Really Struggling in Mechanical Engineering.

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>Well, this is extremely embarrassing for me. I've been going to California State University Northridge for 5 years now. I have already cleared all of my GE's and Prerequisites. I was, at one point, a Computer Engineer major but that was only for a few semesters and that didn't really throw me off course much (maybe 6 units at most). </p>

<p>I really struggled to get past my prerequisites. I had to retake a few one of them over. I have gotten a few of my Engineering courses past me. (Statics, Numerical Analyzes, Mech. Eng. Design, Eng. Economy, Strength of Materials, 1st semester CAD, Mechanics Lab, Engineering Materials). </p>

<p>Before anyone suggests something along the lines of "change your major", let me make it clear that that's not gonna happen. I LOVE this field. I understand it. I can conceptualize it. I grasp the concepts. </p>

<p>So why am I struggling? Well, I think it's because of a few reasons. First of all, I am 'burnt out'. I haven't had a break in 2 years. I've been doing spring/summer/fall the recent years. Then the course load. This semester I tried taking the following courses: Thermodynamics, Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering (Lecture + Lab), Mechanical Measurements (Lecture + Lab), Mechanics Lab, and Dynamics. That was a HUGE disaster for me. Lastly, my study habits/time management can definitely improve. </p>

<p>Right now I'm at the bulk of my upper division courses. And only have engineering courses left. </p>

<p>So, for you ME's, EE's, CE's, etc... how long did it take you to complete your BS in Engineering? Any of you struggle this bad to get to graduation? :o</p>

<p>I think I need to lessen my courseload, and maybe start taking 9 units at most. Even if it means delaying my graduation even more. I was supposed to graduate Fall 2012. But with this semester being a disaster, and possibly going part time the next semester, there's no way that's happening.</p>

<p>I'm just trying to get feedback from other Engineering students or graduates... I'm sure some of you have gone through this. I'm deflated. I think I have been stressing graduation so much that it's been a distraction. Any input is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Seems like it is taking around 4 and a half to 5 years to get a BS in ME these days in the CA state system. Mostly that is due to class availability. My son just graduated from Cal Poly SLO and it took him 5 years. Department head was quoted as saying that only 15% of ME students graduated in 4 years at Cal Poly SLO.</p>

<p>My son filled in his course load with extra engineering classes that he found interesting and were in his field of mechatronics (but not required for his BS)within the ME department. I believe that those extra classes help him get his first job.</p>

<p>Do keep your GPA up as many companies (but not all) have a 3.0 cutoff for hiring. Better GPA means better chances for employment.</p>

3

<p>It took me 4 years at Illinois. I had issues one semester when I overloaded myself with classes, but after learning that lesson once, I successfully finished my degree without much of an issue.</p>

4

<p>I can say, you’re not alone. While you will come across people who can graduate in four years and ace the majority of their classes, this is not often the case. I’m a MechE student (first semester, sophomore), and I get my ass kicked daily by these classes. Sometimes I think it sucks, but you’ve just got to get back up and keep going. </p>

<p>From my understanding, the specific material covered in undergrad is generally not particularly important to a career in engineering. Similarly, the amount of ass-kicking you receive from this material is not so important either. It might be a struggle, but by getting the degree, you are proving to potential employers that you have the ability to be taught, not necessarily that you know everything in the undergraduate MechE curriculum. </p>

<p>My advice is to just keep going. If you get owned by an exam, just shake it off and keep going. You said that the material is enjoyable? I’m sure you’ll find a field that interests you, and that 34 on the thermo midterm won’t mean a thing. </p>

<p>Kudos for sticking with it.</p>

5

<p>whats your study habit like?
know how to prioritize things especially when it comes to exams because they are worth so much more. If you think about how much time u spent doing HW, which is only like 1.5% of your grade, try quadrupling that time and use it to study for exams if youre not doing well.</p>

<p>I took thermo, statics, dynamics, and a project based ME core class in 1 semester, workload was challenging but it was doable as long as you plan things out, do your HW early, go to office hours etc.
2nd semester I took circuits, fluids, materials, junior lvl project based design/manufacturing class.</p>

<p>I’ll be completing with my degree in 3.5 yrs.</p>

6

<p>Everyone struggles. Some just hide it better than others.
This truly is nothing to be embarrassed about. If anything, you should be proud that you’ve stuck with it and haven’t switched to an easier major.
I wouldn’t stress out over this too much. What’s done is done.
Just keep pushing, the end is still within reach.</p>