February 26, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR JACQUELYN JURGA IN MA
Your foresight and planning toward your goal is commendable Jen. Not
knowing what kind of engineering career you are planning to pursue, I can
only answer from my own experience. That is mechanical engineering. I
would look into drafting and CAD (Computer Aid Design) classes. Computer
classes in general. C++, MicroSoft programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and
Word. Visio software. Statistics. Finite element analysis. Study new
technologies whenever you can, such as new inventions.
When you decide what engineering specialty you want to focus on... take any
classes pertaining to that in detail. Don't forget team building
exercises and classes, as most engineers work in teams or project groups.
It is important to have your social skills such, that you are quickly
welcomed and know the dynamics of working in a team environment. Work on
your self-esteem, how to stand up for yourself in a professional (sometimes
stiff) atmosphere, and how to present your ideas in a short precise manner.
I wish you the best luck in your engineering goals. It is tough, but well
worth the efforts. Don't give up!
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February 25, 2004
A: FROM MENTOR DIANA DIONISIO IN CA
It depends if the class transfers. My college participates in assist.org that matches a community college or other university to the university you attend to see if the credits transfer.
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A: FROM MENTOR JOAN LUSK IN RI
College differ in their policies about transferring credit from other
institutions - some allow much more than other. Most will let you
skip a course you've already taken the equivalent of, even if they
don't give you academic credit or tuition credit for it. That way you
get to the more advance, more interesting, smaller classes more
quickly, and have time for undergraduate research earlier.

Taking more math would be good preparation; so would taking physics
or chemistry. If you know where you'll apply to college you can
check out their degree requirements and transfer credit policies. I
wouldn't be _too_ eager to take a lot of courses with the intent of
placing out of them, though. Taking the sequential curriculum gives
you a better chance of a rational, complete coverage. The profession
of engineering has standards for engineering degrees that ensure some
commonality; but sharing the background that the rest of the class
has makes it easier to be 'on the same page' as your classmates.