Engineering(?) for the B student midwest/NE

Parents Forum
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<p>Wow. Such great advice! S is a kid who we hope will mature. He knows he doesn’t try hard enough and says he plans to work harder. He did a week-long biomedical engineering program this summer and loved it. Frankly, he’s had terrible math teachers, which unfortunately, our district is known for. That sounds like an excuse - and it is not a very good one - but I am always hopeful that he will get the one math teacher who can inspire him to try. I actually think he has a gift in math; he was able to calculate in his head at a very young age, but lack of focus and inspiration has been a huge problem. </p>

<p>He’s the youngest of four, with two very academic sisters and one with a learning disability. He has been tested and has an executive function disorder. I tried to get him extra time on the SAT but the counselor told me it’s close to impossible. He is allowed extra time on his tests at school, but does not often take the time. </p>

<p>He recently started an SAT prep class and scored 420 on CR and 520 on math without any prep. I feel pretty certain that he can increase his CR score to something in the 500s - so that’s about where he is. He will take calculus in high school - although an honors form rather than AP.</p>

<p>I am not an engineer and do not really understand the breakdown of majors. He has a general interest in science and in how things are put together. He has strong people skills and has a great work ethic, for everything but school. I will look into all of the great advice. By advising him to apply to a school where he does not have to apply direction to engineering - does that mean not indicating that you are interested in pursuing an engineering major? Or are you referring to schools that have a whole application process?</p>

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<p>“Frankly, he’s had terrible math teachers, which unfortunately, our district is known for”- Often kids I know with aptitude for engineering had knack for picking up math… probably with or without much guidance from teachers.</p>

<p>I am an engineer and parent of an engineering student and another very bright kid (Math SAT 680, without studying) who did not survive the rigors of engineering… partly due to exec function challenges. My gut says your son would not be a good candidate for engineering. But perhaps the early math abilities are more telling than I realize. You will know more after he takes tha calc class - good luck!</p>

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<p>A lot could happen in the next year. My son ended first semester sophomore year with a 2.0 and second semester junior year with a 4.0. He will be a junior in mech eng next month. It seems SO much harder for him than most of his peers; you don’t even want to know. But if you do, pm me and Ill send you a link to his saga.</p>

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<p>Based upon your description, I would discourage engineering as a major for this student. It would be hard to get accepted, and hard to be successful. </p>

<p>Are there any Engineering Technology associates degree options at your local community college?</p>