<p>I am 2016 ED with an intended double major in Computer Science and Cognitive Science. Transferring out of Pratt. Ask me (almost) anything!</p>
<p>I have learned a lot about myself during my first semester. Hopefully I will learn more from answering great questions!</p>
<p>No questions… lots of views.</p>
<p>I guess I can give you one! Why do you want to transfer out if Pratt? I was accepted to trinity (planning on majoring in microbiology) but am also very interested in biomedical engineering. Do many people transfer to Pratt after their first year?</p>
<p>@Guuber: I am also class of 2016 and interested in majoring in Compsci/Neuro. There are probably not too many of us</p>
<p>I should specify.</p>
<p>I realized that I enjoyed the more abstract concepts that we covered in CS 201 (Data Structures and Algorithms) over the very practical, formulaic approach to problems that I saw in the intro engineering course.</p>
<p>While engineering is more than using Matlab and fitting equations to data, I was worried that I wouldn’t get the chance to try some truly abstract thinking and challenge myself to think in NEW ways if I didn’t explore topics like computer science and discrete math.</p>
<p>I came to Pratt because I wanted to study BME. I romanticized surgery and wanted to work on developing technologies like the Da Vinci Surgical System. However, I also like writing, psychology, and the idea of studying science in a humanities environment. I may end up getting a minor in ECE, but for the time being I need to explore other areas rather than continuing in the linear engineering path.</p>
<p>There is much more to be said about how all this works, so please ask questions!</p>
<p>CS/Neuro is a potent combo. Unfortunately, I don’t know exactly how the Neuro side will pan out. I am currently starting work in the Brannon Lab, which focuses on numerical cognition in infants/humans. The lab opportunity will most likely help me figure out whether I really like psychology with an analytical emphasis. I certainly wouldn’t want to do straight Psychology, and I would be uncomfortable studying CS without any real outlet in the humanities for the skills.</p>
<p>I should also state that Pratt is an excellent environment for those who want to pursue biomedical engineering. I personally believe that strong students in science/math should consider looking into the more “pure” tracks available to them. Duke Math is very serious and was quite challenging for me, considering I came from HS Math and mechanical calculus courses to a world where theory is emphasized.</p>
<p>Ingrid Daubechies is a recent hire and has proven to be an incredible addition to the math department. She represents Duke math in the sense that there is no “gentlemen’s B” to be had. Midterms from her, at least, are very difficult. She grades fairly, but she hails from her last position at Princeton and brings with her a high level of performance expectations which seem to further Duke’s solid math program.</p>
<p>This digression into Duke math is a bit tangential, but should certainly be exciting for new students ready for a great education.</p>
<p>You may not know this, but can you tell me how “strong” dukes microbiology program, or biology program in general is? I know dr. Leftowitz won the Nobel prize in chemistry this year. And reading further into his research it seemed like his research was basically microbiology (disciplines get blurred at advanced levels I know). With award winning faculty and lots of good research opportunities in the field if biology, I’ve always thought that biology was one of Duke’s strongest fields. Just wondering what your opinions on dukes biology field are, either from your own experience or your friends’</p>
<p>CaptnKirk: Unless you are looking for some hardcore plant biology or something along those line, you may want to also broaden your search into biomedical sciences and the departments in the school of medicine if you are looking for research opportunities.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice! I’m definitely looking to go into more of a biomedical approach, do I will definitely take a look into that!</p>
<p>CaptnKirk: I would recommend that you take as “pure” a track as possible. Studying the current state of affairs in microbiology would probably not prepare you as well to innovate in the future as studying fundamentals in physics/chemistry/math first.</p>
<p>I know its hard not to want to dive into the fun stuff early on, but don’t cut yourself short by going into a very specific program at the cost of learning fundamentals.</p>