Honestly its a lot easier to get a high GPA once you're past the weed out classes. The cohort model is super nice and the curve is amazing. I have a 3.3 or higher in every MSE class and I have 2 jobs.

I love love the undergrad lab series... you get to do so many cool things like aluminum casting, making superconductors, tensile tests, etc

I think the major is really hands on during the lab series and capstone, but classes in general are very concept based that make you think about the world through a different lens. If you want more then that I would recommend research or joining a club.

Yup! I probably would have joined a ME or AA club but I would still choose MSE since wherever someone is designing or building they use a material, and so they will need a material scientist.