Preparation for Architectural Engineering from High School

Architectural Engineering majors study the planning, design, construction, and operation of engineered systems for all different kinds of buildings. Architectural engineers work on building system design, structural and computer-aided designs. Architectural engineering is a dynamic, exciting and thriving area.

To get enrolled for admissions in architectural engineering schools, one must have a strong background in mathematics -algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus and science -biology, chemistry, and physics, and courses in English, social studies, humanities, arts or designs and computer and information technology. Having calculus in high school can provide a significant advantage when working toward an architectural engineering degree.

Following are the general preparation ways and means to get in an undergrad architectural course:

Algebra and Pre-Calculus
Architectural engineering requires a substantial amount of mathematics. Applicants can prepare by taking mathematics courses in high school, beginning with algebra- basics and advanced. These classes cover topics like integers, radicals, rational numbers, linear equations and inequalities. After algebra, applicants can take pre-calculus, which goes a step further by focusing on graphing linear equations and inequalities using a graphing calculator.

Calculus
High school aspirants who want to prepare for a degree in architectural engineering can take more advanced math classes like calculus. This class introduces students to concepts they will encounter in the undergraduate program. Calculus, the study of the rate of change of functions, is generally available as an elective course in high schools, and some schools offer an advanced placement course.

Art
While the architectural engineering degree is primarily focused on the technical aspects of building design, the program requires the applicants to consider the artistic elements as well. Architectural engineers have to balance between aesthetic and functional concerns, so a strong background in art and design is important. Applicants in high school can begin to prepare for the design challenges by taking art classes like drawing, graphic design, sculpture and photography. Art, drawing, and design courses develop visual aptitude and literacy while expanding your ability to communicate graphically.

Communication skills– written and oral

Engineers have to convey their design thoughts and conclusions, so writing and speech classes are imperative for successful architectural engineers. Architectural Engineering requires effective communication skills. They need to work with different departments and people that require strong communication abilities.  Prospective architectural engineers should take writing-intensive courses to fulfill the writing requirements required. The more effective you are at communicating your concepts and designs, the more success you'll have as an architectural engineer.

Extramural activities

It serves to be the one of the most important keys to get into the course and the University of your Choice. An all-rounder is considered. Get yourself involved in extra-curricular activities and strike a balance between studies and activities. Extracurricular activities are rapidly being acknowledged as a necessary skill. Likewise, if you excel in extracurricular activities you may land in with some good scholarship to continue the participation in the activities of your choice at the college level.

Analytical and Design skills

One should be creative, inquisitive, analytical, and detail oriented. The applicant should be adaptable to the environment, creative, keen observer, able to visualize and should possess strategic thinking skills. Likewise, one must have working knowledge of computers i.e. computer literate. High school architectural engineering aspirants can take classes like introduction to computer science or advanced placement computer science to develop their computer literacy and design skills.

Classes in CAD i.e. Computer Aided Design or any sort of classes that involve something in the technology department are beneficial though not mandatory at the high school level. Design lab classes should also be considered to learn about data interpretation and collection.

Standardized Test

Standardized tests are pre-requisite for all the colleges and universities to enter undergrad and graduate courses in the USA so start preparing for these tests from junior year of your high school. Standardized test scores of ACT or SAT are also vital for evaluating an applicant to Architectural Engineering. IELTS TOEFL is required for international students and all other aspirants whose native language is not English. The test scores are important in order to get into the best schools. This is a competitive major so have incredibly high average test scores.

• SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test): The SAT measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities. There are two versions of the SAT test. The SAT I is the Reasoning Test and the SAT II is designed to evaluate your mathematical and verbal skills. It consists mostly of multiple-choice questions.
  
  
• ACT (American College Testing): The ACT Assessment measures English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning abilities. It is a subject-based test.
  
  
• TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language): The TOEFL is a computer-based test. The test consists of mostly multiple-choice questions with an essay question that is mandatory to attempt.