Engineering is becoming a more popular major every year. However, all engineering programs are not created equally. That’s why many colleges allow prospective students to tour their engineering school. It’s a perfect opportunity to visit the maker space, see current student projects, and ask engineering-related questions. Here are 15 questions to ask when evaluating engineering programs:

Is the engineering program direct admit?
What percentage of students within the engineering program are female and/or students of color?
What is the biggest academic challenge faced by engineering freshmen?
For students who are unsure of their specific engineering focus, what first-year exploratory options are available?
How easy is it to change majors within the engineering program as a current student?
What is the teaching philosophy within the engineering program? What is the ratio of theory to practice/hands-on/experiential learning?
Are engineering students typically able to study abroad?
What types of projects have engineering students created recently?
What percentage of students complete a co-op?
How does the college help students find co-op opportunities?
Can students intern and/or co-op from their hometown?
What percentage of undergraduate engineering students do research?
What type of team projects do engineering students typically participate in?
What are the 4, 5, and 6-year graduation rates from the engineering program?
Who are some employers that have recently recruited engineering students?

Hopefully, the college’s answers to these questions will help you understand if the program is a good fit academically and socially.

If you’re looking for more questions to ask when evaluating engineering programs, please don’t hesitate to contact us.