Help me decide what type of college I should go to

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FuryX21

FuryX21

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As we all know, the college decision process can be quite stressful and has a big impact on your life. With me graduating from high school in May and with many college application deadlines approaching, I am still undecided on exactly what route I want to go. I want to study some type of automotive technology with a goal of having an extensive knowledge of everything car - from engines, to brakes, to drivetrains, to suspensions, everything. Mechanical engineering seems to be the closest major to this, but I know there are also some schools that specifically offer "automotive engineering technology."

Would it be better to go to a 4-year university strong in mechanical engineering, a 4year college offering automotive engineering technology, or should I just go to a technical/trade school? Personally I prefer small class sizes but also want to have a lot of fun.

I have already applied to 5 universities and am awaiting admissions decisions, but I'm unsure if having a major in mechanical engineering will really teach me all that I want to know. I'm confused because I don't know if big-name schools strong in mechanical engineering like the University of Michigan would necessarily help me with what I want to know. My biggest fear is putting all the time and effort into college only to graduate and not be able to find a job in the related field or find a job not related to what I want to do. Can someone please give me some advice and/or speak from experience?
 
Well, there are a couple of options.

Have you thought of asking a designer? For instance, drop an e-mail to one of these guys and ask them about your thoughts and if they were in your shoes, what they might do different to get where they are: http://factoryfive.com/table/company/team.html

Now, If I wanted to get where you'd like to go, I'd look at a 2 year automotive college and as electives take as many art classes as possible. Once through there, I'd look into a larger college that will offer something more specialized in what you'd like to do.

Yes, it'll take longer, but the first college will give you a hands on approach to academics and autos. Plus, you'll have a better understanding of what needs to happen with a car as you design it. Having a degree is fantastic. Having a degree and real world, hands on experience is even better. Not only can you design the car and sculpt the curves, you'll be able to tune the engine.

After all, tuning a car can really show your ability.

That's just one option for you.

Then again, you could write the head engineer at Daimler Chrysler and see what he has to say.

Good luck,

AO
 
FuryX21
As we all know, the college decision process can be quite stressful and has a big impact on your life. With me graduating from high school in May and with many college application deadlines approaching, I am still undecided on exactly what route I want to go. I want to study some type of automotive technology with a goal of having an extensive knowledge of everything car - from engines, to brakes, to drivetrains, to suspensions, everything. Mechanical engineering seems to be the closest major to this, but I know there are also some schools that specifically offer "automotive engineering technology."

Would it be better to go to a 4-year university strong in mechanical engineering, a 4year college offering automotive engineering technology, or should I just go to a technical/trade school? Personally I prefer small class sizes but also want to have a lot of fun.

I have already applied to 5 universities and am awaiting admissions decisions, but I'm unsure if having a major in mechanical engineering will really teach me all that I want to know. I'm confused because I don't know if big-name schools strong in mechanical engineering like the University of Michigan would necessarily help me with what I want to know. My biggest fear is putting all the time and effort into college only to graduate and not be able to find a job in the related field or find a job not related to what I want to do. Can someone please give me some advice and/or speak from experience?
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I'm going through right now!!!! I would really like to hear some opinions as I am confronted with a similar decision. Great thread and thank you.
 
Have you considered this school.
http://www.kettering.edu/
It used to be called General Motors Institute.

Co Op Partners
------------------------------------
* Loree Racing
* GM
* AILS Corporation
* Plastomer Technologies
* UPS
* US Geological Survey
* Eaton Corp
* Erie Steel Treating Inc
* International Truck and Engine Corporation
* Wolverine Fire Protection Co
* Control Systems Integrators

This is a good way to get into GM.

As for designing cars.

http://www.ccscad.edu/flashHomepage.cfm
One of the top schools in the country for Auto design and also professional photography. It can be very difficult to get in here.

U of M is also a good choice as is MSU.
 
To continue what Der Alta said, having the 2 year degree first will also put you in the workforce sooner, giving you experience and making a bit-o-cash. Who knows, maybe after two years, you decide that this isn't the career path you want to go down. You might think so now, but circumstances change. Also, typically, a two year tech school won't cost as much as 2 years at a "real" college. I went to a two year tech school (bailed early for OJT) when I was 24 and it turns out to be one of the best things I've ever done. But ultimately, it's you who has to weigh all the options and pick what's best for you. Keep us filled in. 👍
 
I think Wyotech would be a great choice, they regularly have seminars with various people from the field such as GM, BMW, and places like that. I believe that 90% of the graduates have a job lined up to start right after they graduate.
 
GT3mich
Have you considered this school.
http://www.kettering.edu/
It used to be called General Motors Institute.

Co Op Partners
------------------------------------
* Loree Racing
* GM
* AILS Corporation
* Plastomer Technologies
* UPS
* US Geological Survey
* Eaton Corp
* Erie Steel Treating Inc
* International Truck and Engine Corporation
* Wolverine Fire Protection Co
* Control Systems Integrators

This is a good way to get into GM.

As for designing cars.

http://www.ccscad.edu/flashHomepage.cfm
One of the top schools in the country for Auto design and also professional photography. It can be very difficult to get in here.

U of M is also a good choice as is MSU.
Click to expand...

Kettering is good if you are rich, its 27 grand a year to go there. Also you have to move around every 3 months which I didn't really like about it.

I looked at going there and I could have got 7,000 a year based soloy on my ACT but I choice to go to Oakland University which is right by my house. Its a very high rated engineering school and it offers a lot.

There is also Michigan Tech which is one of the highest rated in the country, but then again its in Bum ****ing No Where Michigan. It also has like a 15 to 1 guy to girl ratio. Which makes sense since there unoffical slogan is "Where men are men and so are the women."
 
Do you guys know any schools in the area of Texas or Florida? I've heard about Uti, are they any good? Also, I would like to get into any form of racing and don't know how to go about that. Thanks for the suggestions.
 

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