<p>I’m currently a sophomore in high school and thinking about majoring in aerospace engineering, however to get into a school as great as Princeton, I need extra curriculars supporting my major, right?
I can’t think or see any that would correlate to my major. For example, if I wanted to be a travel agent, I could take Spanish Club, World Culture club. Even outside of school I have no idea what is out there for me to try.</p>
<p>Do you guys know any events, competitions, or clubs that may fit with aerospace engineering? Thanks!</p>
<p>A friend of my son’s is graduating from Princeton with that concentration this year. She interned at a local engineering firm for a couple summers through high school. However, I don’t think your EC’s necessarily need to tie directly to your intended concentration (my son’s weren’t and he is also BSE). I do know that extensive math and physics preparation is well regarded by the engineering department (we heard this directly from the Dean). If you are interested in them, I’d consider math clubs/competitions, science clubs etc. Having said that, I’d be cautious about tailoring your EC’s to fit with what you think admissions is looking for. MANY first year students change their intended focus and admissions will consider your application knowing you may elect to change from what you first intended to do. </p>
No, it isn’t necessary that your ECs relate to your eventual field of study. In fact, as I think of the students I know that have been admitted to HYPS, none of their high school ECs were related to their eventual college studies.</p>
<p>Not sure why flying lessons would meaningfully support a desire to study aeronautical engineering (popularly misnomed “rocket science”). As @cantiger stated, extensive preparation in math and physics- as well as research and/or coursework in engineering - would probably go a lot further.</p>
<p>Just because someone can drive a car doesn’t mean that they have the aptitude to design and build automobiles.</p>