AboutPaul Soderman Expertise Aeronautics, Fluid Mechanics, Aeroacoustics, Noise Control, Muffler Design, Wind Tunnel Research.... I know nothing about India - do not ask about schools, jobs, application requirements, career choices, etc. for India. Please, no text message verbiage; I prefer full words in full sentences. Thanks.
Experience 37+ years with NASA as Aeronautical Engineer in research lab (retired). Specialty in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics and wind tunnel research. Publications 95+ technical papers and book chapters. Education/Credentials: BS/MS Aero Engineering - U. of Washington. Graduate studies - Stanford U. Awards and Honors AIAA Associate Fellow (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Expert: Paul Soderman Date: 6/30/2008 Subject: retake classes?
Question QUESTION: Hi Paul,
I was reading some of the questions people have asked you about college and life as an aeronautical engineer, but I just wanted to make sure I was on the right track on becoming one and whether I had to re-take certain classes once I get into college.
One question you answered was about what classes a junior in high school should take and you responded with: physics, advanced algebra, trig, geometry and calculus or pre-calculus
So here is what I took as far as a junior (now going to senior): Honors physics, Honors adv algebra, Honors geometry, and Honors pre-calculus. (I never took trig, but its sort of like pre-cal but easier I assume)
I've been told I would have to take some of these classes again in college, unless I took an AP class and get a score they accept (which is why I made it clear that I took an honor’s class). So, I planned to take AP physics and AP Calculus AB for my senior year and hopefully get a decent score on the exams.
IF, big if, I do get a score that is accepted by the college I am going to, will I be able to skip that class in College? Since my SAT and ACT scores are low I’m limited in my choices. So far I’m stuck between Purdue, Embry Riddle, and possibly Urban. Also, do I really need a doctorate degree to have such a wonderful job? (no sarcasm) Or would a masters or bachelor’s degree be enough? I plan to at least find a job as an aeronautical engineer with master’s and study for a doctorate later on in my life.
Your semi-scared, confused, and very lengthy customer,
Josh
P.S. If you'd like I could tell you my scores to give you a better picture of where I stand. I’m also starting to question whether Embry Riddle is even a good choice.
ANSWER: Relax Josh - you are on the right track. Anyone who has taken honors physics, algebra, geometry, etc. is ready for college. And being a little apprehensive is a good thing. I was scared starting college after coming from a small back-water school in Oregon, and that helped me try harder. I learned how to learn. But to answer your questions specifically:
1. The only one who can tell you if your high school courses will allow you to skip classes is the college you choose. It sounds like you are well prepared. But if an extra math class is required - so what, you have at least four years to sort things out. One thing though, engineers have to be very conversant with sine, cosine, tan,... trig is important.
2. Physics is so important that I would want to take it at college level, but again that is up to the college and you.
3. A doctorate is not necessary to have a great career in aeronautics. It can open a lot of doors, but is not a requirement. I wouldn't worry about it until after the B.S. degree - then you will know which path to follow, hopefully.
4. I can't advise you about Embry Riddle because in my 38 plus years career I never met a graduate of that school. I assume it is new.
Don't be scared. Just hold your nose and jump in. Enjoy the ride - aeronautics can be fun.
Paul
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Paul,
Thanks for your advice and speedy reply! I didnt really expect one until the very last day, ha ha.
I have a few more questions however
1.) which college(s) has given you the most useful coworkers?
2.) which college(s) do most executives working in aeronautics come from?
3.) Does Urbana or Purdue give more useful coworkers
This may sound rude but im just curious; in your profile it says you have some Stanford awards and honors
3.)what awards are they and how do you get them?
4.)what doors open for me if i do get a doctorate?
you helped me calm down a bit, but from the scores i see and hear about, there is A LOT of very strong competition out there(and its just MY school, imagine the entire nation!) and my scores are not even close to their's and i feel very intimidated and worried that the schools of my choice wont have room for me.
Answer 1. The schools that were popular at my research center were Texas A&M, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Virginia Tech, Iowa State, U. of Washington, MIT, Stanford, Princeton, and others I have forgotten (in no particular order).
2. Same
3. Purdue has a nice reputation, I don't know Urbana.
4. I think the only award listed is from AIAA and is recognition of papers published and years of service.
5. With a doctorate you can be a professor in addition to researcher, manager, etc.
