Engineering Major for Me: Georgia Tech Insight

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision-making process for selecting an engineering major at Georgia Tech, particularly focusing on the participant's strengths in mathematics and interests in technology and computing. The conversation touches on various engineering fields, including electrical/computer engineering, mechanical, aerospace, and computer science, as well as the challenges faced in understanding certain physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses strong mathematical skills and interest in technology but struggles with electricity concepts in physics, leading to uncertainty about pursuing electrical/computer engineering.
  • Another participant suggests focusing on personal enjoyment rather than job prospects, proposing Applied Mathematics or Computer Science as alternatives.
  • A participant mentions a longstanding interest in computer science but feels drawn to engineering due to a fascination with how things work, despite concerns about intuition in electricity and magnetism.
  • One reply emphasizes that a lack of intuition does not preclude success in a subject and highlights the importance of asking the right questions in engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of intuition in understanding engineering concepts, with some suggesting that enjoyment and curiosity should guide major selection, while others acknowledge the challenges faced in specific subjects like electricity.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on which engineering major is most suitable, and there are varying opinions on the significance of intuition in learning engineering subjects.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering engineering majors, particularly those with strong math backgrounds and interests in technology, as well as those facing challenges in specific physics concepts.

aagnone3
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I have always been good at math, and by that I don't just mean high school. I am about to finish Differential Equations with a high A, and all my other classes up until now have been A's. I love technology, and love reading all about new things from things such as TED.com and Popular Science magazines. I have always been fond of computers, and have built several and taken a few programming courses. I know that I want to use math, and I had been thinking of electrical/computer engineering. However, right now I am struggling with electricity concept in my secondary physics class, and I find that it is very difficult and non-intuitive for me. Also, I don't like doing much of the stuff I am learning. I've also considered mechanical or aerospace but my main enjoyment comes from computing and automation-like devices. I love aircraft and space but I hear AE is not all its pent up to be and the jobs are hard to find. Any insight on what major I should pursue. I start at Georgia Tech in the summer.
 
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Look at what you enjoy the most, not which field has the highest pay or best job prospects, after all, this can change over time. I can't really recommend anything specific based on what you have written, maybe you could consider Applied Mathematics or Computer Science.
 
I have always considered computer science, but led more engineering because of my interest in math and how things really work under the surface. Electronics is definitely an interest of me, as is aircraft and anything really that is forwarding science and technology. I am just concerned with my slight lack of intuition and proficiency in electricity and magnetism.
 
The lack of intuition on a particular subject is not an indication that you won't be good at it. I find that often, whenever I lack an intuitive feel for a subject, that the questions I ask are often those that are confounding everyone else.

The thing you need to be concerned about is when you're confounded by the subject and you don't even know what questions to ask that might get you some answers.

Remember, it's not about knowing all the answers, but knowing what the questions are that makes a good engineer.
 

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