6 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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6 answers
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
51
Answers
Chittagong, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Fahad Elahi’s Answer
Being a junior and planning for engineering colleges is a great move. Colleges appreciate a strong focus on STEM subjects in your senior year, as it shows you're prepared for the challenges ahead.
Start with math by taking calculus, preferably AP Calculus AB or BC, to build essential problem-solving skills for engineering. In science, aim for advanced physics courses like AP Physics 1, 2, or C since they cover important topics like mechanics and forces. Chemistry is also useful, especially if you've already studied biology.
If your school offers computer science, consider AP Computer Science A or Principles to get a head start on programming, a key skill in engineering today. Look for electives such as intro to engineering, robotics, or design courses, as these provide hands-on experience and make your application stand out. Keep up with English and social studies for a well-rounded education, but prioritize STEM subjects.
Talk to your counselor to align these choices with what's available and your academic record. This will make you a strong candidate for engineering programs.
Start with math by taking calculus, preferably AP Calculus AB or BC, to build essential problem-solving skills for engineering. In science, aim for advanced physics courses like AP Physics 1, 2, or C since they cover important topics like mechanics and forces. Chemistry is also useful, especially if you've already studied biology.
If your school offers computer science, consider AP Computer Science A or Principles to get a head start on programming, a key skill in engineering today. Look for electives such as intro to engineering, robotics, or design courses, as these provide hands-on experience and make your application stand out. Keep up with English and social studies for a well-rounded education, but prioritize STEM subjects.
Talk to your counselor to align these choices with what's available and your academic record. This will make you a strong candidate for engineering programs.
Anil Adyanthaya
Attorney
8
Answers
Newton, Massachusetts
Updated
Anil’s Answer
It is great that you are thinking ahead to next year! Engineering can be a very broad field with different subspecialities. For example, do you want to study computer engineering? If so, then taking computer science courses would help strengthen your application. If you want to be a chemical engineer, then chemistry courses would be most beneficial for your application. You also can't go wrong with math courses, regardless of the type of engineer you want to be. Overall, you should try to take the highest level courses your school offers, so AP or Honors if possible. The main point is to show the colleges that you are motivated to push yourself and that you have a genuine interest in the subject. If your school doesn't offer the classes you want, then think about taking a summer course at a local college or community college. Also consider clubs or other activities that demonstrate your interest in engineering.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
117
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
155
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.
C Venkat
24
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
C’s Answer
Hi Ben,
It's great that you are interested in an Engineering major! So proud of you!
Assuming that you have covered the foundational courses in Math, Physics and Chemistry since freshman year, it would be good to move on to advanced courses, including AP Calculus & Physics. Depending on the particular major that interests you, AP Chemistry may or may not be required. The other advantage of taking AP courses is several colleges and universities give credit & that will make your workload in college lighter to some extent.
In addition to coursework, colleges like to see you involved in extracurriculars related to that major, so if you have Robotics club or s STEM focused club in your school, please try to participate.
Good luck with your senior year and college!
It's great that you are interested in an Engineering major! So proud of you!
Assuming that you have covered the foundational courses in Math, Physics and Chemistry since freshman year, it would be good to move on to advanced courses, including AP Calculus & Physics. Depending on the particular major that interests you, AP Chemistry may or may not be required. The other advantage of taking AP courses is several colleges and universities give credit & that will make your workload in college lighter to some extent.
In addition to coursework, colleges like to see you involved in extracurriculars related to that major, so if you have Robotics club or s STEM focused club in your school, please try to participate.
Good luck with your senior year and college!
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.