"Critical attributes" when applying to selective programs like engineering and business

Applying to College
1

We are almost done with the college selection process and our girl got into some great programs. However, as things are winding up I have had several conversations with other parents questioning “why so and so was admitted to … hard to get into program… when that persons stats/GPA seem lower etc.” So here are my observations:

  1. If a student wants to major in business/engineering if at all possible take AP calculus and at least one AP science course. There are exceptions of course but the students from my child’s school that got into some of the more competitive programs all seemed to have taken AP calculus and AP physics, bio or chemistry… and several were not in the top 10%.
  2. Aim for at least a 32 in ACT Math or above 720 SAT Math. Everyone we know who got into engineering had high math test scores.
    What other things are critical to being competitive for those programs?
2

I agree with all of the above. Especially taking calc and physics. It helps with admissions and you don’t want your kid taking engineering calc or physics for the first time in college. My son - a sophomore - wished he could have taken AP Chem in high school too, but it wasn’t offered at our school. Plus students should have 700 plus on subject tests. Also, having a science EC (robotics, research, science fair, etc.) seems to help with the most competitive engineering programs.