What classes should I expose myself on my first year in college if I am into Mechanical Engineering?
Hi my name is Jhony and I have been accepted into the College of Holy Cross as an early decision applicant. At an early age, I noticed that I was into how machines function and what causes them to function differently. I am a senior at Achievement First Brooklyn High School and I want to be able to know what I should focus on my first year to be in a good place to graduate with a mechanical Engineer degree. Can anyone help me plan out the classes that will put me in a head start to an amazing career. Also, it will be really appreciated if I get more info on the struggles when pursuing a Mechanical Engineering career. Thanks in advance. #engineering #mechanical-engineering #mechanical
4 answers
Terry’s Answer
Hi. Most first-year courses for prospective engineering students are pretty similar, no matter what specialty you choose. I would focus on calculus and physics -- they will underpin most of what you will learn as you get into following years of your studies. Your college will probably also offer an introductory course on mechanical engineering, which can offer early insight into whether you enjoy learning about the topic. Good luck.
Troy’s Answer
Jhony:
The first year you will need to get the requisite math and physics out of the way as much as possible. But then you can get into the "fun" stuff, like mechanics of materials, structures, engineering laboratory, etc. Then you will get into the design related classes by your third year. The courses will look something like this: https://me.lafayette.edu/courses/
You might want to ask if Holy Cross has advisers to help you and make sure you get into the right courses.
Enjoy the journey!
Troy
Salman’s Answer
I think you should go with classes which will teach you basics as you need to have strong basics for mechanical engineering and at the same time try to pick easy courses as you need to get a hang of the courses.
Wael’s Answer
I agree with the previous writers; what you are going to take in your first two years is set. You are going to have the chance of defining your track in the last couple of years. However, let me give you a piece of advice for the future. Mechanical engineering is becoming very reliant on software packages helping in design and data manipulation. The more you know, the more capable you become in the work place. Catia, or SolidWorks, and MATLAB/Simulink are a must in mechanical engineering and whatever you add to that would be in your favor.