Aerospace engineering: worth it, or not? good colleges?

the-rocketman
Wed, 13 Jul 2005 15:45:48 +0000

I’m from South Dakota and I would like to major in aerospace engineering, but I’m having some doubts about it. Since the aerospace indsutry isn’t so spectacular right now, I’m a little worried about the job outlook. It’ll be quite a blow when I get my major and my doctorate down the road and realize that all that’s left is an aging and arteriosclerotic aerospace industry. I realize that I could still find teaching positions, etc. But, I’m mostly interested in working as an engineer in the industry.

What are some good colleges for aerospace? Here are my stats:

ACT: 35
SAT II Math IIC: 800
SAT II Chem: 800
SAT II US History: 760
GPA: 3.975 unweighted, 4.3 weighted
8 AP classes (lowest score is 4), the rest of my classes are honors

ECs:
Debate/Forensics, varsity 3 years
Band, percussionist, 8 years
Quiz Bowl, 3 years (2 yrs as team captain)
Science Bowl
350+ volunteer hours as an interactor at science center
100+ hours as lab assistant at a local college
100+ hours as a Teen Court attorney
Started Spectrum, a club that promotes tolerance after a series of race-motivated incidents at school
1st place state History Day
1st place @ 4 math contests at local universities
Intramural tennis

I’m currently looking at MIT, Embry-Riddle (either campus), and Iowa State (close to home).
Any input is appreciated!