I was wondering if anyone here could share any of their experiences with CCIE certifcation. I am interested in pursuing this certificate after I graduate from college in order to greatly expand my job opportunities, but I am looking for more information on it. Google searches, for the most part, turn up study guides and prep course materials, neither of which I am interested in at this point. What I am interested in, however, is hearing some of your experiences with this certification. I am trying to determine whether or not this would be a reasonable certification to aim for soon after my graduation.

Let me share a bit of my background information:

I am currently a college freshman en route to obtaining my Bachelors of Science in Computer Science. I am extremely involved with computers, and have years of experience programming, networking, and troubleshooting for both myself and others. I am currently the top student in my class. I am well versed in several programming languages, including C/C++, Java, various scripting languages, and even x86 assembly. I have a very strong understanding of TCP/IP, network protocols, and their underlying workings. I am a good problem solver, and very dedicated to my work. I have been told by my professor that I am currently showing the skills he would expect from a graduating senior, and I am working on several special side projects in order to go above and beyond a normal undergraduate college education. Most importantly, in my opinion, I am incredibly dedicated, and I am willing to spend hours on end each and every day for the next three and a half years studying and learning what it would take to get this certificate.

So, my question to people with experience with this certification - is this a reasonable goal to pursue (CCIE by the time of my graduation or shortly after), or am I aiming way too high too soon?

CCIE by the end of graduation? Thats the granddaddy of all Cisco certs, unless you are talking about another cert. This is a huge goal to set. Work your way through the certifications that Cisco has. Start with the CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate and then work your way up if you want to continue to improve in the area of Cisco knowledge.
This is sometimes refered to as the doctorate of networking. Good luck getting the CCNA done before graduation and then move on. People study for years before taking the CCIE and then if I remember correctly the fail rate is like 80% of first time takers.

From Cisco's site on the CCIE
Written Exams are two-hour, multiple choice, computer-based exams available at authorized testing centers worldwide.
Lab exams are eight-hour, hands on exams that test the ability to configure and troubleshoot equipment and are offered at selected Cisco locations. Check Scheduling links below for more information.