ED Engineering - opinions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Virginia Tech
1

<p>Hi! I'm very, very late on the Hokie and engineering bandwagon and as a result I haven't had much time to do sufficient research myself. For awhile I'd been set on UVA x9999 with a major in Business or something non-math, non-science related, but after years with that mindset I very (very!) recently shifted gears and am on the track to applying ED for Tech's School of Engineering. Unfortunately what this means is that I've been applying myself to be well-rounded in all subject areas, with no particular focus on math or science.</p>

<p>Also, it wasn't until 30mins ago that I began to read throughout this forum and a few others about how hard it was to get in and subsequently I began to panic, so I would really appreciate an evaluation of my chances to at least alleviate my worries :)</p>

<p>Note: I am from NoVa</p>

<p>GPA: 4.36/4.0 (weighted)</p>

<p>SAT: let's not mention it
ACT: 30 non-writing, 28 Math sub-score ... waiting for September's ACT plus writing test results which are expected to come in just a few days- fingers crossed x10</p>

<p>Chronological Curriculum: A in everything with the exception of an A- in AP Lit last year
Math - HN Alg 1, HN Geometry, Algebra 2 Regular (eek! counselor's fault!), Precalculus Regular (now you see where my worries originate), AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC
Science - HN Biology, HN Chemistry, Physics Regular (didn't think I would need it!), AP Biology
English - HN English 9,10, AP Lang, AP Lit
Social Studies - HN World, AP World, HN US/VA History, HN US/VA Gov
Electives - nothing worth mentioning besides Spanish 1-5</p>

<p>Membership/Positions:
National Honors Society - Elected Cabinet Officer
Spanish Honor Society - Treasurer
Varsity Math Team - no try-outs, just scheduled test-taking competitions
(School name) Mentors - President; essentially mentoring a small group of elementary school students on a weekly basis</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
House volleyball from 10th-present 12th
Founder of my own small baking business by word-of-mouth (not nearly enough income to register, don't know if I should include this in my app?)</p>

<p>I'm essentially just really worried that 1) my high school curriculum doesn't demonstrate enough interest in the field and 2) my ACT math sub-score may not be up-to-par. I read on another thread that there is a "cut-off" at 650 for the SAT which translates to about a 30 on the ACT. Can anyone confirm if this is true as well? Also, are there any numbers that signify any higher Engineering acceptance rate between ED and RD?</p>

<p>Thanks so much in advance!</p>

2

<p>What is behind the recent shift in mindset from business/non-science to engineering? If you apply ED and are accepted then you are expected to attend VT regardless of whether your desires change again.</p>

<p>The first thing to understand is that applying to VT is very different from applying to UVA. VT is geared much more to objective measures of your success, e.g., gpa, SAT and course rigor. For UVA the gpa is paramount to be considered but then they subjectively determine attractive candidates based upon essays and extracurricular activities. If writing an essay on “your favorite place to get lost” gives you a thrill then UVA is the place for you. If that were the case then I’d suggest applying regular decision to both VT and UVA.</p>

<p>For VT acceptance:

  1. They will be more than happy with your GPA.
  2. Regular math versus honors is irrelevant considering that you’ve taken up to Calc BC.<br>
  3. There is no hard cut-off for Math test scores. However, it’s true that most accepted students have at least 650 SAT. You said you wouldn’t mention your SAT scores so I’m assuming that means they weren’t very good? I’m having some difficulty reconciling your challenging math course load and high grades with the relatively (for you) low math SAT/ACT scores.<br>
    My gut feel is that VT will be willing to take a chance on you even with the relatively low Math ACT score for Engineering. There’s no doubt that you can handle college level work so the only risk that I see is that you are deferred to regular admission or at worst University Studies. </p>

<p>The biggest issue IMO is not whether you get into VT but whether your epiphany on engineering will last.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the thoughtful response, Chris!</p>

<p>My options had already been limited from the beginning because I knew that I did not want to go into any science-driven field (biology, physics, chemistry) and I do want a good-paying job. I know General Engineering requires physics and chemistry, but that’s why I plan on going into Computer Science and not Biomed, Electrical or Chemical.</p>

<p>Tbh engineering has never been a life goal or dream of mine, but math has always been something I would not excel at, but do well in when I put in the time to study; it is also a subject I’ve come to enjoy because of the concept of learning and applying what I’ve learned through practice to reach “the one” solution. Instant gratification :slight_smile: … which sounds ironic because 4 years towards a bachelors in engineering I’ve heard is anything but haha.</p>

<p>But why engineering over business? The simple answer is that a bachelor’s degree in engineering is more practical, both in terms of employment and pay. Although I see myself standing in front of a meeting room full of people, presenting a Powerpoint (which I probably had a blast compiling and organizing information into aesthetically pleasing slides) and collaborating with my co-workers often, I honestly believe it would be difficult for me to land a job in the first place, for I’d lack the essential business world connections and people(customer) skills that Computer Science would less likely/require much less of.</p>

<p>If engineering doesn’t work out for me, though, I figure I can always transfer to the Pamplin School of Business, which, although is not as renowned as UVA’s, it is still an available option I’m grateful is there for me to fall back on if needed.</p>

<p>There’s not a chance that I’ve ever underestimated the rigor and difficulty of CompSci/the engineering program, and I expect to have my brain come close to exploding after 4 years, but hey, that hard work all pays off after those 4 years. The fear of spending half my life dedicated to a job I’m not passionate about IS there, but I have no fear of not being financially secure upon graduation. I also talked to my aunt who studied computer science and is a project manager/programmer at ExxonMobil, and despite her description of her work as “boring,” I hope that I find enough interest in the subject to land a job that allows me to be more than a human robot recording cost reports for weeks on end as part of a project that won’t be complete until 2015… but then again that’s only the first part of her project and the task of calculating, finalizing and recording into neat little boxes doesn’t sound all too bad, anyway! :)</p>

4

<p>You might want to consider only getting a degree in Engineering if you truly love the type of classes/work and it interest you. I would not recommend you do it primarily with the assumption of job or pay opportuities. It is a really tough field, and even smart people struggle if they do not have a passion for the subject. Business degress provide just as many job opportunities and pay potential over time (speaking from experience) 72% of graduates had job offers. Lastly, if you choose Engineering, then move to Business, you will primarily have CLE classes that count in both. Many unique Engineering classes will not “transfer” to Business and many Freshman Business classes will need to be “made up”. Just some things to consider…</p>

5

<p>hokiehannah "I honestly believe it would be difficult for me to land a job in the first place, for I’d lack the essential business world connections and people(customer) skills "</p>

<p>You are definitely selling yourself short for most of the business majors. Accounting, Accounting Information, and Business Information Technology majors shouldn’t have difficulty finding jobs. You don’t need business world connections straight out of college because the companies come to hire you. People skills are developed over time and you’ll need them unless you plan on always being behind the scenes or the employee that’s not allowed to talk with the client! </p>

<p>Your aunt can get you up to speed on CS but definitely the type of work she does may be very different than at other companies. VT’s CS degree requires a fair number of math courses but you should have AP credit for Calc I and II. Still to come: Linear Algebra, Vector Geometry, Calc III, DiffEQ, Combinatorics and a STAT class. One more math class gives you a minor in Mathematics. As long as you devote yourself you should be fine. </p>

<p>Your head will NOT explode. Students from NoVA HS are extremely well prepared to succeed. In fact, you may wonder when it’s going to get difficult. I have two sons in CS at Tech who are both bright but not geniuses. They are doing fine.</p>

6

<p>bboop42 & Chris,</p>

<p>You’ve got me on that one, however that was a concern I’ve already dealt with. In truth, I don’t love any subject in particular. Relatives ask me all the time, “what subject do you like the most in school?” and my answer is always “none!”
The only things I know are what I want and don’t want, which don’t exactly point me to what major or career is best for me. Believe me when I say I’ve tried all the career match quizzes out there, haha. I will be even more honest and confess that I am definitely “settling” for Engineering in general, and CS because it focuses the least on lab sciences.</p>

<p>When I was looking into Business I was mainly considering Marketing- definitely not the constant number-crunching that Accounting entails. Though CS is math-based, at least there is a lot more to it :slight_smile: I haven’t looked into the exact types of CS career opportunities, but I am aware that it is a growing field that’s changing everyday. </p>

<p>I know this diverges from my original post/question, but if either of you have any major/career suggestions that you feel could potentially be a match for someone who: thrives on organizing, categorizing; likes to apply concepts as opposed to memorize and regurgitate information; likes to analyze but not necessarily think out of the box on a daily basis (I like to work based on instructions mostly, but not to the point that every day’s work is the same); and is in the Business or Engineering (or both?) category, you would probably make my LIFE!</p>

<p>Might I add that I’m not particularly people-smart or book-smart; I don’t believe my grades reflect my intelligence, just my hard work.</p>

<p>Also, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t a degree in CS usually precede a job in Business IT? I figure with the whole computer-focused part… I could be speaking nonsense right now haha.</p>

<p>Thank you so much for all that you two have shared. This information is honestly priceless to me since both of my parents just went straight into the health professional field and don’t have much insight into much else.</p>

7

<p>I’m going to suggest you look at the Industrial and Systems Engineering department. It may be the blend of engineering and business you are looking for.</p>

<p>[Industrial</a> & Systems Engineering | Virginia Tech](<a href=“http://www.ise.vt.edu/]Industrial”>http://www.ise.vt.edu/)</p>

<p>Good luck. Hard work is the key and I’m sure you will do fine.</p>

8

<p>I was Accounting Information Systems at VT when the program first came out (don’t laugh), that might be a nice blend of CS and Finance/Acctg for you. Definitely easier than any Engineering program based on my experience with a husband (CEE VT grad) and a son (Junior in VT ME). I had a wide range of job opening from more computed based analytical programing to help with accounting/finance issues to pure finance and/or accounting jobs. I have a job that changes everyday with a nice blend of people interactions and independent working. I know a co-workers son graduated from VT in statistics and was hired developing costing models for health insurance companies. I do understand your comment about not really liking anything, but need to do something that will give you a better chance for employment with good pay. That is my oldest son to a “T”. While he is doing well at VT, and loves the school, he really isn’t interested in engineering. I ask all the time, “why do it then, especially since it is one of the hardest majors?” his comment is “nothing else interest me any more or less”. I hate to see and hear that he is not enjoying what he might be doing the rest of his life…</p>

<p>Suggestion, apply University Studies and explore a little with different classes. You might find something you love that no screening test would highlight. BTW - that is what my youngest son just did on his ED application to VT since he too doesn’t know what he wants to do… good luck, hope this helps some.</p>

9

<p>Pure accouting is definitely heavy on the memorization. People skills are very important at higher level jobs (after all, someone needs to land the contracts). Marketing doesn’t really sound like a good fit for you IMO. In my experience the beginning marketing jobs tend to be a mixture of promotion/sales. Sales and marketing types tend to be extroverts with good people skills. Even though there is a substantial amount of data analysis in marketing the data crunching end may be contracted out to specialists. </p>

<p>I’d suggest you read up on the CS program, AIS program and BIT program on the VT website.</p>

<p>College of Engineering - CS (more theoretical, creating algorithms, more options for focus)
[About</a> the Undergraduate Program | Computer Science at Virginia Tech](<a href=“http://www.cs.vt.edu/undergraduate/about]About”>http://www.cs.vt.edu/undergraduate/about)</p>

<p>I’d suggest that you study Java or other beginning programming language on your own to assess whether you have any interest. </p>

<p>Pamplin business degrees (uses computer concepts and capabilities for solving business problems)</p>

<p>See information systems option in [Undergraduate</a> Programs of Study ACIS | Pamplin | Virginia Tech](<a href=“http://www.acis.pamplin.vt.edu/pos/undergrad/ugprograms.htm]Undergraduate”>http://www.acis.pamplin.vt.edu/pos/undergrad/ugprograms.htm)</p>

<p>[Business</a> Information Technology | Pamplin College of Business | Virginia Tech](<a href=“http://www.bit.vt.edu/]Business”>http://www.bit.vt.edu/)</p>

10

<p>I will definitely look into my major/career options, thank you!</p>

<p>My main concern with applying ED to University Studies is that I want to graduate with a BS in 4 years, and University Studies would set me back on achieving that. </p>

<p>University Studies is looking more reasonable, though, given that my ACT math score remains a 28 (~640 SAT) after the most recent ACT. In addition, I’d hate to be deferred to RD at all, and if I get deferred Engineering ED, then I’d have to wait til RD to get into University Studies or Engineering. If I apply ED to only University Studies, then I have little doubt that I’ll be admitted ED University Studies.</p>

<p>Again-and this will not stop-thank you so much for the input. I have learned valuable information from each and every post!</p>

11

<p>Hope we helped. One final note, starting US does not always mean you will need more than 4 years (may require a CC class to catch up at night for ENGR). For example, my son is considering Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Studies or maybe becoming a teacher. All these have very similar classes the first year which are in sync with the University Studies first year…so nothing really lost. You can plan your first year CLE classes around various interest so that you too will not “loose” time. For example, if you feel Engineering is where you will end up, make sure your CLE math class would count towards that degree and/or your Business degree, same with your Science class…etc.</p>

12

<p>Its late and I am tired so won’t offer a whole lot but wanted to share that I am from a long line of UVAers, so archrival VT was not to be on my children’s radar. Son started there in August. Loves it and begrudgingly, I am impressed with the school. He is in the engineering school and his stats were no stronger than yours and he is from OOS. </p>

<p>Our experience seemed to be that VT took the time to know the applicant in a “holistic” sense and valued what experiences he had to offer/grow from. Engineering is a great career path but you have to know you want to do it bc it takes commitment and a lot of work. DS is learning to turn down social opportunities on weekends to study…and he is a very social guy. With engineering, he is working very hard. We also have an older daughter in college in DC. For both of our children, their clearly committed to the subject school approach in their applications seemed to get both over the hump of “mediocre” (B+) HS grades. Explore what draws you to Tech then convey in your app why that is why you would be a good fit. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

13

<p>I’m wondering your rush to ED. VT is an AMAZING school. I’ve grown up with, and my kids have been raised with, lifelong hokie fans that can’t even imagine any other school. You knew they were going to apply ED. The reason I ask is, obviously it’s binding and you’re just switching gears with VT on your radar (nothing wrong with that) and VT is one of the schools that they do not ‘read easier’ or give preference in ED. There is no higher admissions rate. The benefit to people who know beyond a shadow of a doubt they would walk away from any other admit to come to VT is knowing they are official hokies in December. For many, this means a one-and-done application. </p>

<p>I would sit down with your GC and the list of schools you plan on applying to, or had in mind before VT, and talk about what they feel your best course of action is. Ask how they feel VT ED fits into your application strategy, and what the benefits to ED and RD may be for you. I’d also talk to your parents if you haven’t already done so. </p>

<p>I am in NO way trying to dissuade you from VT (my S3 applied a couple of weeks ago), this is my standard towards ED…you need to be absolutely sure, and there has to be a benefit for you.</p>

14

<p>Engineering is really hard and if you don’t like it you won’t make it through, especially if you’re not excellent at math in the first place. A lot of people, myself included, and arguably all if you want to advance much, get their degree and then choose to go take a management/business job, but very few people choose to do that going in, and the ones that do usually know exactly what they’re going after.</p>

<p>Now, you’re very right that an engineering degree is more desirable than a business degree, so if you knew you’d make it through then you could make a case for doing an engineering major and taking a few business classes as well and getting a job from there. </p>

<p>Whatever you do I would suggest you don’t do university studies, though. You know you want a job in marketing or business. You think you want to get an engineering degree to help you get there. In my opinion, nothing you learn in US is going to tell you that A) You can make in engineering or B) that a business degree is going to get you the job you want. Either decide that you’re going to bite the bullet and become an engineer, or decide that you want to get the business/marketing degree and work from there.</p>

<p>Also, no matter which you choose, or where you choose to go to school, take a couple statistics classes. Honest to god the only course material I’ve ever used since I graduated, besides the one time a bolt sheared off something and I was able to tell them how it happened, but that didn’t impress anybody.</p>

15

<p>I guess since I rushed into this decision it was inevitable that my mind was just as quick to rush out, hehe. Thank you so much to everyone who has taken their time to share their knowledge with me during this important time in my life!</p>

<p>If anyone’s interested, I’ve decided that I’m going to apply ED to the Pamplin School of Business to pursue a degree in Business Information Technology. Like ChrisTKD said above, it is the exact mix of business and technical skill (math/computers) that I’m looking for and has a 98% job placement rate at VT upon graduation! I’ve done quite a bit of research over the past 2 weeks and learned a lot of general information, but I only wish there was more available insight into the careers that BIT often leads to, like a “day in the life of a…” Now I’ve gotta decide whether I want to explore the Decision Support Systems major or the Operations and Supply Chain Management sub-major(?). </p>

<p>Fingers crossed for ED notification! and
Thank you again :slight_smile: Can’t say it enough.</p>

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<p>Congrats on finding what you feel is the right fit…Good luck, my fingers are crossed for you.</p>

17

<p>As a parent my suggestion is that you pick a subject area that you will be happy with. I read in your posts…job, money. I totally agree that these things are extremely important but do not make it the driving force for what you are doing. If you don’t love math and it is a bit of a struggle, engineering may be a challenge. While you can choose several engineering fields that are less math focused you still need to get through the common courses. That will probably weed out the weak…</p>

<p>I will also mention that many, many people will take a science or engineering path and work in that industry. It is often an area chosen because jobs can be found in the industry. Anyway, they go back to school for their MBA in business and pursue a career more on the business side of these industries and are much happier. My point is you are not locked into a certain field and can branch out with time. That time might be within college or after. Eventually we all figure it out. Best of Luck!</p>