Bait&Switch

#1 Not sure what type of engineering I specifically want to pursue.
#2 No formal math or physics in the last 7 years (was a professional soldier).
#3 Currently at a large community college.
-Currently studying business but desire to switch
-Will transfer in 1 or 2 semesters


I'm nervous about trying to pick up math and science again.

What are some classes that I should start out with that won't have me in over my head, but will transfer for program credit across a broad spectrum of engineering majors??

quicksilver40133

Well, I would imagine a course on computers for scientists and engineers - maybe using matlab or something similar - would transfer to almost any engineering, and maybe even CS. All engineering majors must take such a class here, and I believe CS majors can take such classes as electives... I might be mistaken. Either way, if you're not looking at CS, a few computer courses geared towards engineering could work. They're practical, light on the theory (so it won't matter overmuch that you've been away for a while) and can even be fun, if it turns out you like that kind of thing.
Most schools also have general education requirements. A safe bet is that you'll need a couple of classes in: english lit & language, history & social sciences, art, etc. These credits should transfer to any curriculum, and shouldn't be too excruciating.

kwtortoise

You should talk to admissions counselors at schools you'd be interested in transferring to, as they can tell you what classes you should take, and transfer requirements. The Calculus 1-3 series, as well as calculus-based physics 1-3 should definitely transfer to any engineering program. Basic English composition and history classes will likely also be required. It always helps to get a start in programming too. If you'd start your first semester with Calc 1, Physics 1, a basic programming class, english, and maybe another elective it would be a good start. Best of luck.

Oh, and if you're not ready for calculus, you should take a math placement test at your C.C. and they can place you in a correct course. You probably don't want to start physics until you are enrolled in calc.

Bait&Switch

I already have 35 credit hours in econ, english, sociology, philosophy, spanish, etc... So I'm pretty well-covered for electives already... hahaha

As a point of reference, I was waitlisted at Stanford for fall transfer. Due to the brutal 2% transfer acceptance rate this year, I did not get the green light...but was told by the assistant dean that most years I would have gotten the fat packet, as they only put a handful of kids on a waitlist (his words).

So this isn't really a matter of aptitude, but rather of conditioning (or the lack thereof). I feel like I will get monkey stomped by Calc, as I will just be absolutely rusty... I also stopped math after trig/AP stats, and didn't take Calc in HS b/c I was lazy...



So what is the best way to quickly get up to speed? Should I grab a tutor? I REALLY don't want to take a slow-paced, bogus class that won't transfer (or catch me up aggressively)... and I want to jump into physics, calc, etc. ASAP.***





***Now that I think about it, my originally posted question should have been more like this: how do I "try" engineering, so I can decide whether or not to pursue this course of study?

hkapoo

Why don't you take pre-calc instead of jumping into calc? Along with that maybe you can do a low level physics or chemistry that your school offers.

Bait&Switch

I wouldn't get any university credit for those...