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What are some classes I should take or things that I should do now to prepare for college and beyond, if I want to go into aerospace engineering?

I'm a junior in high school, and have known for a while that I want to go into aerospace engineering. What are some classes I should take not or things that I should do to prepare for college and beyond?

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Michael’s Answer

Hi Margaret:

While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Aerospace Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, algebra, geometry, statistics and calculus will be needed. Both concentrations will enable you to focus and refine your analytical skills; complex problem solving; investigative and innovative critical thinking; attention to detail and observation skills; etc.

Other skills that will need to be built upon center around team building, team work and communication. In any work culture, collaboration amongst team members, partner departments and clients occur on a daily basis. A college course in public speaking, communications and English will help with one's communication and writing skills since analysis reports are generated and findings are presented to colleagues and other professionals who deal with Aerospace Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Aerospace Engineering.

According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Aerospace Engineering:

- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- California Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- University of Colorado (Boulder)
- University of Texas (Austin)
- Princeton University
- Texas A&M University (College Station)

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/aerospace-rankings

When reviewing colleges and universities, it is best to check the following:

- In-State vs Out of State Tuition
- Internships
- Scholarships
- Career Placement upon graduation
- Course work and offered classes
- Post-Graduate Degrees - Master and Doctoral

Scholarship applications can start to be submitted during your Junior year and will continue throughout your Senior year in high school. It is best to ask your Academic Advisor/School Counselor on the timeline process as well. Scholarship applications will have specific deadlines and requirements to meet in order to be submitted for review and consideration.

You may want to start to compile your resume/portfolio since a majority of scholarship applications will require academic grade point average (GPA), academic accomplishments, school activities (clubs, sports, etc.), community involvement (volunteer, church, etc.), academic and personal recommendations, etc. There may be essay requirements on why you are a qualified candidate to receive the scholarship, what your future goals are academically and professionally and other questions centering around who you are, your beliefs, etc.

Here are a couple of links for College Scholarships:

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

https://www.nchchonors.org/students/awards-scholarships/national-scholarships

Also, it will be best to check with the colleges and universities that you will be applying to. You can check with the School/Department of your desired major, the Campus Career Center and the Register's Office for additional information for college scholarships and grants and specific requirements for qualifications.

Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Aerospace Engineering!
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Rian’s Answer

Hi Margaret,
To go into aerospace engineering, I would consider taking AP Physics 1, 2, C, AP Calculus AB, BC, and potentially AP statistics. Outside of your classes, I would also look to get involved in any form of engineering, just to get some experience and to show colleges that you're interested in it. An example could be joining your high school robotics team.

Best of luck to you!
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Mahi’s Answer

I would look into physics, calculus, statistics, and math based classes.
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Dennis’s Answer

Hi Margaret! All the answers preceding mine have good suggestions. Let me take a different focus - not on academics, but about what makes you tick. Are you curious? Do you look at a machine and wonder why ( or how) it was made that way? Do you think about what it would take to make it better?
Do you have a creative mind? Can you visualize something different by juxtaposing items or ideas? Can you express your ideas in short, concise prhases?
Do you have a hobby like art or music that spurs your creativity?

So, that's just a smattering of the non-academic activities you might consider.

Good luck, Margaret!
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Cory’s Answer

I would recommend checking out the places you will live and work to do this career field. You should be able t find a pattern of where the technical jobs, management jobs and oversight jobs are geographically located in US. If you are into oversight consider government. I used to work for FAA and they had a division for applied medical research and other divisions related to the license and certification of pilots and crafts.
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Kevin’s Answer

Hello Margaret,

I agree with looking into AP/honors physics and AP/honors calculus.
I would also look into courses/resources on fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, dynamics of mechanical systems, material science/selection, CAD/CAM (i.e. unigraphics nx with NASTRAN, ANSYS, SIMULINK), and perhaps advanced/targeted studies in trajectory and basic study in meteorology/space environments.
If you wanted to pursue propulsion systems, I would advise looking into AP/honors chemistry.
All the best!
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Diarmait’s Answer

As an individual with an engineering background, it's clear that mastering subjects such as math, physics, and other STEM-related topics is crucial. However, it's equally vital to gain knowledge about the broader business landscape where your engineering expertise will be utilized. Therefore, it would be beneficial to explore some courses in this area. Additionally, gaining experience in design, art, and creative disciplines such as woodworking and metalworking could prove to be valuable skills to acquire.
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Dan’s Answer

Fo sure, keep taking as many math and physics classes as you can.

However, you may be able to take college-level engineering classes at your local community college or university. Most engineering programs offer an "Intro to Engineering" class which provides an initial exposure to the engineering universe. You can get combined high school and college credit through these programs so ask your high school counselor if this is possible in your city. I suggest you start with the "Intro to Engineering" course if i is offered but you may have other options such as math and english depending on your interests.
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