3 answers
Ben
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
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What classes should I take in my senior year to look good for colleges focused in engineering?
I'm a junior in high school and looking at courses for next year. What are some good classes or common electives to take to look good for an engineering focused college?
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3 answers
Soni Bae
Management Consulting
9
Answers
Fairfax, Virginia
Updated
Soni’s Answer
Hi Ben,
Choosing to take AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Calculus or any AP math classes at your school is a fantastic idea. If there are any engineering-related electives, try to fit those into your schedule as well. Joining clubs that match your engineering interests, like robotics or math/science olympiad, can be incredibly rewarding. And if these clubs aren't available, starting one yourself could be a great opportunity! While there's no strict formula for the classes you need for college applications or your major, taking courses that align with your interests can really help you shine.
Choosing to take AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and AP Calculus or any AP math classes at your school is a fantastic idea. If there are any engineering-related electives, try to fit those into your schedule as well. Joining clubs that match your engineering interests, like robotics or math/science olympiad, can be incredibly rewarding. And if these clubs aren't available, starting one yourself could be a great opportunity! While there's no strict formula for the classes you need for college applications or your major, taking courses that align with your interests can really help you shine.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
62
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
If you're looking to get into engineering-focused colleges, your senior-year schedule should include strong math, solid science, and some technical problem-solving, but make sure it doesn't overwhelm you. Colleges want to see that you've challenged yourself in the key areas engineers use.
For math, take the highest level you can handle well, like precalculus, calculus, or AP Calculus. Calculus is great for engineering because it's essential for most engineering fields. In science, physics is the most important, especially AP Physics if you can take it. Physics shows colleges you can use math in real-world situations. Chemistry is also useful, especially for chemical, materials, or biomedical engineering, but physics is usually more important.
For electives, choose classes related to engineering or technical skills. Options like computer science, robotics, engineering design, CAD, electronics, or advanced lab sciences are excellent. If your school offers STEM research, independent study, or project-based courses, those are great too. Don't forget to include a strong English class—engineers need to write reports, proposals, and documentation, and colleges look for that balance. The aim is not to take every tough class, but to show consistent effort in math and science with a clear interest in engineering.
For math, take the highest level you can handle well, like precalculus, calculus, or AP Calculus. Calculus is great for engineering because it's essential for most engineering fields. In science, physics is the most important, especially AP Physics if you can take it. Physics shows colleges you can use math in real-world situations. Chemistry is also useful, especially for chemical, materials, or biomedical engineering, but physics is usually more important.
For electives, choose classes related to engineering or technical skills. Options like computer science, robotics, engineering design, CAD, electronics, or advanced lab sciences are excellent. If your school offers STEM research, independent study, or project-based courses, those are great too. Don't forget to include a strong English class—engineers need to write reports, proposals, and documentation, and colleges look for that balance. The aim is not to take every tough class, but to show consistent effort in math and science with a clear interest in engineering.
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
154
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Ben,
I truly appreciate your interest in pursuing a course in engineering. It's a good starting point. It's also important for you to love and enjoy what you do.
Engineering requires a couple of core subjects in high school. Amongst them, mathematics and physics are the most critical. Others include chemistry, computer applications, graphics and design. It's important to be proficient in them.
Engineering has many disciplines, some of which include civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, software, aerospace , biomedical and production engineering. You therefore have a wide range to choose from.
I truly appreciate your interest in pursuing a course in engineering. It's a good starting point. It's also important for you to love and enjoy what you do.
Engineering requires a couple of core subjects in high school. Amongst them, mathematics and physics are the most critical. Others include chemistry, computer applications, graphics and design. It's important to be proficient in them.
Engineering has many disciplines, some of which include civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, software, aerospace , biomedical and production engineering. You therefore have a wide range to choose from.