High School Tips to Prepare for Mining and Geological Engineering

Mining and Geological Engineers find, extract and prepare minerals, metals and coal for use by utilities and manufacturing industries.

High School Preparation can make a significant contribution to a student’s success. Students need to start planning from high school to ensure they take the right kind of subjects which will enable them to take up the mining and geological engineering later at university.

Mining and Geological Engineers use the principles of math and science, to develop economical solutions to technical problems. They use scientific discoveries to develop commercial applications.

High school preparation background must emphasize a complete mathematics background including calculus, English Composition courses, and Biology, Chemistry and Physics classes as well. The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude test) and ACT (American College test) is also required for admission. It is very important that you finish high school with strong grades. Also, you need to make sure that you do well on your standardized tests, to help ensure your admission.

Essentials for taking up Mining and Geological Engineering:

• High School Classes

Students interested in mining and geological engineering should take as much math and science in high school as possible including biology, chemistry, physics, advanced algebra and trigonometry. A second chemistry course, calculus and computer courses are also highly recommended. Admissions requirements for undergraduate mining and geological engineering schools include a solid background in mathematics - algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus and science - biology, chemistry, and physics, with courses in English, social studies, and humanities.

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.

• Functional Skills to develop during high school:

- Good Writing and oral presentation skills:  Being able to communicate your ideas to other people is a critical skill. Mining and Geological engineers must be able to communicate the results of their work - to their peers, subordinates, and the outside world. So, students must develop their communication skills right from high school. Prospective mining and geological engineers should take writing-intensive courses to fulfill the writing requirements required.

- Computer Skills: Computers are a must for mining and geological engineers. They use them to produce and analyze designs, simulate tests, generate specifications, monitor quality and control efficiency.  Therefore, students must be computer literates. High school Mining and Geological engineering aspirants can take classes like introduction to computer science or advanced placement computer science to develop their computer literacy and design skills.

- Analytical thinking 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.

• 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. Participation in outdoor or environmental clubs may familiarize with how to function in natural or wilderness settings. 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.

• High school Transcripts

Your high school transcript, which demonstrates your high school grades, classes and     GPA, will most likely be the first piece of information a college admissions officer will go     over. This complete record of your coursework, grades and credits provides concrete     evidence of whether you're prepared to go to a particular college or not. When planning     for college, you must keep this in mind as you take classes, study and later get grades --     the work you put into it will directly impact your ability to get into colleges. So, focus on     high school courses and make your base strong.

• Entrance Exam Results

The applicants must take standardized test to enter undergrad and graduate courses in the USA. Standardized tests act as a benchmark for educators to evaluate students and  their performance. So, its preparation must be started from the junior year of your high school. Standardized test scores of ACT or SAT are vital for assessing an applicant to Mining and Geological Engineering. IELTS / TOEFL is required for international students  and all other aspirants whose native language is not English.