Aside from grades, ACT/SAT, how can I show that I am a good candidate for an engineering field? I am already a part of the STEM related clubs in my school, and have leadership positions and a couple awards
But specifically, I am talking about skills, I already can/am:
Proficient in Java, C++, Python
Proficient in design software, like SolidWorks
Familiar with MathCAD
Proficient with machine shop tools and techniques (including a mill and lathe. CNC machines etc)
What else can I do? What other skills should I acquire to show I am a good overall engineer?
Additionally, I want to learn new skills for the sake of learning them and because I truly believe they will help me in my life, if you guys have any recommendations Id gladly hear them.
Thanks
Good engineers build stuff. You seem to have tons of interesting skills, but just saying that you are “proficient” won’t stand out to any college.
Use your skills to make projects, whatever you think is interesting. That can be an app, a website, a new gizmo, or a household tool you build yourself.
To capitalize on it for the purpose of college admissions, try to do one of the following:
- get in the news or go viral with the project
- win a science or engineering competition with it (or get published)
- make money off of it (even start a business around it)
- have a tangible statistic showing its merits (a million downloads, a 70% efficiency increase, etc.)
Regardless of the outcome, it’ll be beneficial to you from an educational standpoint. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
Best of luck!