Engineering college admissions require more than strong grades and test scores. From choosing the right discipline to understanding ABET accreditation, writing engineering essays, and building a balanced college list, this complete guide walks you through every stage of applying as an engineering major. Written by an engineer and dean in a School of Engineering, it reflects over 30 years of firsthand experience.

Computer engineering programs can look similar on paper but differ significantly in how students learn, build, and grow as engineers. This guide explains what actually distinguishes strong undergraduate computer engineering programs and how to find the right fit beyond rankings.

Mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile engineering majors, but not all programs deliver the same undergraduate experience. Learn how to evaluate mechanical engineering programs based on teaching model, environment, and fit — not rankings.

Not all aerospace engineering programs are created equal—and the best choice isn’t always the most famous name. This article breaks down what makes a strong aerospace program, showcases standout schools across a range of environments, and explains how to find a program that truly fits how a student learns and builds as an engineer.

Many outstanding undergraduate engineering programs are overlooked because they’re small, specialized, or teaching-focused rather than research-driven. This guide highlights 24 underrated engineering institutions offering exceptional preparation, hands-on learning, and strong outcomes beyond the rankings.

Many families assume engineering only happens at large research universities. But some of the strongest undergraduate engineering experiences take place at small colleges built around teaching, mentorship, and hands-on learning. This article explores why size isn’t a disadvantage in engineering—and how to identify whether a small, undergraduate-focused program is the right fit.

We speak geek — and it makes a real difference. With deep roots in engineering and computer science, we help STEM students find their voice, tell their story, and discover colleges where they’ll thrive.

Curious about engineering but not sure which path fits you best? This guide breaks down every major—from aerospace to mechanical to biomedical—and helps you discover which type of engineering aligns with your strengths, curiosity, and goals. Learn how to explore options, choose the right program, and find your best-fit in engineering.

As artificial intelligence reshapes the job market, what kind of education truly prepares students to thrive professionally? This article explores how liberal arts engineering programs—rooted in technical rigor and humanistic inquiry—build “AI-proof” skills like ethical reasoning, adaptability, and communication, with concrete examples and guidance for families seeking forward-looking, purpose-driven programs.

A high school student’s classes and grades are the foundation of their college application, regardless of the intended major. No other application component will even be considered if a student does not have strong grades in a rigorous academic program. If you have to pick and choose where to extend yourself for rigor, CS- and engineering-interested students should lean into the STEM areas.

A strong personal statement (the “college essay”) shows who you are as a person and what makes you unique and different from other students with similar grades, courses, standardized test scores, and activities. A powerful college essay differentiates and individualizes you in the competitive engineering application pool. It may persuade an admissions officer that you are a Deep-Fit™for their institution and boost your chances of acceptance. Learn how to write a standout personal statement as an engineering major.

Answering these types of questions will position students to make Deep-Fit applications so they stand out in the overcrowded CS and engineering application pool, shining above other talented students with similar grades, courses, test scores, and activities who have not shown that they are a Deep-Fit.

It is common for high school and new college students to be undecided about what they want to major in during college. In this piece, I share my expertise for guiding the student who enjoys math and science but is uncertain whether they want to study math, science, or engineering: the undecided STEM student.

The podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in engineering admissions, particularly parents whose children are interested in pursuing engineering as a major in college. Lisa and I discussed the pros and cons of universities versus colleges (and how each might work better for your student), how to review your student’s college list, using experiences and extracurricular activities to understand what careers and majors fit, and college and major flexibility for different engineering degrees.

When a high school student comes to me for help to apply to college to study engineering, my first step is to get a sense of how clear their interest is. Are they interested in one specific field of engineering, and if so, what is the basis for this interest? If not, are there different types of engineering that they are considering and why?

An ABET-accredited program has met rigorous standards through a formal intensive review process, including ongoing self-study and periodic evaluation by academic, government, and industry experts. With its focus on specific learning outcomes and program improvement, ABET provides a standard for high-quality engineering programs.

“You know, when you have some interest, that gets you excited. That makes you get up in the morning. That makes you want to do more than the minimum. That is an important element. And that is something you can get anywhere. That doesn’t happen only at Ivy League institutions, you know.” - Dr. Rob Playter