Need help desciding if I am mechanical engineering material. Thanks

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the participant's concerns about their suitability for a mechanical engineering (ME) degree, particularly in relation to their struggles with precalculus and the mathematical demands of the program. The scope includes personal experiences, educational pathways, and alternative degree options within the field of mechanical engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster (OP) expresses confidence in their mechanical skills but struggles with precalculus and seeks reassurance about their ability to succeed in a mechanical engineering program.
  • Some participants suggest that the OP may consider a Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) degree as a less math-intensive alternative to a traditional ME degree.
  • Another participant, who is a MET major, shares their experience, indicating that the physics and calculus requirements in the MET program are less intense compared to those in ME programs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the OP has the potential to pursue a mechanical engineering degree but also present alternative pathways, indicating that multiple views on the best educational route remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the OP's concerns about their mathematical abilities or the specific challenges they face in precalculus. There is also no consensus on whether the OP should pursue an ME or MET degree.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering a career in mechanical engineering or mechanical engineering technology, particularly those with hands-on experience but concerns about mathematical requirements.

bmckin11
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I have worked several different jobs, such as a mechanic for 7 years, logger for 4 years and a welder for 3 years. long stories for each, but i am mechanically inclined. Everywhere i have gone i have been able to look at different things and figure them out quickly, how to fix them and how they work ect. I have been in college for the past 2 years taking prerequisites planning on becoming a mechanical engineer. I have been having a hard time with precalculus and I was wondering if there is a chance that it may somehow click or become a way of thinking. I have been to tutoring and so on and can understand it there but have a hard time repeating it. If anyone has had this trouble and made it, it would be great to know. keep in mind i am very good at working on anything from a 92 mustang gt with a 347 stroker motor built by myself all the way to the operation and design of a saw mill. if there is any hope for me to be able to understand calculus it would be great to know . I do not mind putting in the hard work to be able to obtain a mech degree if there is a way to be able to understand the math/physics part.
Thanks a million for any info.
 
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Nothing you have said says that you cannot do an ME degree. On the other hand, you might want to consider an Mech Engr. Technology degree as an alternative. This would be somewhat more hands on, a bit less heavy on the math and physics.
 
I agree with the above post. I'm a MET major and like you have worked as a tradesman and find the physics and calculus, which I like least, are not as intense in the MET program as ME programs I have heard of.
 
Thank you for the input, I will research this option further.
 

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