<p>I’m currently in the army, I joined right after high school. I will be getting out soon and I’m not sure what to focus on. I really liked physics and mathematics in high school. I’m a watercraft mechanic in the army and engines are also intriguing to me.
I would like to find a major that involves those aspects. And then a college that would help me focus on those things mainly.</p>
<p>I’d really appreciate any help I can get.
Thanks</p>
<p>Perhaps mechanical engineering for a major? Mechanical engineers use the principles of physics and math to design things like engines, watercraft, etc…</p>
<p>If you are interested in mechanical engineering, look for schools with mechanical engineering at [Accredited</a> Program Search](<a href=“http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramSearch.aspx/AccreditationSearch.aspx]Accredited”>http://main.abet.org/aps/AccreditedProgramSearch.aspx/AccreditationSearch.aspx) . (Note the difference between engineering and engineering technology as described here: [ABET</a> - Engineering vs. Engineering Technology](<a href=“http://www.abet.org/engineering-vs-engineering-technology/]ABET”>http://www.abet.org/engineering-vs-engineering-technology/) ).</p>
<p>Be sure to consider how much cost, net after financial aid and scholarships, going to each school will have. Try the “net price calculator” at each school’s web site.</p>
<p>If your high school record is not good enough to get into a college suitable for your goals, consider going to a community college, taking the freshman and sophomore level courses (mainly math and physics, but also breadth courses and entry level engineering courses like statics, thermodynamics, materials, and electronics) and doing well in them in order to apply to and be accepted to a college suitable for your goals.</p>
<p>Math, physics, mech e, chemistry/biochem come to mind. Chemistry and biochemistry because to me there’s a striking parallel between the mechanics of an engine and the mechanics of cellular functions.</p>
<p>Since you will have the GI bill to help pay for your studies, you may want to go ahead and start at a 4-year school. I’d suggest that you read through some of the threads in the Veterans sub-forum that is under the heading “specialty college admissions topics” in the Admissions forum. The people there will have useful ideas and information for you. [Veterans</a> - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/veterans/]Veterans”>Veterans - College Confidential Forums)</p>