Mechanical Engineering
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Yes if math is not your strong suit, then ME is not for you. There is high level math in every course you will take for four years. I have a good friend who is in the same boat as you, great at hands on mechanical stuff but no so great in the math department. He is doing engineering technology witch basically is a go between the design engineer and the ordinary laborer who builds things.
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Originally Posted by Impulse147,Sep 7 2007, 11:39 AM
Ok so,I've been contemplating going to school for mechanical engineering,however I have a few obstacles in my way.
First I never took my ACT or SAT because at the time I was more Interested in other things besides more schooling and I was looking into Culinary Arts at the time and it wasn't a requirement to have an ACT or SAT.However I am currently studying for the ACT and don't see it as much of an obstacle to get a decent score.
Second after talking to a few engineering students, it seems that most schools won't even consider you unless you have strong math and science skills,while I love science and even took some extra sciences courses in highschool,math never went beyond geometry and algebra.
I'm very mechanically oriented, have worked on engines(mostly carbeurated) since I was 11, worked as facilities personnel at warehouses working with conveyor systems ,forklifts,and other idustrial power equipment.I graduated with a 3.4 gpa,while not great and I do feel I could've done better had I been more focused.
So really what should I be looking to do to get into this field?
First I never took my ACT or SAT because at the time I was more Interested in other things besides more schooling and I was looking into Culinary Arts at the time and it wasn't a requirement to have an ACT or SAT.However I am currently studying for the ACT and don't see it as much of an obstacle to get a decent score.
Second after talking to a few engineering students, it seems that most schools won't even consider you unless you have strong math and science skills,while I love science and even took some extra sciences courses in highschool,math never went beyond geometry and algebra.
I'm very mechanically oriented, have worked on engines(mostly carbeurated) since I was 11, worked as facilities personnel at warehouses working with conveyor systems ,forklifts,and other idustrial power equipment.I graduated with a 3.4 gpa,while not great and I do feel I could've done better had I been more focused.
So really what should I be looking to do to get into this field?
You should not go into ME if you do not love math--specifically Calculus. In fact, you shouldn't go into any engineering majors at the college level if you don't love math, because that is mostly what you will be doing. If you live for differentials and integrals, then by all means do it.
What you describe (forklifts, engines, etc.) is being a mechanic--NOT a mechanical engineer. If you want to be a mechanic, you should go to a trade school or a technical school and focus on that, because trust me when I say that you will not be doing what you think you will be doing as an ME major.
This may be harsh, but unlike the candy-coated responses other people will give you, this advice will actually save you the heartbreak of finding out you hate your major.
Once again, if you love math (Calc) and you love to do calculations about heat transfer, etc.etc. (not working on engines) then by all means pursue the ME dream. Just don't be misguided as to what it entails. ME majors don't go to class and look at car engines.
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