4 answers
Chris
Student
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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What Can i do to prepare for Mechanical Engineering?
Im a high school Senior looking to attend college and get a degree in mechanical engineering. What can I do to prepare myself? What can i expect to see?
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4 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
As a high school senior aiming for mechanical engineering, focus on building a strong base in math and science. Take advanced classes like calculus, physics, and chemistry if you can, as they are key to the field. Gain hands-on experience through internships, volunteering at engineering firms, or shadowing professionals. This will help you understand real-world work and boost your resume. Join clubs like robotics or work on personal projects, such as building simple machines, to apply what you learn. Look into colleges with strong programs, especially those focusing on sustainability and technology in 2025, and prepare for admissions with good grades and essays that show your interests.
In college, you'll experience a mix of theory and practice. Freshman year covers basics like math and physics, then you'll move on to subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. Labs and projects will increase, involving tasks like designing prototypes or using software for simulations, with major projects in your senior year. It's challenging but very rewarding if you enjoy solving problems. Stay organized and don't hesitate to seek help from tutors or study groups when needed.
In college, you'll experience a mix of theory and practice. Freshman year covers basics like math and physics, then you'll move on to subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and materials science. Labs and projects will increase, involving tasks like designing prototypes or using software for simulations, with major projects in your senior year. It's challenging but very rewarding if you enjoy solving problems. Stay organized and don't hesitate to seek help from tutors or study groups when needed.
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
517
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Start by building a solid foundation in math and physics. Focus on truly understanding the concepts and practice solving problems in areas like mechanics, energy, and robotics. Gain hands-on experience by creating small personal projects, applying for internships, or taking on volunteer roles while learning. Experiment with CAD software, try 3D printing, and learn basic programming in Python or MATLAB. Joining a robotics team or participating in STEM competitions is a great way to gain practical experience while improving teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills.
You can also explore online courses and virtual experiences. Platforms like IMechE Virtual Work Experience, A Learning Lab’s Engineer Shadowing, KaaShiv Infotech’s mechatronics internships, Steeluniversity’s material simulations, and Oxford Scholastica’s online engineering internships offer a glimpse into real-world engineering and can give you a head start before college. Continuously learning and applying your skills, developing both technical and soft skills, building a strong online portfolio, and connecting with industry professionals will significantly enhance your preparation and open up future opportunities in mechanical engineering.
You can also explore online courses and virtual experiences. Platforms like IMechE Virtual Work Experience, A Learning Lab’s Engineer Shadowing, KaaShiv Infotech’s mechatronics internships, Steeluniversity’s material simulations, and Oxford Scholastica’s online engineering internships offer a glimpse into real-world engineering and can give you a head start before college. Continuously learning and applying your skills, developing both technical and soft skills, building a strong online portfolio, and connecting with industry professionals will significantly enhance your preparation and open up future opportunities in mechanical engineering.
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Chris
You're welcome!
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Lorenzo Gholston
Healthcare Payer
21
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Winston,
My fellow advisors shared valuable advice about the mechanical field, and I agree with them. I also want to mention that moving from high school to college will be a big change. Studying for a challenging major like engineering will require you to adapt. The biggest change isn't just the academics but how you adjust to college life overall. As an engineering student, you might need to manage your time differently compared to students in other majors. The first year is crucial because it lays the groundwork for everything else you'll learn. Starting strong will make the tougher classes later on more manageable. I hope this helps!
My fellow advisors shared valuable advice about the mechanical field, and I agree with them. I also want to mention that moving from high school to college will be a big change. Studying for a challenging major like engineering will require you to adapt. The biggest change isn't just the academics but how you adjust to college life overall. As an engineering student, you might need to manage your time differently compared to students in other majors. The first year is crucial because it lays the groundwork for everything else you'll learn. Starting strong will make the tougher classes later on more manageable. I hope this helps!
Brian Swain
Mechanical Engineer
62
Answers
Modesto, California
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Chris,
1. There is the academic side, the biggest hurdle I found was Calculus, most people I knew in high school and college struggled with calculus the first time they take a class on it. If your high school has pre-calc or AP calculus classes I strongly recommend taking them if you meet the pre-pre-requisites. Physics is useful, but you really need a basic understanding of calculus to learn basic physics mechanics. In my experience, the only really useful thing I learned in Chemistry in highschool was unit conversion.
2. When you start your college career, I recommend you rent your textbooks instead of buying them. However I strongly recommend you find a used copy of "Machinery's Handbook" any edition will do. While they will most likely not be used directly in your classes, they contain a weather of information are are extremally useful in your future career after graduation.
3. Hands on stuff, experiment with making stuff. 3D printing is all the rage but the humble hand file is still used in every single industry where metal is shaped. Learn how to use basic power tools if you can. Hell learn how to use every tool you can, powered or not.
1. There is the academic side, the biggest hurdle I found was Calculus, most people I knew in high school and college struggled with calculus the first time they take a class on it. If your high school has pre-calc or AP calculus classes I strongly recommend taking them if you meet the pre-pre-requisites. Physics is useful, but you really need a basic understanding of calculus to learn basic physics mechanics. In my experience, the only really useful thing I learned in Chemistry in highschool was unit conversion.
2. When you start your college career, I recommend you rent your textbooks instead of buying them. However I strongly recommend you find a used copy of "Machinery's Handbook" any edition will do. While they will most likely not be used directly in your classes, they contain a weather of information are are extremally useful in your future career after graduation.
3. Hands on stuff, experiment with making stuff. 3D printing is all the rage but the humble hand file is still used in every single industry where metal is shaped. Learn how to use basic power tools if you can. Hell learn how to use every tool you can, powered or not.