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Is taking Chemistry class in highschool relatively necessary if my goal is mechanical engineering?

I only have one more year in high school left.

mechanical-engineering chemistry highschool
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Robert’s Answer

Mechanical engineering (ME) relies primarily on math and physics, but most (if not all) programs require introductory chemistry. Chemistry helps you understand different materials and their properties, how they corrode and react, and gives you practice applying math and physics. If you take a second semester of chemistry, you will get thermodynamics and heat transfer, which are also important for ME. Taking a chemistry course in high school would be my recommendation, as it will really help you get through the course in college, but if you have an option to take (more) physics or math (especially calculus), or even a drafting or shop class (if those are still offered) they might also be good options. I would certainly advise taking chemistry instead of underwater fire prevention or basket weaving, as much fun as the latter may sound.

Robert recommends the following next steps:

Look at the course requirements for the ME major at schools you are considering, by looking in the ME sections of their course catalogs. (For example, https://catalog.colostate.edu/general-catalog/colleges/engineering/mechanical/mechanical-engineering-major/majorcompletionmaptext and https://catalog.unm.edu/catalogs/2022-2023/colleges/engineering/mechanical-engineering/undergraduate-program.html) You will find a college chemistry course is almost always a requirement, and having taken chemistry in HS will help you a lot with that.
Consider the quality of the teachers you would have for your various course options. (Taking chemistry from a terrible teacher can be worse than not taking it at all...though that is true for all your courses.)
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Tricia’s Answer

Yes!

Chemistry will almost certainly be a required course at your college or university and it is hard. You will do much better if you have some chemistry in high school.

Fun note: I’m a mechanical engineer primarily having worked in chemical plants. I wish I’d taken more chemistry. 😅
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