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What are some good mechanical engineering schools?
Hi, I'm a senior in high school interested in majoring in mechanical engineering. I have a decent SAT score (1450) and 3.75 GPA. My extracurricular activities aren't very good: no leadership positions and a member of two clubs but I been in some engineering related mentorship and internship. Any suggestions for good mechanical engineering colleges to apply to? (that I would have a decent chance getting into)
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4 answers
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
I went to Iowa State and it was without a doubt an amazing engineering program, very reasonable financially, and a great campus/university. They have a bunch of engineering degree options for you to choose from based on your interests. Best of luck to you!
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
if any state is an option, you can look at the best ranked colleges for engineering, MIT and University of Maine Orono. please note that these are ranked colleges. i personally went to UMO and have never regretted it.
Updated
Selena’s Answer
With your strong academic background (1450 SAT, 3.75 GPA) and relevant engineering-related experiences (mentorship and internships), you're in a good position to apply to a range of mechanical engineering programs. While your extracurriculars may not have leadership positions, your engineering-related activities can help you stand out. Here are some suggestions for colleges that have strong mechanical engineering programs, where you'd have a reasonable chance of acceptance:
1. Mid-Tier and Strong State Schools
Many state universities have excellent mechanical engineering programs and often offer a balance of quality education and a more accessible admissions process compared to highly selective schools. These programs will also value your SAT score, GPA, and engineering experience.
Purdue University (Indiana)
Purdue has a top-notch engineering program and is known for its mechanical engineering department. While it can be competitive, your SAT and GPA are within the range of accepted students.
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin)
UW-Madison has a very well-respected engineering program, and your academic profile would fit well here. It's a solid choice for students with strong grades and engineering experience.
University of Maryland, College Park (Maryland)
Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering is highly regarded, particularly for mechanical engineering. Your GPA and SAT are competitive for this school, and your engineering mentorship and internship will strengthen your application.
Virginia Tech (Virginia)
Virginia Tech has a strong reputation for its engineering school, and it's a target school for many aspiring mechanical engineers. Your GPA and SAT make you a solid candidate, especially with your engineering background.
Texas A&M University (Texas)
Texas A&M is known for its strong engineering programs and is one of the top public universities for mechanical engineering. Your scores and experience should give you a good chance of admission.
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) (Pennsylvania)
Penn State has a well-rounded engineering program, and they place a strong emphasis on practical experience, so your engineering internships will be an asset here.
University of Florida (Florida)
UF has a highly regarded engineering college, and your stats fit the profile for many admitted students. It's a competitive but attainable option.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minnesota)
Minnesota offers an excellent engineering education and has a strong mechanical engineering program. You should be a good candidate with your SAT and GPA.
2. Private Schools with Strong Engineering Programs
These private institutions offer excellent engineering education and tend to have slightly more holistic admissions processes. They may be slightly more competitive, but your engineering-specific activities can help you stand out.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) (Massachusetts)
WPI has a strong focus on project-based learning in engineering, and they are known for their strong mechanical engineering program. Your engineering experience will be highly valued here.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) (New York)
RPI is well-known for its strong engineering programs. Your GPA and SAT are within the competitive range, and your engineering internship and mentorship will help boost your application.
Case Western Reserve University (Ohio)
Case Western has a solid engineering school with a focus on research and innovation. It’s competitive, but your academic profile and engineering-related experiences will help.
3. Schools with a Slightly Higher Acceptance Rate but Strong Engineering Programs
These schools might have slightly higher acceptance rates, but still offer high-quality mechanical engineering programs that will prepare you well for your future career.
Iowa State University (Iowa)
Iowa State has a robust engineering program and is a good option for students looking for strong academics in a slightly less competitive environment.
Michigan Technological University (Michigan)
Michigan Tech is known for its engineering and technology programs, and your engineering background will help make you a strong candidate.
University of Utah (Utah)
The University of Utah offers a solid engineering program, and your academic background would likely make you a competitive candidate here.
Colorado State University (Colorado)
CSU has a growing reputation in engineering and is a good option for students with solid academics who want a slightly less competitive admissions process.
4. Reach Schools (But Not Out of Reach!)
You could also consider applying to a few "reach" schools. While they may be more competitive, your academic background and engineering experience make you a viable candidate.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)
Michigan’s College of Engineering is one of the best in the country, and although it’s highly competitive, your stats and engineering-related activities could make you a competitive candidate.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois)
UIUC has one of the top mechanical engineering programs in the U.S., and though it’s quite competitive, your GPA and SAT scores put you in the running.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (Georgia)
Georgia Tech is highly ranked for engineering, but it’s also very competitive. With your SAT score and engineering-related activities, it could be a good reach school to consider.
General Tips:
Engineering-specific experiences: Highlight your mentorship and internships in your application. These engineering-related activities can make a big difference, especially if your extracurriculars aren’t leadership-heavy.
Personal Statement/Essays: Use your essays to showcase your passion for mechanical engineering and how your hands-on experiences have shaped your interest in the field. Colleges want to see your genuine interest in the major you’re applying for.
Consider Honors Programs: At larger state schools, applying to honors programs can give you access to smaller class sizes, research opportunities, and scholarships.
Applying to a mix of these schools, including some safeties, targets, and a couple of reach options, will give you a balanced list of schools where you’ll likely have good outcomes!
1. Mid-Tier and Strong State Schools
Many state universities have excellent mechanical engineering programs and often offer a balance of quality education and a more accessible admissions process compared to highly selective schools. These programs will also value your SAT score, GPA, and engineering experience.
Purdue University (Indiana)
Purdue has a top-notch engineering program and is known for its mechanical engineering department. While it can be competitive, your SAT and GPA are within the range of accepted students.
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Wisconsin)
UW-Madison has a very well-respected engineering program, and your academic profile would fit well here. It's a solid choice for students with strong grades and engineering experience.
University of Maryland, College Park (Maryland)
Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering is highly regarded, particularly for mechanical engineering. Your GPA and SAT are competitive for this school, and your engineering mentorship and internship will strengthen your application.
Virginia Tech (Virginia)
Virginia Tech has a strong reputation for its engineering school, and it's a target school for many aspiring mechanical engineers. Your GPA and SAT make you a solid candidate, especially with your engineering background.
Texas A&M University (Texas)
Texas A&M is known for its strong engineering programs and is one of the top public universities for mechanical engineering. Your scores and experience should give you a good chance of admission.
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) (Pennsylvania)
Penn State has a well-rounded engineering program, and they place a strong emphasis on practical experience, so your engineering internships will be an asset here.
University of Florida (Florida)
UF has a highly regarded engineering college, and your stats fit the profile for many admitted students. It's a competitive but attainable option.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minnesota)
Minnesota offers an excellent engineering education and has a strong mechanical engineering program. You should be a good candidate with your SAT and GPA.
2. Private Schools with Strong Engineering Programs
These private institutions offer excellent engineering education and tend to have slightly more holistic admissions processes. They may be slightly more competitive, but your engineering-specific activities can help you stand out.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) (Massachusetts)
WPI has a strong focus on project-based learning in engineering, and they are known for their strong mechanical engineering program. Your engineering experience will be highly valued here.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) (New York)
RPI is well-known for its strong engineering programs. Your GPA and SAT are within the competitive range, and your engineering internship and mentorship will help boost your application.
Case Western Reserve University (Ohio)
Case Western has a solid engineering school with a focus on research and innovation. It’s competitive, but your academic profile and engineering-related experiences will help.
3. Schools with a Slightly Higher Acceptance Rate but Strong Engineering Programs
These schools might have slightly higher acceptance rates, but still offer high-quality mechanical engineering programs that will prepare you well for your future career.
Iowa State University (Iowa)
Iowa State has a robust engineering program and is a good option for students looking for strong academics in a slightly less competitive environment.
Michigan Technological University (Michigan)
Michigan Tech is known for its engineering and technology programs, and your engineering background will help make you a strong candidate.
University of Utah (Utah)
The University of Utah offers a solid engineering program, and your academic background would likely make you a competitive candidate here.
Colorado State University (Colorado)
CSU has a growing reputation in engineering and is a good option for students with solid academics who want a slightly less competitive admissions process.
4. Reach Schools (But Not Out of Reach!)
You could also consider applying to a few "reach" schools. While they may be more competitive, your academic background and engineering experience make you a viable candidate.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Michigan)
Michigan’s College of Engineering is one of the best in the country, and although it’s highly competitive, your stats and engineering-related activities could make you a competitive candidate.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (Illinois)
UIUC has one of the top mechanical engineering programs in the U.S., and though it’s quite competitive, your GPA and SAT scores put you in the running.
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (Georgia)
Georgia Tech is highly ranked for engineering, but it’s also very competitive. With your SAT score and engineering-related activities, it could be a good reach school to consider.
General Tips:
Engineering-specific experiences: Highlight your mentorship and internships in your application. These engineering-related activities can make a big difference, especially if your extracurriculars aren’t leadership-heavy.
Personal Statement/Essays: Use your essays to showcase your passion for mechanical engineering and how your hands-on experiences have shaped your interest in the field. Colleges want to see your genuine interest in the major you’re applying for.
Consider Honors Programs: At larger state schools, applying to honors programs can give you access to smaller class sizes, research opportunities, and scholarships.
Applying to a mix of these schools, including some safeties, targets, and a couple of reach options, will give you a balanced list of schools where you’ll likely have good outcomes!
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Carina:
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, 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 Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
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
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Another recommendation is to look for Mechanical Engineering professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, reach out to Mechanical Engineering professors at the colleges and universities that you are interested in to ask for their advice, insights, etc.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!
While in high school, one will need to focus on science and math classes to prepare for a career in Mechanical Engineering. Physics and chemistry will be the core science courses. For math, 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 Mechanical Engineering. Another recommendation is to seek the advice from your high school guidance counselor and teachers. They can help guide your educational pathway for Mechanical Engineering.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are the top colleges and universities to consider for Mechanical Engineering:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Michigan (Ann Arbor)
- University of California (Berkeley)
- Purdue University (West Lafayette)
- University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign)
- California Institute of Technology
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Texas (Austin)
https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/engineering-doctorate-mechanical
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
There are scholarships based on need, academic performance, school activities, sports involvement and community service. So, it will be to your advantage to seek out these types of scholarships. All of the academic staff at your high school that you interact with can write letters of recommendations for you based on what was just stated above. These recommendations can greatly help when filling out college and scholarship applications.
There will be a application fee to pay for when submitting college applications. The amount of application fee will depend on the college that you are applying to. If there are questions about the college application process, please reach out to the college's Registrar Office.
College and 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. College and 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 college and 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 and acceptance to the applied college of choice, 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.
There should be no limit on the amount of scholarships that one can apply to. It will take time to fill out the scholarship applications and provide all of the necessary required information. Also, there should no fee and no cost to fill out and submit scholarship applications. If there is a fee or cost that is associated with a scholarship application, then please do not send this particular scholarship application in. It will be a scam and money will be lost.
According to U.S. News & World Report, here are some top careers in Mechanical Engineering:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Automotive Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
- Business Executive
- Construction Engineer
- Entrepreneur
- Intellectual Property Attorney
- Manufacturing Engineer
- Management Consultant
- Mechanical Engineer
- Patent Lawyer
- Production Engineer
- Project Lead
- Project Manager
- Petroleum Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Product Designer
- Quality Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Technology Specialist
- Thermal Engineer
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/articles/what-you-can-do-with-a-mechanical-engineering-degree
Another recommendation is to look for Mechanical Engineering professionals on LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com). You can send the professional a message and let him or her know that you are interested in learning more about his or her professional background, work experience, education, etc. Also, reach out to Mechanical Engineering professors at the colleges and universities that you are interested in to ask for their advice, insights, etc.
Hope this helps and best wishes for your education and career in Mechanical Engineering!