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Weak in math but dream of becoming an aerospace engineer - where do I start??

I’m currently an AS Level student who wants to pursue aerospace engineering. I never took math seriously until I realized this year that I wanted to enter the field. Since then, I’ve started learning everything I can that’s relevant — reading books on aerospace engineering (such as Introduction to Flight), studying essential programming languages (MATLAB, Python, C++), and experimenting with Arduino projects. I’m doing well in my other STEM subjects (Physics, Biology, and Chemistry), but my weak foundation in mathematics has been a constant concern. I understand that aerospace engineering involves a lot of advanced math, and I want to strengthen this area to prepare for the future.

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Nefeli’s Answer

Hello Gilberto! Maths is for sure an essential part of engineering, especially aerospace engineering which involves a lot of aerodynamics, orbital mechanics, structural dynamics etc. So it's very good that you are planning ahead and trying to improve in this area. Starting late is not always a bad thing, and I believe you still have time to fill in your gaps and improve. I don't know exactly what your university entry exams are like, but I imagine being good at the other STEM subjects will also give you a good advantage. That being said, you can still work on improving your math level as much as you can. I think a lot of people believe they are "bad" in something simply because they have not spent enough time practicing it, or are easily discouraged.
Ask your teachers for extra material. Study solved exercises, but try to solve them on your own and only look at the solution after you have tried on your own. Study old exam material. Revise often. Try to look on the overall image of what is going on in an exercise. At every point in theory that you study, try to really understand what is going on, not just memorize formulas and theorems.
For example, when your theory says that "if f'(x) > 0 then f(x) is increasing", why is this true? (I'm just using this as an example). Looking at the proofs of theorems also helps, since it gets your mind in the mathematical logic.
In the end, if you make it through the exams, it means you have what it takes to study aerospace engineering! From my personal experience (I'm an Electrical and Computer Engineer), engineering math is more practical. That means, of course it will need studying and effort, but they will not ask you to prove some very difficult theorem in very advanced theoretical maths. It will be things that you will need to apply in the engineering subjects, e.g. calculus, linear algebra, numerical analysis, differential equations etc. I would advise you to not worry too much now about what math will be like in university, that's something you will see when you get there. For now, understanding high school math and preparing for your exam is more important, after all if the entry exam involves high school math then that's what you need to be prepared for university!
Don't give up even when a subject seems tough. When we first learn something it's always difficult. Slowly as you exercise more and more, you will look back and realize you've made great progress. Good luck and keep aiming high!
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Sundar’s Answer

We dont need the engineering title to enjoy the passion in aeronautics or aerospace. Becoming an aerospace mechanic is a great choice, and you don't need to worry about learning complex math. There are many apprenticeship programs for aerospace mechanics across the country. You can also explore other exciting fields in aerospace, like becoming a flight attendant or working in flight network traffic. Check out the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University website for more options in aeronautics that don't require math.
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Goodera’s Answer

If there is a specific type of math you struggle with, I would recommend you consider one on one tutoring as well as any potential educational courses. Working with an experienced tutor can help curate learning for you not only in the areas you are weak in, but, with a good tutor, in a style you learn effectively from as well. YouTube is also an underrated source of educational materials - there are professors and educators that will post classes, sessions, or videos of them solving problems which can be accessed at no charge as well.
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tech’s Answer

Harvard and MIT OpenCourses are awesome resources for boosting your ability to try relearning many of the basics. Stanford even has many hundreds of lectures online for free! Thank you for reaching out and stay strong!
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