<p>It's a 4-credit high school course, split into two years. It includes Intro/Principles of Engineering, Aerospace, Biological, Biomedical, Civil, Architecture, Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Digital Electronics, and Engineering Design/Development. </p>
<p>I hope to major in engineering at [hopefully] a prestigious school. I have the option to take this course, or other weighted courses that would help my GPA and class rank. </p>
<p>Would taking such an extensive engineering course be recognizable by top schools? Or is this pretty typical from an applicant?</p>
<p>Also, which is more important - my GPA/class rank, or taking an engineering course when planning to be an engineering major?</p>
<p>My son’s school has that program, and he took the first course in the series then decided engineering was not for him. Some colleges will give credit for the courses similar to AP work, and in our school they are weighted grades. Other colleges have scholarships for PLTW participants as well. I don’t have information on how well it is regarded by schools though so hopefully someone else can answer that question. </p>
<p>I took some PTLW classes in high school. I would say it will help your application if you do well, but it is not as amazing as if you were auditing classes from Princeton (which some of my classmates actually did). If I were in your position, I would also try to take more APs, because they are more accepted as credit.</p>
<p>My S took 3 years of PLTW courses in high school (all that his school offered). I LOVE the PLTW program. However to be honest a top school will put more weight into AP or other advanced courses in math/science. If you can take AP math/science courses and still do PLTW - do it. The big advantage of PLTW is it introduces students to actual engineering topics that they don’t get in other courses. Many students say they want to be an engineer, but don’t really know what it entails. Personally I’d recommed PLTW before AP courses in social sciences, English, etc, but would first recommend taking the highest level math and science courses that are available to you.</p>
<p>My S in in PLTW. His classes are being credited through R.I.T. When he graduations he will have 12 credit hours. His school of choice may or may not accept them as electives. Even if they don’t, I believe his high school education will give him a good foundation in the field. I know many on this site are looking for admission to the Ivies or other top ranked schools. He will most likily attend a state school. Where we live, VaTech is considered the overall top engineering school and students from his school that participate in PTLW have been accepted there. He also likes UVA. Of course taking the most challenging curriculum your school has to offer and doing well in those classes is a plus. My S chose a STEM education over Governor’s School because that is his passion. He would rather solve calculus problems than read a short story. I don’t know where he will go to school but am confident he will be prepared for the School of Engineering wherever he goes. Right now he is an A+ student in STEM classes and an A/B student in all other classes. Hopefully, the combination of PLTW and AP Math/Science and High Math SATs will work in his favor. Time will tell. </p>