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What aps should I take for my goal of becoming an aerospace engineer?
What aps should I take for my goal of becoming an aerospace engineer
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Sherry’s Answer
I think you should take as many STEM AP's as your high school offers and you are able to handle/do well in. More than the APs you take, I think having a good transcript and relevant extracurriculars is going to mean you get more experience and exposure into what it means to be an engineer, aerospace or otherwise, and better opportunities at a university that will have more resources and connections for you to explore this interest.
Extracurriculars like participating in First Robotics, or shadowing an aerospace engineer will help you see what the job actually is like, and what skills you might want to develop if you would like to thrive in that environment. Unfortunately, I think the extracurriculars you are able to take are a bit limited based on your location, school, and resources. Makerspaces might also be an interesting resource to explore, some have programs for youths that are more affordable.
Extracurriculars like participating in First Robotics, or shadowing an aerospace engineer will help you see what the job actually is like, and what skills you might want to develop if you would like to thrive in that environment. Unfortunately, I think the extracurriculars you are able to take are a bit limited based on your location, school, and resources. Makerspaces might also be an interesting resource to explore, some have programs for youths that are more affordable.
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Anika’s Answer
Hi Amirul,
To pursue a career as an aerospace engineer, it's important to focus on courses that build a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. Here are the key AP (Advanced Placement) courses that would be beneficial:
Mathematics:
AP Calculus AB or BC: Calculus is essential for understanding advanced physics and engineering concepts. BC covers more topics and is more rigorous, which is advantageous for engineering majors.
Physics:
AP Physics C: Mechanics: Focuses on mechanics, which is fundamental for aerospace engineering. It covers topics like kinematics, Newton's laws, and rotational motion.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (Optional): Covers electromagnetism, which is relevant for certain aerospace applications.
Science and Engineering:
AP Chemistry (Optional): Provides a foundation in chemistry, which can be useful depending on your specialization within aerospace engineering (e.g., materials science).
AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A (Optional): Familiarity with programming and computational skills can be beneficial, especially in aerospace engineering fields like software development or simulation.
To pursue a career as an aerospace engineer, it's important to focus on courses that build a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles. Here are the key AP (Advanced Placement) courses that would be beneficial:
Mathematics:
AP Calculus AB or BC: Calculus is essential for understanding advanced physics and engineering concepts. BC covers more topics and is more rigorous, which is advantageous for engineering majors.
Physics:
AP Physics C: Mechanics: Focuses on mechanics, which is fundamental for aerospace engineering. It covers topics like kinematics, Newton's laws, and rotational motion.
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism (Optional): Covers electromagnetism, which is relevant for certain aerospace applications.
Science and Engineering:
AP Chemistry (Optional): Provides a foundation in chemistry, which can be useful depending on your specialization within aerospace engineering (e.g., materials science).
AP Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science A (Optional): Familiarity with programming and computational skills can be beneficial, especially in aerospace engineering fields like software development or simulation.
Charles M Hurd
Aspiring adviser to STEM teens. Explains clearly, exhorts best practices. Raspberry Pi zealot.
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Charles M’s Answer
Hey there, it took me a moment to decipher your question. You're asking about APs, right? I'm assuming you're referring to Advanced Placement courses.
So, you're interested in becoming an aerospace engineer? That's a fantastic goal! To start off, I recommend taking Physics and Calculus. These subjects will introduce you to the mathematical language of the physical world, which is fundamental in aerospace engineering. It's a challenging path, but these courses will give you a solid start.
Next, I suggest you delve deeper into your chosen career path. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for this. It's even available as an app, and you can find it here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh. This handbook will provide you with a comprehensive overview of various careers and the skills they require. This way, you can start developing those skills early on, which will be beneficial regardless of your final career choice.
It's also important to understand yourself better. Not everyone is cut out to be an engineer, and that's perfectly okay. We all have our unique strengths and weaknesses. If you focus on enhancing your strengths rather than compensating for your weaknesses, you'll achieve much more.
Here are some resources that could help you in this journey. Some of them do require payment, but your school's career counselor might be able to provide access to some:
- You Science: https://www.youscience.com/buy-now/
- O*NET OnLine: https://www.onetonline.org/
- World of Work Inventory: https://wowi.com/
- Strengths Finder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx
When I was in high school, I struggled with math, physics, and chemistry, and I had to take these subjects in college. Here's a piece of advice I wish I had known earlier: effective studying techniques can significantly improve your understanding and retention of the material. Look up "how to study effectively" and create a plan on learning to study more effectively. Then practice and improve. Consistency is key, so try to stick to a regular study schedule.
I also worked part-time during my last year of high school and throughout college, which wasn't ideal for my grades. However, I persevered and earned my BS in Electrical Engineering. I've had the opportunity to work at several aerospace/defense companies, including Boeing (before it's merger with McDonnell Douglas), Raytheon, Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrup Grumman) and L3Harris.
My English grades weren't great either, but I've taken numerous communication courses since then. I strongly recommend learning effective English communication skills, both written and spoken. If English isn't your first language, English Connect (https://www.englishconnect.org/) is a resource that can help.
Best of luck with your future endeavors!
Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh
Book, Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type Paperback – by Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron, and Kelly Tieger
For non-native speakers of English, https://www.englishconnect.org/
So, you're interested in becoming an aerospace engineer? That's a fantastic goal! To start off, I recommend taking Physics and Calculus. These subjects will introduce you to the mathematical language of the physical world, which is fundamental in aerospace engineering. It's a challenging path, but these courses will give you a solid start.
Next, I suggest you delve deeper into your chosen career path. The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for this. It's even available as an app, and you can find it here: https://www.bls.gov/ooh. This handbook will provide you with a comprehensive overview of various careers and the skills they require. This way, you can start developing those skills early on, which will be beneficial regardless of your final career choice.
It's also important to understand yourself better. Not everyone is cut out to be an engineer, and that's perfectly okay. We all have our unique strengths and weaknesses. If you focus on enhancing your strengths rather than compensating for your weaknesses, you'll achieve much more.
Here are some resources that could help you in this journey. Some of them do require payment, but your school's career counselor might be able to provide access to some:
- You Science: https://www.youscience.com/buy-now/
- O*NET OnLine: https://www.onetonline.org/
- World of Work Inventory: https://wowi.com/
- Strengths Finder: https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/strengthsfinder.aspx
When I was in high school, I struggled with math, physics, and chemistry, and I had to take these subjects in college. Here's a piece of advice I wish I had known earlier: effective studying techniques can significantly improve your understanding and retention of the material. Look up "how to study effectively" and create a plan on learning to study more effectively. Then practice and improve. Consistency is key, so try to stick to a regular study schedule.
I also worked part-time during my last year of high school and throughout college, which wasn't ideal for my grades. However, I persevered and earned my BS in Electrical Engineering. I've had the opportunity to work at several aerospace/defense companies, including Boeing (before it's merger with McDonnell Douglas), Raytheon, Orbital Sciences (now part of Northrup Grumman) and L3Harris.
My English grades weren't great either, but I've taken numerous communication courses since then. I strongly recommend learning effective English communication skills, both written and spoken. If English isn't your first language, English Connect (https://www.englishconnect.org/) is a resource that can help.
Best of luck with your future endeavors!
Charles M recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Amirul