2.5 Your Graduation Plan
At most schools, there are three levels of admissions. First, you get admitted to the university. For
that to happen, you must meet certain requirements. For example, you need to rank in the topx%
of your high school class, have a certain ACT or SAT score, and have so many years of english,
mathematics, sciences, and social studies. After you complete your freshman year, you may need
to apply to the college in which the engineering program of your interest resides. To be accepted
to, say, the college of engineering at your university, you need to meet additional requirements.
Finally, at the end of the second year, upon successful completion of math, chemistry, physics, and
basic engineering classes, then you need to apply and gain admission to a specific engineering pro-
gram, for example, civil, electrical, mechanical, and so on. Make sure you meet with your advisor
so that you understand what the requirements are for admission to the college and the specific pro-
gram, because at many universities, admission to an engineering program is highly selective.
It is also a good idea to sit down with your advisor and plan your graduation. List all of the
classes that you need to take in order to obtain your degree in four or five years. You can always
modify this plan later as your interests change. Make sure you understand the prerequisites for
each class and in which semester a class typically is offered; a program flowchart will be quite use-
ful. In order to make you aware of your social responsibilities as an engineer, you also are required
to take a certain number of classes in social sciences and humanities. Think about your current
interests and plan your social science and humanity electives as well. Again, don’t worry about
your interests changing, you can always modify your plan. For those of you who currently are
studying at a community college and planning to transfer to a university later, you should con-
tact the university, learn about their engineering course transfer policies and requirements, and
prepare your graduation plan accordingly.2.6 Other Considerations
Doing Volunteer Work If your study schedule allows, volunteer for a few hours a week to help
those in need in your community. The rewards are unbelievable! Not only will you feel good
about yourself but you will gain a sense of satisfaction and feel connected to your community.
Volunteering could also help develop communication, management, or supervisory skills that
you may not develop by just attending school.Vote in Local and National Elections Most of you are 18 or older. Take your civic duties seri-
ously. Exercise your right to vote, and try to play an active role in your local, state, or federal
government. Remember that freedom is not free. Be a good, responsible citizen.Get to Know Your Classmates There are many good reasons for getting to know one or two other
students in your classes. You may want to study with someone from class, or if you are absent
from class, you have someone to contact to find out what the assignment is or find out what was
covered in class. Record the following information on the course syllabi for all your classes: the
name of a student sitting next to you, his or her telephone number, and his or her e-mail address.36 Chapter 2 Preparing for an Engineering Career
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