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What is a good college for mechanical engineering?

Asking because i'm interested in this career. #mechanical-engineering

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Miguel’s Answer

Hi Chris, I'd like to reiterate the importance of a college that gives you a wide breadth of hands-on opportunities. Your academics are important, but real experience where you are tackling problems outside of the classroom and working with others will give you very valuable skills needed in the workplace. I'd search for colleges that are tackling research in fields you may find interesting. I would also look for the different design teams that a school has established. Design teams like FSAE and solar car racing teams are a great way to develop those skills. I'd also research how open a college would be to allow you to create your own club/design team. My involvement with design teams have definitely helped me to become a stronger engineer.

Miguel recommends the following next steps:

Research design teams in a university you are interested in and reach out to the members of that team. Most will be willing to talk to you about what they work on.
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Michael’s Answer

Hello Chris, a good college for mechanical engineering is both strong academically and hands-on ... the later is key. Academically strong includes but not limited to: a wide breadth of courses in traditional and new technologies, instructors who are leaders in their fields of study, publish papers, and connected to projects in industry, connections/activities/opportunities for learning with industry leaders. Hands on experience is key ... just because someone has a license to drive, does not mean they can do it or do it well ... it includes, but not limited to: labs connected to courses in traditional and new technologies, enough labs that allow you not compete for your hands on time, labs that are up to date, labs that are supported by industry leaders, labs that have lots of assistance to learn, labs that allow you to fail, labs that give you time to do your own projects, labs that are focused on subjects (machining, plastics, materials (fiberglas, ...), ...), labs that combine subjects for system solutions. Too many new engineers without hands on sound good, but cannot compete with those with hands-on and they loose out on many exiting opportunities. Both myself and my son are mechanical engineers and have used the above to be successful. I hope this helps.

Michael recommends the following next steps:

Visit the mechanical engineering colleges that are tied to the industries of your interest (i.e., if you interested in high tech Cal Poly - San Luis Obispo or San Jose State University for example)
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