Engineering college admissions departments seek well-rounded students with strong math and science backgrounds, high grades, and above-average scores on standardized exams. Extracurricular activities and an essay may also be considered. Prerequisites include calculus and physics courses.
There are literally thousands of universities offering engineering courses across the world. Engineering college admissions departments seek to recruit the best and brightest students. Most schools look for students with strong math and science backgrounds, including high grades in high school, prep school, or community college courses, and above-average scores on standardized exams such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test and the Scholastic Assessment Test ( SAT) and the American College Testing (ACT) exam. Many students entering engineering programs have successfully completed and achieved high scores on advanced placement exams. If you are applying to an engineering school or program, you can expect the engineering college admissions process to involve a thorough review of your past courses, exams, extracurricular activities, and the quality of your college application.
Standardized tests provide engineering college admissions departments with a benchmark against which to compare applicants. Most students who succeed in engineering courses receive high scores on the math components of the SAT and the math and science components of the ACT. Students can also take specific exams to prove their knowledge of certain engineering-related topics. If you choose to pursue an advanced degree, you will have to complete additional standardized tests, such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
You can also expect the college of engineering admissions department to review your high school diploma. Engineering programs are heavy on math and science and expect students to have some basic understanding of calculus and physics. Many engineering programs require students to complete three to four sequential semesters of calculus and physics. These courses serve as prerequisites to higher-level engineering courses, where students study advanced topics such as statics, strength of materials, and energy transfer.
Many students also complete higher-level courses or advanced placement exams to prove their knowledge of entry-level engineering topics and to complete higher-level courses before entering a specific university. Each university has a minimum grade point average or test score that a student must obtain to receive credit for the university’s degree program.
While most engineering college admissions departments look closely at potential students’ grades and exam scores, they are also interested in recruiting well-rounded students. Most schools want students involved in extracurricular activities, which can include engineering-related activities such as science clubs or competitions, but can also include non-academic activities such as sports, hobbies or community involvement. These types of extracurricular activities help the admissions department determine whether the student will be able to develop a balanced college lifestyle.
Some engineering college admissions departments ask students to complete an essay describing why they are interested in engineering and what they would do with their degree. Many students are unsure of their future. The essay provides the admissions team with another tool to compare the student with other applicants.
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