<p>Hey guys, Im an upcoming freshman and was looking for some advice in regards to doing good as an ME major. I went to a preview at my college, where I selected my classes, and my adviser stressed to all of us the rigor of the program. She even went on to say that the average graduation time is 5 years for engineering majors. I want to graduate on time and also have a fulfilling College experience. What are pieces of advice you wish someone had told you? Thank you.</p>
<p>First, if you have a bunch of AP/IB/AICE/DE credit, it’s not uncommon to complete your degree in 4 years.</p>
<p>Join a design team. Your school will likely have several. These can often be fun, and you’ll be surprised how often you’ll be asked questions about your experience on a design team during interviews. While you’re at it, join ASME, as it’s a good source of info and contacts.</p>
<p>Finally, feel free to join other groups on campus and get involved. You still need to find a balance between studying and social activities, but it will go a long ways to having that “Fulfilling College Experience”. </p>
<p>I would also add that “social activities” doesn’t have to mean joining formal, school sponsored events or groups. In fact, sometimes its nice to just head out with a buddy or group of friends and go hiking, or make potato launchers (not that I ever did this…), fly RC airplanes, or just doing something that you enjoy that isn’t related to filling out your resume. </p>
<p>There are really three parts to the “college experience”: 1) Academics, 2) Formal social involvement (clubs, sports, societies, etc.), and 3) Informal social involvement (seeing a movie, working out, checking out a museum, pursuing hobbies, etc). Its important to balance all three of these.</p>
<p>Don’t forget number 4, learning to be a responsible adult.</p>
<p>^ Indeed</p>
<p>too many people discount or completely dismiss #3, but that’s where many of your college memories will come from. Learning to balance #1 and #3 is what leads to #4. </p>