re # 48, You’d want some references before you accept that you would be “nurtured” at Mudd. IMO.
Re #46 I see no reason why an engineering student at either Cornell Or Mudd would need extra time.
That is not often the case at Cornell.
Cornell engineering students do not declare a major till second semester sophomore year. There are sophomore year electives that may be prerequisites for future courses in a major, but presumably you would be taking the ones that would help you decide.
IIRC Mudd only offers a general “engineering” major.
Re #45, be aware that, at least back when I was in school, Chem E was considered among the toughest engineering majors.