<p>OP - ACT is a more straightforward test of what you have learned.</p>
<p>When DS first started looking he was also on the fence re Engineering. Most Engineering (esp in Mechanical) programs are ABET accredited. ABET has strict guidelines as to what subjects are required. Many build upon one another. It is difficult to more into Engineering because of this need for sequential courses.</p>
<p>What helped my son:
If you have a school Engineering Club, join it.
Talk to those in the field.</p>
<p>You have some great, albeit, high reach schools that you are looking into. Also look into state flagships and honors colleges. </p>
<p>You are starting early enough that you should have a good handle on your list next year. Get your parents involved NOW to look at the financial end and run some Net Price Calculators. You don’t want to fall in love with a school only to learn you cannot afford to attend.</p>
<p>DS started the process early. He made many changes as we progressed in the process and discovered the top name schools could not offer him as many opportunities as some of the lower ranked schools. Keep an open mind. Focus on what you want out of your education, not the school name.</p>