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What are the best ways to prepare for being a STEM major in your upcoming freshman year at university #Fall25 ?

Are there books I should read or videos I should watch?

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Fahad Elahi’s Answer

Getting ready for a STEM major as a freshman can feel overwhelming, but taking small steps now will make a big difference and help you feel more confident. Focus on building strong study habits early, like reviewing key high school concepts in math, physics, and chemistry to ease into college-level work. Many students recommend using free resources such as Khan Academy for brushing up on basics or Coursera for intro courses in your field. Join online communities like Reddit's r/EngineeringStudents for tips from peers, and consider watching YouTube channels with videos on freshman engineering advice, such as those covering time management and problem-solving strategies. For books, pick up something practical like "Success Strategies for Every Student" by a STEM professor, which offers straightforward tips on thriving in any major. Do not forget to connect with your university's orientation programs or academic advisors once you arrive they often have workshops tailored for STEM students. You have got this starting with these will set you up well for Fall 2025.
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Yuezhe’s Answer

STEM is a really big field. But my past experience suggested there are 2 things you could do:
1. study mathematics. This is sth ALL STEM major requires.
2. have some programming experience. The language does not matter. R, Python, Julia are all good starting language.
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

To get ready for a STEM major, focus on building a strong base in math and science. Review topics like algebra, pre-calculus, and the basics of physics, chemistry, or biology, depending on your interest. Books such as "Letters to a Young Mathematician" by Ian Stewart and "Introduction to Engineering Mathematics and Analysis" can help you understand important ideas. YouTube channels like 3Blue1Brown, MinutePhysics, Numberphile, Vsauce, CrashCourse, and Bozeman Science make tough topics easier to grasp.

Explore free online STEM resources like MIT OpenCourseWare, Khan Academy, edX, Exercism, Visionlearning, STEMulator, and MITES Semester. These platforms offer courses, exercises, virtual labs, and projects. Work on developing a positive attitude, resilience, time management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

When you start college, set up a regular study schedule and use tutoring, study groups, and department resources to boost your learning. Take care of yourself with good sleep, healthy eating, and stress management. Being proactive before and during your first year will make the transition to a STEM program smoother and keep you confident and ready for success.
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Yunfei’s Answer

I’d like to share some tips on getting ready for a STEM major in college, inspired by my own experience in Computer Science and my daughter's journey as a freshman at a top STEM school.

First, focus on building strong math skills in high school, as they are essential for all STEM majors.

Learning a basic programming language, such as Python, can also be really beneficial.

Joining science clubs and competitions in high school is a fun way to prepare and discover your true passion for your chosen STEM field.
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