Final answer:
To prepare for a college major in engineering, students should focus on completing four years of high school math and science courses and be prepared to start calculus by the first year of college. SAT or ACT scores are often required for admission into college engineering programs. Once enrolled, students will need to complete a rigorous first year of college math and physics alongside engineering science courses.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prepare for an engineering major, it is essential to build a solid foundation in high school, primarily through courses in math and science. These serve as prerequisites to thriving in upper-division college courses. A strong background in chemistry, physics, and higher mathematics, including calculus or discrete mathematics, is particularly important. Being prepared to start calculus in your first year of college is also beneficial.
For those aiming to pursue an engineering degree, it is advisable to complete four years of math and science in high school to align with university admission requirements. This often includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, analytical geometry, chemistry, biology, and physics. Moreover, submitting SAT or ACT test scores is a common requirement for engineering programs.
Once in a college engineering program, students must undertake approximately ten courses in college-level math and physics in the first year. They will also engage in engineering science courses such as Circuits, Statics, Dynamics, Fluids, Materials, Thermodynamics, and Statistics, which apply math and science directly to engineering principles. Beginning general studies early can offer a significant advantage, allowing students to commence major-specific courses as early as possible.