Welcome to Purdue: Answering Frequently Asked Questions From Prospective Students
What are the benefits of First-Year Engineering?
Purdue’s first-year engineering program (known as the FYE program) means that all first-year engineering students take similar core curriculum classes to one another regardless of intended major. There are first-year engineering classes as well taken by all FYE students, which can be completed in three ways: the traditional route of ENGR 131 and ENGR 132, the EPICS/VIP route of ENGR 133, or the honors program route of ENGR 161 and 162. Most students take the ENGR 131 and 132 route, and more information can be found on the differences between these options in this past blog here. A part of taking these classes is attending “Engineering Your Major” events, in which students learn about different engineering majors offered at Purdue. The FYE program allows students the opportunity to ease into college life and also gives them more time and resources to decide on which engineering major they want to pursue. For me, the FYE program showed me that my first-choice major was the right fit for me and did fit my interests, while other people I know found out through this program that they actually preferred another engineering major to their initial choice.
What are the class sizes like in engineering?
The College of Engineering has a student-to-faculty ratio of roughly 23:1 with class sizes averaging around 45 students, which is impacted by factors such as course level and major. As an FYE student, your core classes will have a lecture section (that could have up to 400 students) along with a smaller recitation and/or lab section with a smaller group of 20-30 students. In recitation, a teaching assistant will review class material as well as answer questions. Once you begin major specific courses, class sizes will vary based on major but will decrease in size the deeper you get into your major.
How do I join the Women in Engineering program?
The answer to this question is simple: once you are admitted to Purdue and accept your offer, you are automatically a part of the Women in Engineering program! All of the perks of the Women in Engineering program are thus available to you, from the free tutoring offered as well as the mentoring program. The learning community, which is sponsored by the Women in Engineering program, on the other hand, you must apply online by the priority deadline to join. More information can be found about that online here.
How does the honors program for engineering students differ from the traditional route?
The honors program, known as the Goss Scholars Program, is the honors version of the FYE program. This program takes the FYE learning initiatives a step further with team projects that incorporate more programming and robotics opportunities in comparison to the other routes. There are also peer mentors for this program. Students can become a part of this in two ways, either by applying and being directly admitted to the John Martinson Honors College when admitted into Purdue, or by applying directly once admitted to Purdue.
What kind of computer should I get?
This question is a common one with admitted students, and is usually followed by “Mac or PC?” The answer is both are fine, but Mac users should note that there is some software that may not be compatible with your computer. That being said, if you are looking to purchase a new computer, I recommend getting a PC, specifically a Windows device. I personally have a Surface Book 3, and it has not led me astray. More information on hardware and software guidelines can be found HERE (insert link).
What is Boiler Gold Rush? Should I participate?
Boiler Gold Rush is new student orientation at Purdue, in which new students have the opportunity to move in early and learn about campus and its resources. Students are randomly placed in groups of 15-20 students with a current student (known as a Team Leader) based on residence halls and spend over four days with their groups. I think that everyone should do Boiler Gold Rush, as I made several friends from my time in Boiler Gold Rush and wouldn’t have been as nearly as comfortable with campus if I hadn’t done it. My advice is to take advantage of all Boiler Gold Rush has to offer and embrace the experience as much as you can. There is also a Boiler Gold Rush for spring starts called Boiler Cold Rush.
As an engineering student, do you have free time?
As long as you know how to manage your time, you will have plenty of free time as an engineering student. Engineering students are some of the most involved people on campus, and a lot of campus leaders are engineering students. There are over 1000 organizations students can join, from Greek Life to club sports to professional organizations. There is never a shortage of things to do on and off campus, from Purdue sports to exploring the historic downtown Lafayette.
Hopefully this answered at least one or two questions for you! If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to us on Instagram, Facebook or email us at welink@purdue.edu.
Emily Helmuth, Civil Engineering
WE Link Leadership Team
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