Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering: Which Path Should You Choose?

[DanialG]

I'll start with an introduction, what I've done so far in life to lead me to this choice. I'll start by saying, I love planes, ships, blimps, etc. I'm a big ol' nerd when it comes to anything that reminds me of Science Fiction. The evolution of vehicles astounds me. I like fast.

To be perfectly honest, I wasn't the most hard working student in high school, or community college. I graduated high school 9 of the top 10 of that year, but the school only had a few hundred students graduating. Maybe 190-200 out of 500-800 students. I didn't have the best grades, but to be honest, I'm not stupid, I understand the stuff, I just didn't commit. I didn't go to school everyday, and had a terrible attendance rate throughout the entire 4 years of high school. I took Computer Aided Drafting in High School, and could of gotten a scholarship, but my poor attendance showed that I didn't deserve it, I absolutely agree with their decision.

I took an interest in art, after a year of doing nothing after high school. I went to a community college and took some art classes, which led to me getting my gpa from 3.5, down to 2.4. I didn't commit myself. I learned the stuff, but I never went to class. I thought I wanted to go into art, but really I only wanted the satisfaction of drawing things for myself. I don't want to work with other people in the art field, it was more of a hobby.

So here I am 22, still young, still able. So in May, I restart my Community College classes, getting my gpa back up to where it belongs. Taking misc math classes, science classes, and the rest. My "second chance" if you will, is to pursue the Engineering field, but which one?

I like cars, I like the shape of them, I love how fast they can go. I love shuttles, I love air planes, I love jets, and I love cargo planes. What I'm asking, is for advice for my situation, which would be the better of the two, if not that answer, a little help for deciding, Aerospace, or Mechanical. I also like houses, I love how houses are built. I take a great admiration into anyone who can make an old style house, or a modern style house, but still cut the cost.

Also, I'm not bad at math. When it was taught, I learned it. I just didn't like it that much in high school, but I can get over that.

 

[lisab]

Since the paths to aerospace engineer and mechanical engineer are basically the same for the first ~2 years, you don't have to decide right away.

I'd advise you to really work on grades - don't let yourself fall into old habits. Also, join an engineering club. It might help you get an idea of which path you'll eventually take.