@vaporeonKid “Interesting insight about the NETS program at Penn. I’ve heard from recent students of the program that it’s a lot easier to get into Penn ED with the intention of majoring in NETS/a more niche major than it is to do the same in CS. Is this true?”
I doubt that, but it could be possible. I know a few other NETS students, but they all transferred in after freshman year. As a transfer it is more difficult. It requires a separate application and above average grades, and an interest in CS understanding issues related to networks. When she came to Penn, she applied to SEAS, as a CS major. She was cruising through freshman year and wanted more challenge, She spent a lot of time considering the breadth of the M & T program, vs. the depth of the NETS program, plus a MSE. She decided to go for depth. While it is a niche major, NETS is run by the CS department, and it focuses on the connectivity, internet, information packet flow, and scaling issues of CS with a decent amount of systems engineering and economics mixed in.
In general, NETs coursework is more advanced and the major requires a separate application. Based on the students I have spoken with, when the 2017 Career survey comes out you will see that show up in the salaries for the first time. Employers appear to be figuring out that these kids are useful.
@chembiodad
“the OP isn’t saying that she wants to achieve a BSE and a MSE in CS in four years, nor is that the measuring stick of an advanced student. It’s a great achievement, but it’s also a choice as to one’s path for an advanced student, there are many.”
I understand that. I am just saying that when a student opts for an LAC they close some potential pathways down that remain available for some time at a U. My D’s accomplishment is just an example. There are many many students at Penn who have forged paths using the specialized majors, dual majors, and sub-matriculation and dual enrollment options at Penn. Those paths would never have been available at an LAC.