Getting Into Top Engineering Colleges

September 28, 2022
By AdmissionSight

Getting Into Top Engineering Colleges

What Are the Top 10 Colleges For Engineering?

Engineering education is expanding rapidly: Top engineering colleges and other schools have increased the number of undergraduate engineering degrees has increased by almost 50% since 2014 according to the American Society for Engineering Education.

Now, let’s tackle what are the top 10 colleges for engineering in the United States below.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The best engineering school in America is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). About 3,120 full-time students are enrolled there. Their annual tuition costs for full-time study average $51,520.

On campus, there are close to 20 research centers that cover a wide range of sectors and engineering specialties. There are other options available to MIT students, including an Entrepreneurship Competition that awards the winners $100,000 in start-up money.

Stanford University

California is where Stanford University is situated. They charge a $125 application fee and $54,015 for full-time tuition.

In the engineering department at Stanford, there are 272 employees. With a current maximum enrollment of 3,524 engineering students, they are located extremely near, if not quite inside, the coveted Silicon Valley.

The headquarters of many of the biggest technology companies in the world are located here. You might make the connection you need to land a position at a Fortune 500 business through a summer internship, either on or off school.

University of California, Berkeley

The name Berkeley is frequently used to refer to the University of California. It was founded in 1868 and is in the Berkeley neighborhood.

With the intention to “contribute more than California’s gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations,” Berkeley was founded. On campus, 23% of all freshmen are the first members of their families to attend college.

Carnegie Mellon University

For full-time students, Carnegie Mellon University charges a $75 application fee in addition to $47,300 in annual tuition. The cost of each credit for part-time study at Carnegie Mellon is $1,971.

There are 285 full-time faculty members employed and they can accommodate up to 3,834 full-time enrolled students.

If you choose something other than engineering, Carnegie engineering students have roughly 10 interdisciplinary majors to select from. They work together on degrees that are either research- or course-based at Carnegie Mellon University.

California Institute of Technology

The top engineering colleges also include the California Institute of Technology. They are in Pasadena, California, and there are 543 full-time students enrolled there.

Take note that there is a $100 application fee and a December 1st deadline for applications. They provide a master of science program that can be completed in a year (if you qualify).

They also provide the more popular engineering specialties, such as civil, electrical, and mechanical. Even more, they hold a degree in aviation engineering.

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) College of Engineering has a sliding application deadline. For U.S. citizens and $90 for foreign students, respectively, is the application fee. Their annual in-state tuition costs $26,336 and their annual out-of-state tuition costs $49,508 respectively.

They heavily emphasize project-based learning in many of their classes. They often host a symposium in November to display the work of recent graduates and draw in newcomers. The engineering departments have a maximum capacity of 3,285 students.

Georgia Institute of Technology

For U.S. citizens, the Georgia Institute of Technology charges a $75 application fee, while charging an additional $85 for foreign applicants. Their full-time tuition is $28,568 for out-of-state students and $13,788 for in-state students. They can accommodate up to 4,085 full-time students and employ 564 staff members.

At their college of engineering, there are roughly 20 different engineering specialties. It includes everything from aerospace engineering to medical physics. A handful of their degrees are dual-degree programs with foreign universities. Moreover, as you attend partner universities abroad, you could continue your studies.

Purdue University-West Lafayette

The location of Purdue University is in West Lafayette. Maximum enrollment for the college’s engineering program is 3,130 full-time students. They charge a $60 application fee for citizens of the United States and a $75 fee for foreign students.

The annual tuition at Purdue University ranges from $10,330 for in-state students to $29,132 for out-of-state students. They have a rolling application deadline and 397 employees.

University of Southern California (Viterbi)

Los Angeles is the location of the University of Southern California. The deadline for applications to the Andrew and Erna Viterbi School of Engineering is January 15. It can accommodate up to 4,203 students.

International students and residents pay the same application price of $90. They charge $2,005 in tuition per credit for part-time students and employ 188 full-time faculty members.

University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Urbana is home to the University of Illinois (Champaign). Their maximum enrollment is 3,733 full-time students. Their annual in-state full-time tuition is $18,256, while their annual out-of-state tuition is $34,330. They employ 440 faculty members full-time.

How Can I Get Admission To Top Engineering Colleges In the USA?

It might be challenging to get accepted into engineering schools. You will probably experience a competitive application process as a candidate. According to the California Institute of Technology‘s most recent report, which only accepts three percent of applicants, getting into one of the best engineering schools may seem unachievable to the typical student.

Group of people talking in a table.

So, how can I get admission to top engineering colleges in the USA? Most universities seek candidates who can be effectively trained to meet the expanding engineering demands of the real world. You have a decent probability of being accepted into a school as long as you fulfill the standards given below.

Common Requirements for Engineering Schools

Requirements for Eligibility

Most universities allow undergraduates to concentrate on an engineering major. You will require a high school diploma or its equivalent to do this. Most universities prefer that candidates apply for graduate programs directly through the department they are interested in. There are specific entrance requirements for each department.

The GPA and Course Requirements

The majority of institutions don’t have a set GPA range for those pursuing engineering degrees. However, you should have a GPA of 3.0 to 4.0 and have finished your general studies, math, and physics requirements in high school. You must finish numerous engineering classes, advanced math courses, and applied science courses to be eligible for a graduate degree.

Two students talking in a table.

Requirement for Online Applications

For most colleges, two or more applications are necessary. On the school’s website or through an application service like the Common App, applicants are asked to submit their applications directly. Typically, the online application form has sections for personal data and attachments. A non-refundable application fee will probably be required in order to process your application.

Standardized Test Score Requirement

While not all colleges require a standardized test result, most schools use ACT or SAT scores to evaluate the academic preparedness of their applicants. Students’ chances of getting into top engineering colleges increase with higher grades.

Teacher Evaluation Requirement

Most often, letters of recommendation are referred to in the teacher assessment requirement. Most engineering universities need that these to be written by your science or math teachers who can vouch for your academic ability. You will typically require two or more letters of recommendation.

Requirements for School Records and Transcripts

The applicant’s school counselor creates a transcript of their academic record. This report includes details about your academic history, including your grade point average and class standing. Most schools need a counselor’s report to be submitted in addition to the school report. It includes a written evaluation of your academic development and proficiency.

Additional Requirements

A resume may be requested, but this usually happens with graduate school applications. In certain schools, the admissions procedure also includes interviews. Personal essays and up to three letters of recommendation could be requested for graduate applications.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Accepted into Engineering Schools

You must carefully organize your application process if you want to increase your engineering college application chances. Make sure you are aware of the engineering entrance standards for the top engineering colleges you want to enroll in as an aspiring engineering student. You will be able to relax while completing your college application. Here are some actions you need to take to do that:

Step 1: Make sure to research ahead.

Make sure to thoroughly research the undergraduate and graduate engineering programs you want to enroll in. Every school has different specifications and engineering specializations. You can choose the institution and program that will best help you reach your professional objectives by researching these institutions.

College student looking away from the camera.

In case you must take a test as part of that program, doing some research beforehand can help you get ready in plenty of time.

Step 2: Organize your application documents.

Do not put off gathering your admissions materials until just before the application deadline. As soon as the applications are released, begin. Since they need to be confirmed, official transcripts frequently take some time to reach the colleges you have applied to. Before sending out recommendation requests, make sure you read the evaluation requirements for each school.

Step 3: Submit your online application by the due date.

Engineering applicants can choose from several reputable application services, but only use ones that your school has suggested. Apply early instead of late. Most schools use a rolling application system, thus the earlier your application is received by the school, the better your chances are of being accepted. Along with the electronic application, begin the school’s supplemental application.

Step 4: Prepare for your interview.

To find out if you might be contacted for an interview, keep an eye on your application. Spend some time getting ready for it. The admissions committee will have the chance to evaluate how well you fit into the program during your interview.

Two people talking to a student for a letter of recommendation.

Your enthusiasm for engineering and your professional achievements in the engineering industry will be evaluated. When applying to graduate programs, interviews are increasingly frequent.

Step 5: Check and confirm your admission status.

Using your application service account or the school’s official website, you can see your admission record. Contacting the admissions office will also allow you to inquire about your admission status. The judgment of the admissions department often includes a list of prerequisites and an acceptance date. Your degree program type and financial assistance information can be found in your offer packet.

What Can You Do With An Engineering Degree?

To enhance human health, safety, and enjoyment, engineers develop the newest products, services, and concepts. Engineers offer solutions to problems and opportunities that concern everyone. Engineers play a significant part in almost every aspect of human life, including the environment, energy, innovative product design, and national security.

If you wonder “what can you do with an Engineering degree?” your career options are strongly correlated with the degree type you hold, and you likely already know what many of them are. For instance:

  • Graduates in civil engineering design and maintain foundations, railroads, dams, and roadways.
  • Graduates of chemical engineering frequently engage in development in the manufacturing sector, designing materials and developing the manufacturing processes for everything from pharmaceuticals to airplanes.
  • Graduates of mechanical engineering are among the engineering profession’s generalists and are employed in a wide variety of businesses.
  • Graduates in materials engineering develop new materials or enhance the functionality of already existing ones.
  • Graduates of electrical engineering maintain and operate electrical apparatus and systems.
  • Graduates of petroleum engineering work in the oil and gas industry and ensure that these resources are extracted as effectively as possible.
  • Graduates of biomedical engineering are involved in ensuring that medical items are safe for use and assist in the development of new medical technologies.
  • Graduates in technical sales engineering are responsible for bringing in new clients and ensuring that customers are familiar with the items they are responsible for.

Your engineering background does not necessarily limit you to these positions. You have a wide range of choices outside engineering.

How Do You Determine If Engineering Is Right For You?

How do you determine if engineering is right for you? You should do some research on engineering before deciding whether to pursue a degree and enter top engineering colleges. Given the broad definition of engineering, it can be too challenging for someone who does not enjoy math or science. In order to choose the discipline that is best for them, students should also think about their interests.

Two people shaking hands in a room.

Consider the following questions for a while. Considering “Things you like to do,” consider the following:

  • Do you enjoy solving issues?
  • Do you enjoy science and math?
  • Do you enjoy coming up with novel solutions?
  • Do you enjoy playing games that need a mental challenge?
  • Do you enjoy using computers?
  • Are challenges your cup of tea?

Asking yourself these questions about “Your perspective on the world” will help:

  • Do you wish to alter the course of the world?
  • Do you find the problems affecting our planet to be interesting?
  • Do you wish to assist others and enhance their quality of life?
  • Do you ever ponder how things operate?

The engineering field may be worth looking into further if you checked yes to several or all of these questions. Engineers solve issues and overcome obstacles that enhance people’s lives and change the world. The last step in the evaluation is to determine whether you have the ability and abilities necessary to first become an engineer and then succeed in the field after having your “interests” and “perspectives” matched to the engineering profession.

Engineering requires students to complete a demanding and extensive program that includes math, science, and extremely technical courses about the engineering subject being studied.

To determine whether an engineering program is worthwhile for further investigation, you should ask yourself a few questions:

  • Are math and science subjects your strong suits? (You won’t need to exhibit the level of proficiency that a mathematician or scientist would, but you will need to show that you are competent and at ease using this knowledge.)
  • When faced with a challenge, do you see it visually or in three dimensions?
  • Do you like to work in teams or with others?
  • Do you enjoy being imaginative?

If you are talented and passionate about a relevant field of study, consider engineering as a possible topic of study. When choosing a discipline of engineering to study, avoid attempting to interpret market signals; instead, pick a specialty area that piques your interest and fits inside your academic comfort zone.

No matter how prestigious the school, obtaining an engineering degree still needs an exceptionally high level of dedication and perseverance. Others who succeed academically and enter the workforce with a bachelor’s in any engineering discipline will be in a good position to earn a significant salary compared to those with other degrees.

Top engineering colleges will have competitive admissions. AdmissionSight has guided engineering aspirants to get into the school of their choice. Contact AdmissionSight to schedule an appointment for the initial consultation to start your undergraduate engineering degree journey.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up now to receive insights on
how to navigate the college admissions process.