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Cody-
looks like you and I have a lot in common...
I grew up in the Northbay (Sonoma) & started @ UCSC in 2000. I too wanted to be a mechanical engineer, but as you know, it's not offered.
The path I followed, and something I highly recommend, is called the "3/2 Program."
you can try one of these results for more info:
http://www.google.com/search?q=ucsc+3%2F2+program
but basically, the gist of it is:
since UCSC doesn't offer engineering in anything besides electrical & computer science, they've partnered with UC Berkeley to offer kids the chance to pursue these studies.
The end result is a 5 year, dual-degree program (3 @ SC, 2 @ Cal). You pick one B.A. to earn @ UCSC (I picked Environmental Studies), and one engineering degree from UCB (I did Mechanical). The UCB degree CAN'T be electrical or some form of Computer Science and Engineering, as that defeats the whole point of the program.
With my grades coming out of high school I never would have been admitted to Berkeley. But as a 3/2 student, the admission criteria was a lot more attainable.
If it's something you think you'd be interested in I recommend reading up on it right away and getting involved. It's a small program and very fast paced. It's not something you can decide after a year that you want to do. Normally you're supposed to be admitted to UCSC with "3/2" as your declared major, but I personally know at least one person who joined the program during her second semester. There should be a coordinator at UCSC who you'll need to speak with. Support on the Berkeley side is minimal.
I'd be happy to discuss further, off board. If you think you might be interested in seeing the life of a mechanical engineer, I can also arrange to show you around my workplace. I'm work as an Automation Engineer at a plastic injection molding factory in Petaluma. We make 3 million plastic parts per day.
Shoot me an email if you like.
Venus Happ
venus.l.h (at) gmail (dot) com
(Like Shannon DeWolff, I add go by "Mr." because my first name "misleads folks on the WWW")
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