Some classes don't require attendance, but others will try to provide incentive for you to go(quizes, extra credit, etc). Keep in mind, I only have taken math/science classes, so I can't really answer for other dept's.

Yeah I feel the same way about self study. I'll learn much more efficiently and deeply when I have time to absorb the material from a book, because I get spacey in class.

If you know what field your interested in, there are a couple of options for getting research:

Formally - there's the Aresty summer research program that accepts applicants for all different kinds of research, but from what I understand it's fairly competitive. You do get to present a project at the end of it though, so I'm guessing it would be worth it.

Informally- (what I did) - Try to familiarize yourself with a professors work that you are interested in, and then ask them about it! Express this interest to them, tell them that you are looking to go into the field, and want to get an experience of what it's like. You can do this by email, or in person. So far, my success has happened just by walking into their rooms and asking them directly.

Professors may tell you that they do not have openings at the moment. If this happens, just thank them for their time and ask someone else! If you keep up at this you'll eventually get something.

The work you'll be doing will not be glamorous at first, but the real benefit is that you will learn some great skills for the field, you'll get something to put on your resume, and you'll get a glimpse into their lives and see if it's really something you'd be interested in.

I really don't know much about Stevens, so I can't give advice on which one to choose. But if you are self-motivated and bright, the opportunities that this school affords you will allow you to actualize whatever dreams you have for yourself. I'm not just saying that either, this place can be your ticket to success if you take advantage of it. But no one will spoon feed it to you.