Hello. I’m new here. I’m a HS senior in Texas. A little about my stats:
White male
Rank 3 of 768
UW GPA: 4.0 out of 4.0
Weighted: 114.5 out of 100 (something like that)
SAT 1540
12 APs (passed them all, scores vary but all are within 4-5)
National Merit commended
Currently in AP Calc BC; Physic C, AP Econ/govt, APenglish, APEuropean
First chair violin and Pres of orchestra
Several State Robotics awards
A few other EC’s, including volunteer work
Here’s my issue:
I’ve worked so hard and feel like I have done everything possible to set myself up for getting into engineering (aerospace). My school is huge and wasn’t helpful with setting us up with math contests or internships or any of that other stuff I’m reading about on here. I’m just an normal, hardworking student. I thought I was doing really well but then I get on here and see that it may not be good enough! How can I have all A’s in AP classes and a high SAT and it still not feel like enough? I’m beginning to wish I chose to be a history major. I am already in at Texas A&M engineering but I don’t like their program because you’re not guaranteed your major yet and it’s very competitive to get it. I have automatic acceptance to UT but am still under review for engineering. Those are my two in-state options and even those are competitive!! Not to mention they’re both MASSIVE schools. The struggle is real, in Texas!
So I’m reaching out to OOS schools, hoping I may have a chance at one of those. With the deadlines quickly approaching, I’m getting scared that no one will take me because engineering his hard enough and to be applying OOS, makes it even harder. Where should I apply where I have a chance (and preferably where I get my major and don’t have to compete for it in college)? I’m scared. Thoughts?
RPI in NY would be a good match, and you’d probably see merit money there with your grades and scores. You still have time for their RD deadline.
Maybe Embry Riddle and U of Alabama Huntsville (both very solid for aero but they have rolling admission so I’m not sure how quickly they fill their class).
If money is no object, Michigan RD as a reach.
Some of the other schools I would have suggested have deadlines that have already passed and have secondary admission criteria for entry to the major.
Aren’t there about 18 other Texas public universities where you should be admitted easily into AE or ME without needing highly competitive secondary admission to major?
Some of these can be safer options.
Out of states, ME and AE are pretty common majors, including at many less selective universities. What criteria and cost constraints do you have?
You don’t mention financial constraints. Those are important, if affordability at private schools will be a factor.
WPI and Case come to mind. University of Rochester. People here like Utah. People should chime in with more.
I’ve applied to Colorado Boulder, UMichigan, and Georgia Tech early action. (There are no cost restraints.) Some of the other in state schools have engineering but not aerospace. TAMU and UT are it. My choices are very limited. I may not get UT engineering or I go to TAMU and have to compete while I’m there and still may not get aerospace because the schools is freaking huge!!! It’s frustrating.
Glad to hear you already applied to other schools! Was Purdue on your EA list?
FWIW, my D has two friends at TAMU who picked it from out of state. They are both seniors in engineering and have had great experiences. They would both recommend the school to others. That said, I know it’s a high bar to get into your major there so I appreciate your concern.
UT Arlington has aerospace engineering.
But note that many schools offer aerospace courses and options under mechanical engineering, and aerospace companies employ many mechanical and other engineers. A degree titled mechanical engineering may give better other job options during aerospace industry downturns.
I know Purdue is an amazing program but don’t they function much like A&M where it is highly competitive to get into your major? It’s possible that I am just freaking out but after reading threads on CC, it feels like everyone has high stats and amazing accolades (even though I’m pretty sure “everyone” doesn’t) So I may be pleasantly surprised. I just don’t want to be disappointed!
I agree with ucbalumnus. Aerospace may be narrowing your options a little too much. My son graduated in Mechanical and has been working aerospace projects for 5 years now.
Yes, Purdue functions like Texas A&M, but the auto admit to major GPA for secondary admission is 3.2 rather than 3.75.
Good advice. Thank you.
Congrats on your achievements. I think you will get into Boulder if you made the EA deadline. The downside is you likely won’t know if you are accepted prior to RD deadlines.
I agree with looking at Alabama and UAH, ASU and UA. Also look at U Miami, U Cincinnati, U Kansas, and Iowa State. You would have an acceptance at Iowa State before the holidays if you applied today, and they are excellent for aero. Good luck.
Thank you
I can’t advise on schools but just want to say that you have every reason to be proud of your excellent academic record and extracurricular achievements. You really will be fine so I hope you don’t worry needlessly.
Thank you. I really do need to hear that now. I’m just nervous.
Go to the ABET website and find a list of aerospace programs in the states of interest. Can be sorted by type etc. Then go to the ipeds or common datasets to see how competitive these programs are. Engineering will be near the leading edge of the mid-50 averages. Except for a very few elite programs, you will be competitive everywhere.
Consider taking a gap year to relax. Good luck!
I definitely need a vacation. Christmas break will help. Thanks for the advice! Everyone has been very helpful and kind
Embry Riddle and Florida Tech are in Aerospace hubs as is UAH.
As mentioned MechE works. While you have no cost constraints look at Bama, Arizona, Arkansas for cheap merit. You may say they are below your level. Bama, for example, has the most NMF in the country.
I do agree staying in Tx or a state that attracts Texans like Arkansas makes sense.
Your three EA are all excellent and certainly you’ll get into Boulder.
So go for cheap or for the stars like Purdue or stronger . You’re in a winning position either way. Good luck.
What are you looking for in a college (besides Engineering) and what’s your budget? (Full pay, wanting merit, or wanting need-based aid with an EFC able to be met) Do you have preferences for location?
You have terrific stats and nice accomplishments - nothing at all to be ashamed of and things pretty much any student at my school would be envious of.
My thought was already mentioned (Alabama-Huntsville), but I will say that your stats are excellent and I have little doubt that you will continue to find success in the future, whether at an in-state school or out-of-state. Best of luck to you!