<p>A few comments based on the discussion up to this point:</p>
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<li>Completing an engineering degree requires a serious commitment of time and energy. How serious depends on aptitude, prior preparation, and study skills. However, it is very possible to continue other interests and take complementary studies in the humanities or social sciences seriously. I wouldn’t worry about the double major unless the second credential is important for future plans; the administrative requirements behind a ‘major’ are not always key to developing interest in and understanding of an area.</li>
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<p>I didn’t see whether the engineering program is at a tech school or a broader research university. The latter will offer more complementary opportunities.</p>
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<li><p>The OP mentioned chem, bio, physics but not math. Math is the key. I wouldn’t worry too much about an initial bad experience with physics, but if he is not comfortable gaining intuition and understanding from the mathematical representation/modeling of problems then engineering will not work out well.</p></li>
<li><p>My observation after three years of college is that my classmates who left high school with solid goals and plans are farther along than those (like myself) who were more uncertain. Focus will come (it did for me) but I am concerned about the idea of your son using college to ‘find himself’ if four-year gradation is a must. Engineering is unforgiving of indecision (courses are often sequenced) and med school is unforgiving of poor grades.</p></li>
<li><p>It is possible to get a graduate degree in engineering with a non-engineering bachelors degree. Most of the time, this seems to be a degree in physics or math. Even then, undergrad courses will probably be required to catch up in addition to the graduate requirements. Funding depends on the individual and the program. I would not look at this as equivalent to getting a bachelors in engineering; the MS is more specialized and research-driven.</p></li>
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