The appeal of becoming an engineer does not seem to be different for women than for men. Almost half of both male and female undergraduates report having first considered ECE in high school. The Journal of College Student Development recommends that female students should not be pushed toward engineering purely because of an interest in math or science but rather an interest in machines, technology and the physical environment. Vargas cites a fear of competition that deters some women. Neither the ECE Undergraduate nor Graduate Office considers gender when reviewing applicants, instead they choose students based on straight-line requirements.
Female students make up for being in the minority by excelling.
These discrepancies between the sexes suggest that the college experience is quite different for women than men in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Redfield believes that the gender gap has enhanced her ECE education. I have a minority fellowship this year and my funding opportunities are definitely greater. I think that the gender gap has both positive and negative effects on a woman's career. Several of the women report sensing some type of passive discrimination from their peers or TA's.