So the semester just passed, grades have all been released, and after just finishing my 2nd year of engineering school, my GPA is now at a low point, let’s just say slightly below a 3.0. What worries me is that while the majority of my good grades have been in my non-engineering classes, the liberal artsy, elective classes and even general math and science, my engineering grades however have been abysmal as a whole. I’m starting to wonder if I’m even qualified to become an engineer. It wasn’t that I didn’t study, in fact I did, but my teachers always tests my class on untaught material or material significantly harder than those shown in class, and so office hours and studying will only help so much.
At this point, its concerning because junior year is supposedly the hardest year and I can only imagine how my GPA will change. I unfortunately did not land an internship this summer, and with close to zero engineering connections, I am not sure what else to do. I still do have an interest in the field, but what my qualifications is it still worth continuing?
You say that you do well in math and science. That is usually a good sign for Engineering. Which flavor are you majoring in? Perhaps you can also consider an applied mathematics major or other science although courses get harder in those areas in Junior year too.
I’m doing civil engineering, I did look at other math and science majors, but the thing is that I’m a very hands on and practical person. Its not that I’m bad at it, but I really don’t like too much theory and preferred more real-world application in my learning, hence why I choose engineering over regular math and natural sciences. I actually am still interested in becoming an engineer, but it’s just that seeing my grades in my engineering classes I am unsure I am still qualified. I feel bad but at the same time know that most of it was again due to hard teachers, getting tested on untaught or significantly harder than taught material. Any input on this would be appreciated, thanks!
Which specialty of Civil engineering? Honestly, a lot of it isn’t hands-on imo. It is applied math and physics though.
Also, I’ve seen that “____ on the test wasn’t taught!” is a common complaint. I don’t buy it. Unless you’re taking a statics exam and there’s a dynamics problem, you were probably taught the relevant concepts for the exam. Yeah, it’s tough, but exams aren’t meant to be easy… They’re supposed to test your knowledge after all. Just studying isn’t enough. It can take a lot of hard work to really master the material.