How are you supposed to get into college for engineering now?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Step One: Stop underestimating the value (and selectivity) of schools other than "Ivy Leagues or schools like Berkeley and Michigan."

+100
Amen to that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:WPI
RPI
RIT

All are fairly accessible. I didn't know what this obsession with applying to other states' flagships is or where it comes from, but there are many options for engineering.

+1. Highly recommend all three. Great programs, good merit aid, excellent intern/extern programs, and an easier admit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Purdue EA decisions recently came out, and it was shocking how selective they were. I seen kids with straight As, a 1570+ SAT, and strong extracurriculars in research, building model rockets, Eagle Scout, varsity team captains, and more who got denied. Not even deferred. Just flat out denied. It is just so frustrating that here in NOVA, just getting into these extracurriculars and being top of the class is ridiculously hard. Yet, many of these stop students can't get even get into Purdue. I honestly don't know what Ivy Leagues or schools like Berkeley and Michigan are looking for.

Just stoop

My kid had none of those and got into MIT

And for gods sake engineers can come for a ton of schools you fools pay OOS tuition for what?
Now your going to send a kid to Indiana lol your kid doesn’t deserve college

Egal scout omg really ?

Didn’t you hear proud boys and oath keepers are recruiting and starting Boy Scout troops ?. Yes fact

your kid is obviously first in their family to go to college

Seriously. And there is no way the usual troll ^^ has a kid at MIT. That made me laugh so hard.

[Anonymous]

Union, Lehigh, Lafayette, Bucknell, WPI, RIT, Rose Hulman, etc. etc. etc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

An ODU grad might well get a job at Boeing or Lockheed on their own merit, but AFAIK ODU does not have the same institutional relationship with those as it does with NASA. Several ODU faculty have done research for NASA Langley. One could work for NASA and then private industry, of course. At Langley, there is more Aero work than Space work AFAIK.

UVa Engineering does not require any foreign language once admitted. Formally, at least, I think 4 yrs of foreign language in HS are NOT required by UVa Engineering. Double-check the current E School admissions rules. E School admissions rules at UVa are different from their Arts & Sciences admissions rules.

Being female and wanting AeroE is a plus for admissions, so try to find a way to highlight that in any admissions package. Few women want to study AeroE, unlike CS.

I do not know the current rules about USAF ROTC and dyslexia. They often prefer students who are from CAP for their 4-year scholarships. Apply for the scholarship first. Try to get a CAP person if asked for a character reference or a non-teacher recommendation letter. Do not lie if asked, but also do not raise the dyslexia as an issue. No need to create an issue where there might not be one.

My guess, just a guess, is that dyslexia would disqualify from Pilot / Navigator (and maybe other flying roles), but not from engineering roles. For those 2 flight positions there is a very long list of disqualifiers (historically at least, being color blind or wearing eyeglasses were each disqualifying).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Purdue EA decisions recently came out, and it was shocking how selective they were. I seen kids with straight As, a 1570+ SAT, and strong extracurriculars in research, building model rockets, Eagle Scout, varsity team captains, and more who got denied. Not even deferred. Just flat out denied. It is just so frustrating that here in NOVA, just getting into these extracurriculars and being top of the class is ridiculously hard. Yet, many of these stop students can't get even get into Purdue. I honestly don't know what Ivy Leagues or schools like Berkeley and Michigan are looking for.

Go to a less selective school for engineering. Problem solved.

One thing about engineering is that there are plenty of less selective schools where you can get an excellentr engineering education.

Non-engineer here. I was under the impression it does not matter much where you go for engineering as long as it it ABET accredited. Is that true?

Depends on engineering. I recruit BS engineers. Some schools don't do enough math and physics for EE and computer engineering. Some aerospace programs are not rigorous enough in my opinion as well. Purdue is amazing so are UMD, Michigan and many others. You have to look at the requirements for the major and how much math there is and also what the options are for 400 levels as in some schools there are easy senior project courses but challenging one in others.

Any recs for lesser known schools?

Some have been mentioned. Many people assume the middle of the country is some sort of wasteland & never even visit. Check out Iowa, Iowa State, Nebraska, Kansas State, Kansas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Tulsa. All have very attractive campuses (check out online photos if you don’t believe this), big sports, & nice towns.

A notch down would be U of South Dakota & South Dakota State, U of North Dakota, North Dakota State.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Purdue wasn’t that selective until after Covid. Purdue used to be known as easy to get in, but hard to graduate. It is ridiculous what college admissions is turning into

Same with Northeastern University.

I graduated from there in the 90s. I had under 1000 on the SAT. It was an average school at best.

I am doing fine career wise but just shocked How competitive it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

An ODU grad might well get a job at Boeing or Lockheed on their own merit, but AFAIK ODU does not have the same institutional relationship with those as it does with NASA. Several ODU faculty have done research for NASA Langley. One could work for NASA and then private industry, of course. At Langley, there is more Aero work than Space work AFAIK.

UVa Engineering does not require any foreign language once admitted. Formally, at least, I think 4 yrs of foreign language in HS are NOT required by UVa Engineering. Double-check the current E School admissions rules. E School admissions rules at UVa are different from their Arts & Sciences admissions rules.

Being female and wanting AeroE is a plus for admissions, so try to find a way to highlight that in any admissions package. Few women want to study AeroE, unlike CS.

I do not know the current rules about USAF ROTC and dyslexia. They often prefer students who are from CAP for their 4-year scholarships. Apply for the scholarship first. Try to get a CAP person if asked for a character reference or a non-teacher recommendation letter. Do not lie if asked, but also do not raise the dyslexia as an issue. No need to create an issue where there might not be one.

My guess, just a guess, is that dyslexia would disqualify from Pilot / Navigator (and maybe other flying roles), but not from engineering roles. For those 2 flight positions there is a very long list of disqualifiers (historically at least, being color blind or wearing eyeglasses were each disqualifying).

I think dyslexia does make you ineligible for ROTC but she should talk to them. She may qualify for a medical waiver.

My DS has dyslexia so I’ve looked into this a bit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

An ODU grad might well get a job at Boeing or Lockheed on their own merit, but AFAIK ODU does not have the same institutional relationship with those as it does with NASA. Several ODU faculty have done research for NASA Langley. One could work for NASA and then private industry, of course. At Langley, there is more Aero work than Space work AFAIK.

UVa Engineering does not require any foreign language once admitted. Formally, at least, I think 4 yrs of foreign language in HS are NOT required by UVa Engineering. Double-check the current E School admissions rules. E School admissions rules at UVa are different from their Arts & Sciences admissions rules.

Being female and wanting AeroE is a plus for admissions, so try to find a way to highlight that in any admissions package. Few women want to study AeroE, unlike CS.

I do not know the current rules about USAF ROTC and dyslexia. They often prefer students who are from CAP for their 4-year scholarships. Apply for the scholarship first. Try to get a CAP person if asked for a character reference or a non-teacher recommendation letter. Do not lie if asked, but also do not raise the dyslexia as an issue. No need to create an issue where there might not be one.

My guess, just a guess, is that dyslexia would disqualify from Pilot / Navigator (and maybe other flying roles), but not from engineering roles. For those 2 flight positions there is a very long list of disqualifiers (historically at least, being color blind or wearing eyeglasses were each disqualifying).

Thanks SO much again for this info. If you do not mind, I have one last question. Any thought about 1) Alabama or 2) University of Alabama Huntsville (apparently they bit potentially give good merit) for college experience and job prospects in aerospace for the student described above? Thank you again for generously sharing your perspectives and advice!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about for a kid who wants to do mechanical/aerospace at a VA state school? She really wants aerospace but has been told best to do mechanical because it is most versatile. We were wondering ODU because of its proximity to NASA Wallops, Langley, etc?

ODU has a strong relationship with NASA Langley and ODU Engineering School is credible. Good option if goal is job at NASA Langley.

VT E School has several deliberate weed-out classes, but likely is the best E school in the state. VT Engineering School is a tough admit, be sure to have a backup plan in likely case of not admitted.

UVa E School is much smaller and also a tough admit, but they do not have intentional weed out classes. UVa also has a strong AeroE program with good connections at Boeing, Lockheed, USAF, and USSF.

Pro tip: USAF ROTC gives preference to AeroE (and ECE and Nursing) students for full-ride 4-year ROTC scholarships. Student can choose either USSF or USAF as graduation approaches. Apply now if DC has not already done so. US citizens only.

Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

DP. Most schools that want to see 4 years of language will make an exception if the school does not offer a 4th year option (or if it is just not possible with the schedule). Add this to the info box in Common App academic section and make sure counselor mentions it in their rec. That part should be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How about for a kid who wants to do mechanical/aerospace at a VA state school? She really wants aerospace but has been told best to do mechanical because it is most versatile. We were wondering ODU because of its proximity to NASA Wallops, Langley, etc?

ODU has a strong relationship with NASA Langley and ODU Engineering School is credible. Good option if goal is job at NASA Langley.

VT E School has several deliberate weed-out classes, but likely is the best E school in the state. VT Engineering School is a tough admit, be sure to have a backup plan in likely case of not admitted.

UVa E School is much smaller and also a tough admit, but they do not have intentional weed out classes. UVa also has a strong AeroE program with good connections at Boeing, Lockheed, USAF, and USSF.

Pro tip: USAF ROTC gives preference to AeroE (and ECE and Nursing) students for full-ride 4-year ROTC scholarships. Student can choose either USSF or USAF as graduation approaches. Apply now if DC has not already done so. US citizens only.

Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

DP. Most schools that want to see 4 years of language will make an exception if the school does not offer a 4th year option (or if it is just not possible with the schedule). Add this to the info box in Common App academic section and make sure counselor mentions it in their rec. That part should be fine.

Interesting! Ok, thanks for that info! Will definitely keep that in mind!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What were the GPAs and math and science classes?

Agree must be course rigor and gpa issue. The only 1570 type kids who get lots of rejections (outside of T10) not defer or WL have problems with rigor or grades or there are LOR








.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thank you SO much for this info! I am a non-engineer parent trying to learn as much as I can. So, just so I understand, ODU could lead maybe to a job at Langley, but not really private such as Boeing or Lockheed, as you mentioned for UVA? Or, could one work for Langley for a few years and then apply for jobs at places like Boeing and Lockheed, much like folks in DC work on the Hill first and then rotate to private lobbying and such?

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Lastly, we think dyslexia also makes her ineligible for ROTC, though she really has wanted to do it for many years until we realized that. She has been in Civil Air Patrol since 7th grade. Is it true that dyslexia makes you ineligible for ROTC?

An ODU grad might well get a job at Boeing or Lockheed on their own merit, but AFAIK ODU does not have the same institutional relationship with those as it does with NASA. Several ODU faculty have done research for NASA Langley. One could work for NASA and then private industry, of course. At Langley, there is more Aero work than Space work AFAIK.

UVa Engineering does not require any foreign language once admitted. Formally, at least, I think 4 yrs of foreign language in HS are NOT required by UVa Engineering. Double-check the current E School admissions rules. E School admissions rules at UVa are different from their Arts & Sciences admissions rules.

Being female and wanting AeroE is a plus for admissions, so try to find a way to highlight that in any admissions package. Few women want to study AeroE, unlike CS.

I do not know the current rules about USAF ROTC and dyslexia. They often prefer students who are from CAP for their 4-year scholarships. Apply for the scholarship first. Try to get a CAP person if asked for a character reference or a non-teacher recommendation letter. Do not lie if asked, but also do not raise the dyslexia as an issue. No need to create an issue where there might not be one.

My guess, just a guess, is that dyslexia would disqualify from Pilot / Navigator (and maybe other flying roles), but not from engineering roles. For those 2 flight positions there is a very long list of disqualifiers (historically at least, being color blind or wearing eyeglasses were each disqualifying).

Thanks SO much again for this info. If you do not mind, I have one last question. Any thought about 1) Alabama or 2) University of Alabama Huntsville (apparently they bit potentially give good merit) for college experience and job prospects in aerospace for the student described above? Thank you again for generously sharing your perspectives and advice!

There’s a lot of value in Alabama’s programs.

The UAH College of Science advances cutting-edge research and offers first-rate degree programs thanks to our distinguished faculty and state-of-the-art facilities. Our location in Huntsville facilitates partnerships and collaborations with NASA, the US Army, NOAA, the HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, and the numerous high-tech companies located in Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country.

https://www.uah.edu/science/departments/space-science/career-opportunities#:~:text=About%20the%20College,research%20park%20in%20the%20country.&text=experience.,as%20a%20top%20educational%20value.

https://www.uah.edu/prc/students/charger-rocket-works

https://www.rocketcitynow.com/article/news/local/uah-student-experiments-on-board-as-nasa-launches-rocket/525-a4b11ca8-e79b-4ba5-b95a-02f8d579f270

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Isn't Purdue a top5 program in the US?

I get that it's a hard admit but I would expect this, no?

No. Purdue is not top 5 overall. It is a great Engineering public but MIT CMU stanford , Princeton Penn Cornell Columbia even less techy H and Y now have engineering programs that are better, as do Hopkins Northwestern Duke a handful of publics.. Purdue accepts kids from TJ and top stem magnets who are a couple of notches below the kids who get into the above true top schools, on naviance. Purdue kids are above the VT engineering matriculants.

[Anonymous]

She is likely not going to get in to UVA because she does not want to do four years of a language. She is dyslexic and will have theee years of ASL (common accommodation for dyslexics) but it taps out after junior year. She wants to take another science or math for senior year instead of beating her head against a brick wall trying to take year 1 of some other foreign language.

Just chiming in on the language. DS has speech apraxia and has no foreign language or ASL. He’s a high stats NMSF and included an additional essay in his Common App explaining his speech apraxia and issues with expressive speech as barriers for FL. Instead he took other electives (humanities/social sciences) and his counselor also addressed it in his recommendation letter.

He’s been accepted to several schools including Purdue EA. So don’t give up on UVa!