Engineering is a hot field right now. More and more students are dreaming of becoming engineers. If you hope to be an electrical engineer, going to a great undergrad engineering program should be your first step. However, these programs can be competitive. With more students becoming interested in engineering these programs are also getting more selective. To really stand out as an applicant, you want to show that you have the skills and knowledge base to hit the ground running as an engineering student. But how do you do that? Let’s break down some of the classes (and extracurriculars) that you should get on your transcript.

Science is key

While many high schools don’t have specific engineering classes, all of them have science. You should load your schedule up with STEM classes and higher-level science classes should be a part of that. We suggest talking Chemistry, Biology, and Physics at the highest level your school offers. This is usually AP, IB, or honors. Physics is especially important, however, if they offer other science classes, those are great as well.

Get serious about Math

Usually, hopeful engineers take Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Statistics if their schedule allows it. When it comes to Calculus, it’s an especially good call to take it at a high level, again think IB, AP, or BC if your school offers it. AP Statistics is another great math class to add to your roster.

AP Computer Science

If your school offers AP Computer Science or even just Computer science, it’s a great class for you to take. This class will give you some hard skills that you can use in college and probably even in your eventual career.

Check out STEM-related clubs

Most schools don’t have engineering classes (if yours does, definitely join them!) so many high schoolers get hands-on experience by joining clubs. Look out for clubs like Robotics Club, VEX club, Makerspace, 3D printing club, Hackathon, etc. These clubs look great on engineering resumes and can show colleges that you are following your academic passions, especially if your school is a little light when it comes to STEM class offerings.

Get some research experience

Ok, so this is another thing that isn’t really a class, but having research experience can really set you apart from the pack. If you live in a city or even near a college, there are probably some research mentoring programs in STEM or engineering.

Do a summer program

Many colleges have great hands-on Engineering summer programs. Columbia, the University of Michigan, several of the UCs, Boston University, and many others have popular engineering summer intensives. A lot of schools have them, so do a little research and find the right program for you. One note, these programs can come with high price tags and specific dates and we know that makes it hard for some to attend. If you can’t go, don’t worry there are other things you can do.

Take an online course

There are a ton of classes you can take online. These classes are usually affordable or accessible and are flexible when it comes to schedule. They are also a great way to explore your academic interests. There are a lot of classes out there. Still, the ones we especially like for aspiring engineers include:

Georgia Tech’s Intro to Electronics
Penn’s Robotics
Princeton’s Computer Architecture
Duke’s Electric Industry Operations and Markets.

Lean into a personal project

Sometimes you have to make your own opportunities. Taking on a project you set for yourself is a great addition to your resume. Often when it comes to hopeful engineers, projects range from learning a new skill (think teaching yourself how to code) to building something. If you choose to take one of these on, set specific and tangible goals and then go for them.

Electrical engineering is an interesting and dynamic field. You want to show colleges that you are serious, interested, and have the skills to thrive at their institution. Taking the right classes and building your resume can do that. We know this can feel like a lot, so if you need help, reach out to us. We help hopeful engineers every year get into their dream schools.

Want to talk about undergraduate engineering? Contact us here.