Where to Start
Picking the right college can be a daunting task, but it can be one of the most important decisions you'll make. It's important the school be a good fit both academically (in terms of the programs it has to offer) and culturally (in terms of everything else). The good news is that there's lots of resources out there to help make that decision a little bit easier:
- ASEE's K12 Engineering Center is a great place to explore different engineering fields, and then explore different engineering colleges.
- The Road Ahead: Choosing an Engineering School is a DVD that offers guidance on picking an engineering school for those who would prefer to watch instead of read.
- For a list of the top colleges in the country (engineering or not), US News & World Report has one of the most comprehensive lists around, with other tools to help you get into the school you want.
There are resources for prospective graduate students, too! If you're still working on your undergrad, or even just starting it, be sure to check out these resources - there's a lot you can do those first four years to make getting into graduate school much easier (other than just getting good grades).
- Haven't decided yet if graduate school is for you? UCLA has some advice just for you!
- Already decided you definitely want to get your Masters or even Ph.D.? You might find Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning a Master's or Ph.D. very helpful.
Expanding Your Education
There are many ways of taking your education to the next level. Opportunities like summer research positions and student competitions, like ASME's Human Powered Vehicle Challenge (HPVC), allow you to get more hands-on experience while in school.
- Check out this NSF page to find listings for Undergraduate research opportunities.
- Visit our list of Student Competitions to find the one for you.
- For Future Professors, here's a listserv just for you!
- Future professors may also find a GSI position very informative. Here's a Teaching Guide to get you started!
Your Engineering Community
Engineering Communities provide you with opportunities to network and build your resume in preperation for entering the work force. They offer job listings, and social networking through Professional Society activities. Many also coordinate and sponsor Student Competitions. Don't miss out on the great benefits these communities provide!
Funding Your Education
For most people, funding will come in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. But if you're looking for more creative options, you might consider summer internships, a GSI position (for upper div and grad students), or other options. Look here to find all you need to know about funding for your education. More...
