The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Date: Sep 12 2012
Major: Mechanical Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
This is an easy university to be accepted into, but very difficult to stay in. The course work is demanding, you need to know what you're doing, you cannot simple skate through. You are expected to put forth effort, skipping class won't get you far (trust me haha). If you're looking for a challenge, this is your school. You can become involved in any organization, the students are very friendly and will gladly accept you and put you to work as a member of the team. If you want to learn blacksmithing, take a Saturday, visit the black smith club and learn it. Rock climbing? The group will take you out for free and teach you the ropes (no pun intended). Want to design video games? There's a group for that. Volunteer? There's a group for that. You can do anything, don't be shy! Everyone is very friendly and supportive. The work load is HEAVY, don't overload yourself, do your homework, don't fall behind. I got a job at a research lab on campus as a freshman learning to use a friction stir welder (only 4 colleges in the country have this) It's cutting edge research, NASA and Boeing, the Air Force, they are all interested in this, you have the opportunity to learn these machines and get ahead of the game. The professors will help you, they are very nice, show them you want to succeed and they will help you, I have the cell phone numbers of 3 professors, if I need help or advice, they are there. Downsides, lots of homework, difficult tests, but you can bet your bottom dollar you'll know your stuff when you graduate. Low guy to girl ratio, men outnumber woman 3 to 1. The athletics program isn't that great, but it's still fun to go to the games and support your school! Get involved, you'll come to love it.