<p>Would my 600-630 math score affect me when applying for an engineering major? I want to go into aerospace engineering at University of Washington, out of state. I also want to join the NROTC program, (no scholarship). I'm going up to Pre-Calculus for my math class in high school. I've gotten an A and B in my math classes so far.</p>
<p>Since you will likely be starting out in Calc 1, make sure you are comfortable with algebra, trig, and basic math operations (PEMDAS, log rules, factoring, etc.). Engineering math relies heavily on your ability to simplify/reconfigure sometimes complex algebraic equations. In my experiences, this is where a lot of the weaker students get stuck and fall behind. </p>
<p>You might want to start out with pre-calc at UW if you’re not comfortable with math. The calculus sequence (MATH 124-125-126) is taken by just about every student interested in engineering and/or the hard sciences and most have taken calculus in high school and done well. </p>
<p>Your grades in these courses are crucial since admissions into the UW engineering departments is competitive. I think aerospace has an acceptance rate of ~50% with an average prereq GPA of about 3.5-3.6. Also, aerospace is one of the more math-intensive majors so you want to make sure you understand this stuff.</p>
<p>I’m not trying to intimidate you and I’m sure you’ll do very well if you put in the work, but there’s nothing wrong with taking your time and it may be better for you in the long run.</p>
<p>Starting in precalculus will likely result in delayed graduation if you major in engineering.</p>
<p>If your precalculus background is weak*, and taking college courses in your pre-frosh summer will not jeopardize your frosh admission status, consider taking precalculus at a community college in your pre-frosh summer.</p>
<ul>
<li>You can try these placement tests to check your algebra, geometry, and trigonometry knowledge:
<a href=“http://math.tntech.edu/e-math/placement/index.html”>http://math.tntech.edu/e-math/placement/index.html</a>
<a href=“http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam”>http://math.berkeley.edu/courses/choosing/placement-exam</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Most engineering applicants to UW are not direct admit to their desired major. Once the prerequisites are done, usually toward the end of sophomore year, you will have to apply again. It is very competitive.</p>
<p>DS only got a 650 on SAT math. It was surprising as he is very good at math.</p>
<p>It was suggested he take the ACT, where he scored a 35. Had a composite of 33. Much better result than the SAT. </p>
<p>It depends on the school. I took four semesters of calculus in college, and took calculus in HS. The first two semesters in college were very similar to HS calculus.</p>
<p>Most average schools would not delay you if you took pre-calc and then first semester calc freshman year. I had to take Calc 3 and Calc 4, but neither were pre-requisites for any engineering classes.</p>
<p>I agree with being “undecided” as your major if you are starting, and seeing if you can get your math on track. Another concern is whether you can handle the calculus at all, I have many students stuck in pre-pre-calc, that is, they have to take a semester of pre-calc before calculus. It is hurting them in their science classes.</p>
<p>+1 for @Magnetron </p>
<p>There is major risk in choosing engineering at UW. It is very competitive, admission is not determined until after you are enrolled and it is not guaranteed. It is possible o start at UW and not only fail to get into the specific field you desire, but to be unable to enroll engineering period. Be cautious.</p>