Johns Hopkins Homewood campus is in Baltimore with easy access to all the city has to offer.

Academics: Although its had a strong pre-med reputation for years, Johns Hopkins is actually more diverse than you may realize.  A diverse curriculum through nine divisions, curious students, and passionate teachers create Johns Hopkins’ unique educational experience. And a 2-week intersession during January keeps the learning fun and unique!

Social: Students are provided with a whole host of social outlets on and off campus. Over 350 clubs and organizations keep students active throughout the year, but the annual Spring Fair gets the school ecstatic and draws the local community in as well. With being in Baltimore there are also many ways that students can get involved in community service. . . .free public transportation helps too!

Financial: Johns Hopkins offers need-based financial aid and grants. 100% of need is fully met. Although the tuition and fees are $66,197, the average financial aid package is $37,931. 69% of students receive scholarships.
What do you think about this college? What else would you like to learn about it? Please post your comments below.

 

 

College of the Week: Syracuse University

What is Syracuse University?

Syracuse is a big campus, with numerous majors in the classroom and big spirit among its Division 1 athletic teams. Choices abound at Syracuse for the student seeking a diverse educational experience. Students have a range of options for majors, residential life, internships, and study abroad programs. There are even 6 fitness centers on campus!

Graduation rate: 82.3%

Enrollment: 14,700 undergrads; 6,100 grads

Academics: Syracuse is a major research university defined by its interdisciplinary theme of Scholarship in Action. Students can major in any one of nine undergraduate colleges. The most popular majors are commercial/advertising art, business administration/marketing, radio/television. At Syracuse, 87% of faculty hold a PhD or highest degree in their field.

Syracuse University Academic Calendar

Social: There are over 300 clubs/organizations on campus and 25% of students participate in Greek life.

Financial: Tuition and fees are $55,600 with about 75% of students receiving scholarships.

Check out these campus photos of our visit to Syracuse:

 

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