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what skills/classes should I focus on doing good in to be ready for college. I'm planning to major in mechanical engineering ?
I'm currently taking precalc and HNR physics but I want to know I'f there's anything else I can do to prepare myself for college like CAD or something like that?
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7 answers
Updated
Annette’s Answer
Hi Brayden, taking a study skills course can help anyone. Even if school has been easy so far, learning how to take tests well is useful for college and your future job. Kaplan is one company that offers these courses.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
As a US recruiter, I suggest focusing on doing well in all your classes, especially math and science, if you want to be a mechanical engineer. Being well-rounded helps you think differently, communicate better, and advance in your career.
Talk to mechanical engineers directly. It's easier than you think. Use your network or reach out to people on LinkedIn. Most are willing to share their experiences with students.
Try to get an internship with a mechanical engineering company as soon as possible. Hands-on experience will help you discover what you like, what you're good at, and where to focus your studies.
Building relationships in the field is as important as classroom learning. A strong network will help you stay connected, relevant, and confident throughout your academic and early career journey.
Talk to mechanical engineers directly. It's easier than you think. Use your network or reach out to people on LinkedIn. Most are willing to share their experiences with students.
Try to get an internship with a mechanical engineering company as soon as possible. Hands-on experience will help you discover what you like, what you're good at, and where to focus your studies.
Building relationships in the field is as important as classroom learning. A strong network will help you stay connected, relevant, and confident throughout your academic and early career journey.
Updated
Esteban’s Answer
Hi Brayden,
This is a great question and one that should be thought of BEFORE you reach your university of choice. Brian provided you with spot-on advice! I would add that checking in with prospective universities and what they specifically ask in the way of prerequisite course is essential. I say this because I learned this the hard way. When I completed my A.A. degree and transferred to UCF, my selected major was Forensic Science (yes, I wanted to be the cool guy in a lab helping solve crimes!) Much to my surprise I learned that I would have had to dedicate an additional year plus to take care of all the requisite courses before ever being able to enroll in my first "Forensics 101" course at UCF. I quickly abandoned my dream career because I was not able to financially justify spending an additional year in school before the two additional years I had already planned on.
All this is to simply say, look into which courses you can take in high school and early on in college to help you seamlessly transition into the major of choice without having additional courses added to your plate!
Wishing you the very best in your academic journey Brayden!
This is a great question and one that should be thought of BEFORE you reach your university of choice. Brian provided you with spot-on advice! I would add that checking in with prospective universities and what they specifically ask in the way of prerequisite course is essential. I say this because I learned this the hard way. When I completed my A.A. degree and transferred to UCF, my selected major was Forensic Science (yes, I wanted to be the cool guy in a lab helping solve crimes!) Much to my surprise I learned that I would have had to dedicate an additional year plus to take care of all the requisite courses before ever being able to enroll in my first "Forensics 101" course at UCF. I quickly abandoned my dream career because I was not able to financially justify spending an additional year in school before the two additional years I had already planned on.
All this is to simply say, look into which courses you can take in high school and early on in college to help you seamlessly transition into the major of choice without having additional courses added to your plate!
Wishing you the very best in your academic journey Brayden!
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
I feel like I'm seeing a lot of these questions - about how to prepared in really specific ways for a particular path. But take a breath - you are early on your path and you have time!
What are you genuinely interested in? Life should include following your interests as well as trying to set yourself up for what's next. I know this feels like the kind of thing that peopel say when they are already well into their career - but it's advice I've given my kids and they have been glad not to go super deep into something that - in the end - they weren't that interested in.
So take a step back and enjou yourself!
What are you genuinely interested in? Life should include following your interests as well as trying to set yourself up for what's next. I know this feels like the kind of thing that peopel say when they are already well into their career - but it's advice I've given my kids and they have been glad not to go super deep into something that - in the end - they weren't that interested in.
So take a step back and enjou yourself!
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Consider joining some clubs in your school if they're available -- like a competitive math league, physics club or other STEM clubs for example. This could help you deepen your skills in those areas, get to know the teachers better, possibly even expose you to other adults in the community who work in those fields. These clubs can be fun for you and will look great on your college applications. Best of luck, it's an exciting time!
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Brian’s Answer
Hi Brayden,
CAD is useful later on when you start working, but the initial classes you take will be heavy on math and physics so you are on the right track. However I strongly recommend getting a used copy of "Machinery's Handbook" and a copy of the "FE Reference Handbook". The later is a great summary of all the fundamentals of engineering classes.
CAD is useful later on when you start working, but the initial classes you take will be heavy on math and physics so you are on the right track. However I strongly recommend getting a used copy of "Machinery's Handbook" and a copy of the "FE Reference Handbook". The later is a great summary of all the fundamentals of engineering classes.
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Brayden
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Brayden, studying is a skill that I did not necessarily understand or appreciate going into college. I had to learn how to do it - as well as time management. Even in my current job, I still need to study so I can keep up with technology, global trends, etc - so to do this, I block time during my week to focus.
Some great tools for this is to get yourself a planner and/or creating to-do lists.
Start the begining of each week by going through deadlines (tests, work, projects, personal activities) and make sure you're baking in that time to study and meeting all your expectations for the week.
Also, be able to adjust if something doesn't go as planned or something unexpected pops up. Being flexible is another great skill. There are so many but don't get overwhelmed - these take time to understand and manage well. Good luck!
Some great tools for this is to get yourself a planner and/or creating to-do lists.
Start the begining of each week by going through deadlines (tests, work, projects, personal activities) and make sure you're baking in that time to study and meeting all your expectations for the week.
Also, be able to adjust if something doesn't go as planned or something unexpected pops up. Being flexible is another great skill. There are so many but don't get overwhelmed - these take time to understand and manage well. Good luck!