<p>So I found out that a town near me has a robotics team. It has been an idea I have been kicking around for a while about joining a robotics team, and it is something I'm genuinely interested in. I want to study mechanical engineering in college, and robotics (or building any kind of machines) is something I think I would like to do as a career. This team is also affiliated with FIRST Robotics and would get me scholarships at some schools.</p>
<p>Here are my concerns. First, I feel like joining now, during my senior year, would look bad to colleges, like I joined just to get credit for it as I apply to them. However, the reason I haven't joined is because in past years I was so overwhelmed with music activities (like choir, marching band, musicals, etc.) and didn't think it was doable. My other concern is regarding my skills. While math and science have been my best subjects in school and I feel the STEM field would be the best career choice for me, the skills required to be successful in the team, such as programming and building, are not with me. I'm not sure if there would be training in these areas, but I want to actually work with the machines, not just be someone on the side doing something completely unrelated.</p>
<p>Do you guys think it would be a good idea to join this team, given these concerns? Thanks!</p>
<p>If I were you, I would. I am also currently looking to join a robotics team but I cannot seem to find one in my area. I have the same concern as you with the skills. I would just shoot whomever is in charge of the team an email and just ask, it doesn’t hurt (:</p>
<p>@MuonNeutrino. I think I will do that! Thank you. The worst they can do is say “we prefer you have experience” and I don’t do it! </p>
<p>If you’re looking for a team in your area, try searching the FIRST Robotics website. As far as I know, they have a list of each team affiliation in each state. You could simply google “FIRST Robotics in ______ [enter your state here]” and see what comes up. Good luck! I hope you find one.</p>
<p>@rkepp Thank you so much, I found one in my area that I would love to join! I am going to ask them the same question as well, let me know how it goes for you (: </p>
<p>I agree with @MuonNeutrino . It doesn’t hurt to ask. Also, it’s something you want to do. You shouldn’t feel ashamed (for lack of a better word) if you just start Robotics this year. If you had fun that’s all that matters.</p>
<p>@emenya @MuonNeutrino I just sent an email to them, and hopefully I will hear back soon. It would be really helpful if I could make this work, as I haven’t had much opportunity to explore mechanical engineering. This would be the perfect opportunity to make sure I like it!</p>
<p>Uh, I’m sure you’ll get in. What you’ll do on the team depends on A.) The number of people on the team and B.) The amount of time you put in pre-season and during the season.</p>
<p>All in all don’t worry about it, this year about one-fifth of my team were composed of first year seniors.</p>
<p>@MuonNeutrino. I got a response back from the FIRST coach. They were very helpful. They made it very clear that there is a very commitment during a six week period in January and February, but I’ll see if I can make it work with all of my other time commitments. </p>
<p>@QuadMaster. I mentioned in previous comments that I emailed a person in charge of a team near me. She was very helpful and mentioned that the team is a little smaller and members often have multiple jobs in the group.</p>
<p>@Barfly. Thank you! But I got an email back from them last night. Basically, they didn’t say no to applying, but were kind of discouraging me. They said that first year students often act as more “observers” and that it wouldn’t serve the team or myself well to join the team like that. They also said they have a full roster already…</p>
<p>@rkepp12 For mine, they emailed me back and told me that I could join even with no experience. They have a ton of engineers who could help even those who don’t know much about engineering. </p>
<p>That is strange that they said that to you…I mean, there aren’t many other places where you could get robotics experience or the likes at this age. You could at least learn there.</p>
<p>I would recommend looking for other teams in your area. (:</p>
<p>@MuonNeutrino. I think I’ll do that! I’m not sure how many more robotics teams are in the area, but hopefully they’ll be more accepting than this one. Although I know the one I contacted was pretty well known and accomplished compared to the ones in the area, so that’s probably why. Thanks for the advice! I hope you can get involved at the robotics place you contacted :)</p>