Is it difficult to study engineering in college without much experience?

Michaella,

It seems that you are poised to do quite well as a college student in engineering. I can tell you from my own experience that coming from a town with a population of around 200 people and having extensive experience working on a farm, I was quite intimidated by those city kids in my pre-engineering classes. But I survived, learned from them and learned the engineering material with rapidity. Those nerves are normal but they'll propel you to heights that you'd never expect. And you're programming and Arduino unit? You are more prepared than you know.

So if you get a chance, get to some pre-engineering programs or pre-college programs at the schools to which you've been accepted and you'll hit the ground running. And while you get that solid foundation in your first year, be proactive in looking for you first summer cooperative education experience (and yes freshmen can get summer jobs). That summer job will give you the experience you seek...it will be quite enriching and give you further perspective on your career choices.

If you have a solid math foundation, you should be fine. The first 2 years of engineering are mostly math, physics, and a mix introduction of engineering classes where you'll get a little taste of everything from electrical to mechanical to civil, and everything in between. If you are concerned with falling behind, spend a little time learning the math you will be taking in your first two years. Even a overview of the courses would serve you well so will have at least some familiarity with the concepts and terms. You are going to need Calc I,II,III, differential equations, possibly linear algebra and discrete mathematics as well. Check out Khan Academy, he covers most of these subjects. If you get a jump start on the math, you will not be the one trying to catch up to the others, they will be trying to catch up to you.

I agree with the other comments. The first few years of engineering are focused on the core fundumentals of math and science.  Engineering in high school is good, but not critical to your engineering success.  An analytical approach to problem solving, ability to read and absorb information quickly then apply it, and a love of exploring new ways of doing things are more critical skills than past engineering education.

As others noted above, your foundational knowledge on math, physics, and chemistry should be solid, especially math. Yes, engineering can be challenging, but if you are diligent from your first year, attend classes regularly, work on the assignments on your own as well as collaborate with other students on assignments and projects, you should be able to do well. Another suggestion is to think about finding internships in a field or company you like; internships will really motivate you to apply your academic knowledge in a professional setting and will encourage you to take relevant courses to expand your knowledge in the field of your interest. I would end with one last suggestion. Computers and programming have creeped into every traditional engineering field. So these days it will be a great idea to work on your programming skills, so that they will come handy when you start looking for internships/full-time jobs.