<p>This is a really interesting post, and it begs the question of what is a major for anyway. A degree in music is probably necessary to be a music teacher, but I’m not sure what else it qualifies you to do. A degree in mechanical engineering, on the other hand, is a professional credential. I’m by no means suggesting that he shouldn’t study music, I just wonder if he’s really thought through all of the ramifications. </p>
<p>I’m a high end EE and have a certain view of what is needed to be a successful engineer. I generally recommend someone do as challenging of a program as they think they can handle. There are schools like WPI and Rose-Hulman that provide a decent, though not exactly world-class, engineering education in a manor that is not as stressful as some of their peers. There are also liberal arts colleges that offer engineering majors, but graduates of these colleges who are actually practicing engineers are not that numerous. These engineering degrees are often “engineering-lite” degrees. That might give him opportunities anyway, but they are not likely to be competitive with graduates of more traditional programs in a tough economy for hard core engineering jobs. </p>
<p>If he wants to be an engineer, I recommend he do as challenging of a program that he can handle. However, you (plural) seemed to have ruled that out and prefer to go the LAC route along with music. I don’t think this route is totally unreasonable but certainly has risks. The 3-2 engineering programs are often talked about, but it’s not that common of a route. I can see it being especially difficult when financial aid is needed, though it may be a better option then getting a graduate degree after a liberal arts education because there is little financial aid for terminal masters programs, and a math major would still have quite of bit of engineering to make up. I would definitely ask the question of 3-2 programs as to whether a financial aid package can be carried to the engineering school at the end of the program, especially for the 5th year. </p>
<p>That said, his GPA is a little on the low side to get into a lot of top engineering programs. The math ACT score is pretty good though for many engineering schools. </p>
<p>It’s possible to get a graduate degree in engineering after a liberal arts education, but at an additional cost with little financial aid for graduate school. This is another thing that you want to think about. </p>
<p>One of the reasons often cited for students to shy away from the 3-2 programs is that the student has become too involved in the community of the LAC to want to leave after 3 years when all of his friends are staying around for senior year. </p>
<p>One solution to this problem is to go to a 3-2 engineering program at a liberal arts college that is in the same general area as the undergraduate. This way the social life isn’t left behind. </p>
<p>Some possibilities
Clark University + WPI - I think he can get in there</p>
<p>Goucher + Johns Hopkins - This might be really good for a music scene. It seems like he can take some engineering courses at Hopkins his sophomore year, which would be really helpful. </p>
<p>Ithaca + Cornell</p>
<p>In each of these cases, the LAC part of the equation is much easier to get into than the engineering part. These could be good options. Ithaca is very well known for it’s music. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>