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How do I get into more competitive majors in college?

Most engineering majors in college are extremely competitive, how do I stand out?

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Subject: Career question for you

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Taryn’s Answer

The obvious answer is to find the specific work area you like and grow those skills, but what will set you apart are the "extra skills". Everyone will have a degree, work related knowledge, but be the one with extra skills that stand out.

Have great people skills, show your passion by showing how you love engineering outside of work by joining clubs and attending events/conferences. Show that youre a leader by running or starting your own clubs. Learn simple programs like Microsoft Office so you are a wiz with organizing thoughts and work documents. Be a master of powerpoint. Build helpful side skills and be a part of the community in which you want a job.

I knew I wanted to work at IBM or Delta so I went there any chance I could. I would attend their events, add their employees on LinkedIn and eventually when I got my interview I got the job after someone actually knew me from all the events I attended
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Brian’s Answer

My daughter recently completed the college application process for various engineering schools, and I have some uplifting insights to share from our experience.

1) Academics are important. Your SAT/ACT scores, AP classes, and GPA play a significant role in both admissions and financial aid decisions.
2) Extracurricular activities make a difference. Many colleges value leadership examples in their essays, so participate in clubs and sports, both in and out of school.

With that in mind, remember to choose a school that's the best fit for you, even if it's not among the "top 10" engineering institutions. Your education is what you create from it, and everyone's journey is unique. Smaller or lesser-known schools can offer opportunities for close interactions with professors, which may not be available at larger institutions.
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Tenia’s Answer

Attend campus events, join clubs or organizations related to your interests, participate in class discussions, and engage with professors and fellow students. Utilize social media and online platforms to connect with alumni, professionals, and industry groups. Be proactive, approachable, and build genuine relationships with others.
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hello!
In addition to the other answers provided here, you may also want to look into guaranteed transfer programs offered by community colleges; some universities have agreements with particular community colleges to accept transfer students if certain requirements are met - such as a student's grade point average.
I hope this option is helpful to you. Good luck!
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Joseph’s Answer

Apply for Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). This allows you to complete research and earn a stipend during the summers at various institutions.
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Sheryl’s Answer

Many universities and colleges seek not only academic brilliance but also a versatile, well-balanced applicant. This implies that they consider extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and community involvement in your application. I recommend dedicating some time in your schedule to concentrate on these aspects, as it will strengthen your application and help it stand out among numerous others. However, be mindful not to let these pursuits overshadow your academic performance. Additionally, it's crucial to select a school that suits you best. Wishing you the best of luck!
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Lesly’s Answer

Hello! To boost your performance in school, try these helpful tips. Aim for excellent marks in demanding subjects. Achieve a top SAT/ACT score. Craft an engaging personal story. Show genuine enthusiasm. Obtain impressive recommendation letters. Consider applying to a wide range of colleges. Choose an early admission strategy. Maintain a positive online presence.
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Warren’s Answer

One way to stand out is to do a year of paid community service with City Year. Employers love to see that you have a rigorous service year experience under your belt, and that you have proven you can handle the complexities of the workplace.

Warren recommends the following next steps:

www.cityyear.org
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Bhumika’s Answer

By building a better profile both academically and extra-curricular wise. I mean overall profile matters, work experience matters.
Also, there are some exams like GRE and GMAT which we appear for and we need good marks in these tests
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Jordyn’s Answer

To truly shine, embrace your genuine and authentic self. Instead of joining clubs and organizations just to boost your resume, engage in activities that resonate with your values and beliefs. Personally, I was highly active in high school because I treasured involvement and networking. My level of participation far exceeded that of my peers, and when asked about it, I shared that it was what fueled my passion. Sure, I liked school, but my extracurricular activities were even more enjoyable, propelling me through each school day. Additionally, I sought out opportunities beyond those offered by my school, such as volunteering in my community – an endeavor many of my peers did not pursue. Yet again, my motivation wasn't resume-building; it was my genuine desire and enjoyment that drove me. These experiences truly set me apart when applying to business schools.
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