5 answers
Henry
Student
1
Question
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What college should i go to for being a mechanical engineer?
I go to a stem school
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5 answers
Alyson H
Consultant
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Alyson’s Answer
I would say it depends on where you live and what scholarships/funding are available to you. Often state schools offer discounts for in state tuitions at a much lower cost than if you were to travel out of state without scholarship. You can look up the top ranked schools in your state online for mechanical engineering. In my experience it also helped to look for a school that employers want to hire from. You can look on schools sites in your states to see if they offer stats on getting hired after graduation and if they host career fairs on campus. I also wouldn't overlook satellite schools for larger universities as well, these are smaller campuses in other cities.
Michael Torio
Consultant - Data Reporting & Analysis (HQ Finance)
240
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Henry:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.
Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:
- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral
Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.
You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.
Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:
https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/
https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships
Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!
Tricia Foster
Engineering and Maintenance Manager
17
Answers
Bartlett, Tennessee
Updated
Tricia’s Answer
As long as your school I had ABET accreditation, you are good to go.
You will probably need a four year degree. Associates degrees in engineering can limit you significantly.
If you go to a two year school, make sure it has an agreement with a four year school so your credits transfer.
Otherwise, pick one that is cheap and the size you want (large versus small school)
You will probably need a four year degree. Associates degrees in engineering can limit you significantly.
If you go to a two year school, make sure it has an agreement with a four year school so your credits transfer.
Otherwise, pick one that is cheap and the size you want (large versus small school)
Ray Koch
Mechanical Reliability Engineer
23
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Ray’s Answer
The previous answer covered a lot of early good advice but I would add the following:
1) Additionally, research what areas of research the professors at the colleges or universities are in involved in and what elective classes they offer. Mechanical Engineering covers a very wide array of specialties and you want to make sure they offer classes in whatever field(s) might interest you. In the event you want to continue your education beyond a 4 year bachelor's degree, getting involved with a professors research and developing a relationship with them as an undergrad can help when applying and getting funding from graduate school.
2) Also consider starting at a 2 year community college to save some money, but keep in mind not all community colleges are created equal, so research things like class transfer statistics at 4 year institutions.
3) Finally some of the answer depends on you. Aside from listing that you attend a STEM school, you didn't not include what year you are in or anything about your grades, extra circulars, or Standardized test scores. Do your research into what the admissions statistics are for the mechanical engineering programs at the colleges or universities you are interested in are and then only apply to the schools you feel you have a chance of getting accepted to. Many programs, especially at the private and prestigious institutions, are highly competitive and difficult to get into. I recommend doing the research as early as possible so that if you need to bring your grades or test scores up or add some activities you have time to do so.
1) Additionally, research what areas of research the professors at the colleges or universities are in involved in and what elective classes they offer. Mechanical Engineering covers a very wide array of specialties and you want to make sure they offer classes in whatever field(s) might interest you. In the event you want to continue your education beyond a 4 year bachelor's degree, getting involved with a professors research and developing a relationship with them as an undergrad can help when applying and getting funding from graduate school.
2) Also consider starting at a 2 year community college to save some money, but keep in mind not all community colleges are created equal, so research things like class transfer statistics at 4 year institutions.
3) Finally some of the answer depends on you. Aside from listing that you attend a STEM school, you didn't not include what year you are in or anything about your grades, extra circulars, or Standardized test scores. Do your research into what the admissions statistics are for the mechanical engineering programs at the colleges or universities you are interested in are and then only apply to the schools you feel you have a chance of getting accepted to. Many programs, especially at the private and prestigious institutions, are highly competitive and difficult to get into. I recommend doing the research as early as possible so that if you need to bring your grades or test scores up or add some activities you have time to do so.
Kris Cousino
Construction management
41
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Kris’s Answer
Mechanical Engineering is a great choice for a career. There are numerous ABET accredited universities that offer a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
In order to keep costs lower, look for a school in your state that offers your degree of interest. It would be wise to select a school that has an internship program or co-op program. Do you have a specific company you would like to work with? Do you have a region where you would like to live? Your answers to those questions will play a big role in what you select.
Many times, cost plays a large factor in selection. Right now, you can keep your grades up. You can participate in extra curricular activities. Prepare for entrance exams or essays. Search for scholarships. Does your STEM school provide a college fair? Attend that, and interact with the recruiters. Have questions prepared. Take notes. Ask them what scholarships are available and how you can go about applying for them. Good luck!
In order to keep costs lower, look for a school in your state that offers your degree of interest. It would be wise to select a school that has an internship program or co-op program. Do you have a specific company you would like to work with? Do you have a region where you would like to live? Your answers to those questions will play a big role in what you select.
Many times, cost plays a large factor in selection. Right now, you can keep your grades up. You can participate in extra curricular activities. Prepare for entrance exams or essays. Search for scholarships. Does your STEM school provide a college fair? Attend that, and interact with the recruiters. Have questions prepared. Take notes. Ask them what scholarships are available and how you can go about applying for them. Good luck!