essay about aerospace engineering

Why I chose to study Aerospace Engineering… and why it was the best decision I’ve made 

What do you want to be when you grow up? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?  

Does anyone else dread those questions or is it just me?

I wanted to be a million and one things growing up. Firefighter, astronomer, marine biologist, pilot, astronaut, artist, horticulturist, carpenter… you name it. So, how did I end up studying aeronautical and astronautical (aka aerospace) engineering? That’s what the first part of this post is all about! In the second part, we’ll fast forward a decade to the present day where I’ll share why it was the best decision I’ve made.

I have a confession to make first though. While I absolutely love being an aerospace engineer today, I still don’t have a clear answer to where I see myself 10 years from now. Every year I take some time to think about my dreams. The problem is, I have so many dreams I can’t possibly achieve them all… unless I figure out a way to live for hundreds of years like some sci-fi plot…

Anyway… back to reality… 

Because I have so many interests and can see myself heading down so many different paths in the future, it makes me even more grateful that I started with engineering. The flexibility that an engineering degree offers is one of many reasons I’m glad I started my career pursuing engineering. 

Getting an engineering degree may or may not be right for you, but hopefully, this page will help with your own decision.

Related posts:   Career path exercises and selecting the right engineering degree .

Why I Choose to Study aerospace engineering

Trying to figure out what you want to do with your life in high school is rough. I mean, seriously, how many people know exactly what they want to do with their lives before they even turn 18? I didn’t have all the answers back then (and still don’t today). Instead of planning out my entire future, my goal was simply to take a step in the right direction.

Ultimately, I decided my first step after high school would be an aerospace engineering degree for the following reasons:

I love space.

I may have had a ton of interests (and still do), but I’ve always loved space. It started with learning about the universe and astronomy back in elementary school. And then I became fascinated by human space exploration when I started reading about astronauts, like John Glenn and Sally Ride. In high school, I won a scholarship to go to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. That one week at Space Camp fueled my interest in space further and introduced me to aerospace engineering for the first time. That week also sparked my desire to work for NASA one day and to contribute to human space exploration.

I grew up building, designing, and creating things.

From helping my dad on home construction jobs to building theater sets in high school to creating clay sculptures, I just really enjoyed mixing technical skills with artistic creativity. Along those same lines, I liked discovering how things work.

I enjoyed solving problems and finding practical solutions.

When I learned that this is one of the main things engineers do, it started to get more and more obvious that engineering could be a good fit for me.

I wanted to make a good salary after college.

This meant I spent a lot of time in high school looking up salary statistics for various careers. I wanted to be able to quickly pay off student loans after I graduated. I also wanted a career that had the potential for salary growth over time. Aerospace engineering seemed to fit the bill for both.

I wanted the option not to pursue a Masters or PhD.

While I’m naturally curious and love to learn, I simply didn’t want to be forced to stay in school for a long time. The stress of pushing myself too hard academically (starting with too many AP classes in high school) was starting to wear me down. Plus, I was excited to get out in the “real world” and start my career. Note: there are definitely benefits to having advanced degrees in engineering, but not having one hasn’t held me back yet. Consider the industry you want to work in and what kind of career path you want to take in engineering before making that decision for yourself.

I like breaking stereotypes.

Aerospace engineering was (and still is) a male-dominated field. Instead of being intimidated, I found breaking stereotypes to be empowering. How cool would it be to inspire other girls in the future to go into the aerospace industry? 

Why Getting An Aerospace Engineering Degree Was The Best Decision I’ve Made (Reflecting on it a Decade later)

Looking back a decade later, I’m still happy I chose to pursue aerospace engineering. Even though there were tough classes that made me question if I was heading in the right direction. Even though I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs throughout my career at NASA. Overall, I’m satisfied with the path I’ve taken so far. I’m happy with the lifestyle I’ve built around my career. I’m excited about where I might head next, whether I stay in an engineering field or not.

Here are the reasons why I’m happy that my younger self chose to get an aerospace engineering degree:

I am still passionate about human space exploration.

I can’t imagine being any closer to that “human” side of space exploration than training astronauts or designing their spacesuits like I’ve been doing at NASA… at least without becoming an astronaut myself. I love working with the International Space Station program that orbits the Earth today and I’m incredibly excited to be part of the new Artemis program that will take humans back to the moon. It’s also been amazing to be able to share some of my experiences with the next generation of space explorers. 

Engineering has provided me with a lot of useful skills that I can apply to almost any field.

Key engineering “skills” like critical thinking and problem-solving can be used in any career… and in almost every aspect of my life outside work too (well, until all my friends get tired of me trying to solve their problems). 

I still love to learn new things and continue to enjoy new challenges.

My engineering career today has no shortage of knowledge I can acquire and challenges I can conquer. Even better, I don’t need to know everything right away. It’s more important to have a “can-do” attitude and learn as you go. Great engineers never stop learning. Technology is constantly changing. New problems to solve are always popping up. Simply put, it’s exciting!

Engineering allows me to combine my creative side and my analytical side.

Engineers are often known to be analytical and methodical. And while that may be true, many successful engineers are also incredibly creative… and that creativity comes into use when solving complex problems. My favorite work tasks are strategic planning, contingency planning, and rapid-response troubleshooting. All of which benefit from out-of-the-box thinking. One of my first experiences with rapid-response troubleshooting at NASA resulted in news headlines that said things like “ how astronauts used a toothbrush to save the space station ”. 

I love the teamwork involved in engineering projects…

… and seeing what amazing feats we can achieve (and this is an introvert speaking here!). It’s so neat to see all the different strengths people bring to the table, especially on complex engineering projects. And you don’t necessarily need to be an engineer to be part of the team. Many “engineering” projects include a lot of non-engineering specialties, from technicians to procurement experts to scientists. These projects can even include companies and agencies from across the world. 

I love the lifestyle I’ve built because of my career.

While working for the government isn’t the highest paying career option out there for engineers, it allowed me to pay off my debts and save money. More importantly, it allows me to take time to travel and enjoy other hobbies outside of work. Today, I truly believe the “best” job is one that builds a satisfying life. I’m very grateful that my current career has allowed that to happen. Building a lifestyle that I enjoy is probably the largest contributor to my overall happiness.

Engineering gives me a lot of different career options…

… which means more flexibility to shift my career path if I want to. “Engineering degree” is posted as a requirement or desired attribute on a lot of job applications, even when the position doesn’t explicitly say “engineer” in the title. For example, having an engineering background can give you a leg up if you want to pursue management in technical-focused industries, quality assurance, technical sales and marketing, logistics, consulting…and the list goes on. While I haven’t actually tried all these different career fields, I love having options out there. Partially because it feels like a security blanket (in case I need to pursue something different) and partially because it creates exciting new possibilities (in case I want to pursue something different).

Share your thoughts in the comments below

Are you thinking about becoming an engineer? If so, what aspect of engineering are you most interested in? 

Are you an engineer today? If so, what do you love the most about your engineering career?

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125 Aerospace Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Are you struggling to come up with a compelling essay topic related to aerospace? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 125 aerospace essay topic ideas and examples that will inspire you and help you write a fascinating and informative essay. Whether you are a student studying aerospace engineering or simply have an interest in this field, these topics will provide you with a wide range of options to choose from.

• The evolution of aerospace technology: From the Wright brothers to modern space exploration.
• The impact of space exploration on our daily lives: How aerospace innovations have changed the world.
• The role of women in aerospace: Pioneers and current contributions.
• The future of commercial space travel: Is it viable and sustainable?
• The environmental impact of aerospace technology: Balancing progress and sustainability.
• The challenges of space colonization: What are the major obstacles?
• The role of artificial intelligence in aerospace: How it is transforming the industry.
• The ethical considerations of space exploration: Should humans interfere with extraterrestrial life?
• The influence of science fiction on aerospace engineering and design.
• The impact of aerospace technology on military defense strategies.
• The role of teamwork in the success of aerospace missions.
• The history and significance of the International Space Station (ISS).
• The psychological effects of long-duration space missions on astronauts.
• The economics of space tourism: Is it a profitable industry?
• The role of entrepreneurship in the commercial space industry.
• The importance of international collaboration in space exploration.
• The challenges of asteroid mining: Is it a feasible endeavor?
• The impact of space debris on future space missions.
• The potential benefits and risks of asteroid deflection technologies.
• The role of aerospace engineering in disaster management and response.
• The impact of satellite technology on communication and connectivity.
• The challenges of designing spacecraft for deep space exploration.
• The future of propulsion systems in aerospace: From chemical rockets to advanced technologies.
• The importance of space-based telescopes in astronomical research.
• The role of aerospace technology in monitoring and mitigating climate change.
• The impact of space-based observatories on our understanding of the universe.
• The challenges of human colonization of Mars: Can it be achieved?
• The potential for extraterrestrial life in our solar system.
• The impact of microgravity on human physiology and health.
• The role of aerospace technology in disaster relief and humanitarian aid.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for supersonic and hypersonic speeds.
• The impact of aerospace technology on aviation safety.
• The role of drones in the future of aerospace.
• The potential for renewable energy sources in aerospace technology.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for space tourism.
• The impact of aerospace technology on agriculture and food production.
• The role of aerospace technology in exploring the deep sea.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for unmanned and autonomous flights.
• The impact of aerospace technology on urban air mobility.
• The role of aerospace technology in wildlife conservation and environmental monitoring.
• The potential for 3D printing in aerospace manufacturing.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for electric propulsion.
• The impact of aerospace technology on national security and defense.
• The role of aerospace technology in exploring the outer planets of our solar system.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for extreme temperatures and environments.
• The impact of aerospace technology on search and rescue operations.
• The role of aerospace technology in mapping and cartography.
• The potential for solar sails in space exploration.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient fuel consumption.
• The impact of aerospace technology on the tourism industry.
• The role of aerospace technology in monitoring and predicting natural disasters.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for vertical takeoff and landing.
• The potential for bio-inspired design in aerospace engineering.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife tracking and conservation.
• The role of aerospace technology in exploring the oceans of other planets.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for high-altitude flights.
• The impact of aerospace technology on emergency medical services.
• The role of aerospace technology in agriculture and crop monitoring.
• The potential for using drones in space exploration.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for long-duration flights.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife migration studies.
• The role of aerospace technology in disaster prediction and early warning systems.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient noise reduction.
• The potential for using artificial intelligence in aerospace maintenance and repair.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife population studies.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring volcanic activity.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient energy storage.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife conservation efforts.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring earthquakes.
• The potential for using blockchain technology in aerospace supply chains.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient waste management.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife habitat preservation.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring forest fires.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient water management systems.
• The potential for using virtual reality in aerospace training and simulations.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife behavior studies.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring climate change.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient materials recycling.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife migration patterns.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring air pollution.
• The potential for using nanotechnology in aerospace materials.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient propulsion systems.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife conservation education.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring ocean pollution.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient aerodynamics.
• The potential for using biotechnology in aerospace research and development.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife disease surveillance.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring water quality.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient thermal management.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife DNA analysis.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring invasive species.
• The potential for using quantum computing in aerospace simulations.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient energy harvesting.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife population genetics.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring marine ecosystems.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient avionics systems.
• The potential for using robotics in aerospace exploration.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife tracking and migration studies.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring freshwater ecosystems.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient navigation systems.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife conservation policies.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring coral reefs.
• The potential for using augmented reality in aerospace design and manufacturing.
• The challenges of designing aircraft for efficient communication systems.
• The impact of aerospace technology on wildlife habitat restoration.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring endangered species.
• The potential for using renewable energy sources in aerospace technology.
• The role of aerospace technology in studying and monitoring marine mammals.

We hope this extensive list of aerospace essay topic ideas and examples will help you find the perfect topic for your essay. Remember to choose a topic that you are genuinely interested in and passionate about. Good luck with your essay!

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71 Aerospace Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best aerospace topic ideas & essay examples, 📃 interesting topics to write about aerospaces, ✅ simple & easy aerospace essay titles.

• The Bombardier Aerospace Analysis A significant threat to the strategy of the Bombardier Company in the unveiling of the C-series airplane model is the legal dilemma that the company is facing.
• Aviation and Aerospace Future Technology Aerospace refers to the earth’s atmosphere and the space beyond it. Technology in both aviation and aerospace has proved to be of great advantage to mankind over the years. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Gulfstream Aerospace: Global Strategy to Rapidly Expand Oversea The choice of entry strategies is often dependent on the local business culture of the company, as well as the nature of the operational environment that prevails in the international market.
• Aerospace Industry Risk and Procurement Management This paper aims to analyze the development and functioning of the procurement process in the example of Airbus. These components allow Airbus to control the information flow to and from its suppliers and to choose […]
• Bombardier Aerospace Evaluation The main strategic objective of the company is to become a global leader in the manufacturing of aircrafts and everything possible is done to achieve this.
• The ‘I’ Brand in the Aerospace Sector With my help, the organization will achieve more as I will manage my team realizing the peculiarities of the aerospace sector in Abu Dhabi and find out the best way to prepossess the customers and […]
• WBS for Aerospace Project Management One of the key deliverables of the aerospace industry is risk control, and budgeting, as the production of many elements requires support from the government.
• Aerospace Engineering Workshop Safety and Drawings The fitting of safety equipment and exposure of workers to preventive measures to reduce accidents in engineering workshops does not limit the occurrence of such risks.
• Aerospace Companies Flying High with 3D Laser Trackers Another significant article from the Quality Magazine published by Martinez on the 8th of March explores the use of 3d laser trackers for measurements in aerospace companies.
• Aerospace Toxicology: Flourinert The current knowledge about this fluid should become the foundation for completing additional experimentations and researches to discover additional health, toxicological, and safety benefits and expand its possible applications in different heat exchange systems.
• Aerospace Legislation: Maintenance Procedures Planning and Organization In addition, the paper discusses the rules and regulations of maintenance procedures and safety as per the European Aviation Safety Agency manual.
• Shape Memory Alloys in Aerospace Industry Shape memory materials are made possible by the ability of engineers to change the shape of the material while in a solid state.
• A Survey of the Aerospace Industry in China It will be outlining the operational efficiency, financial and workforce efficiency in the commercial and military aviation developments, and the underlying factors behind the successful development of this industry in modern china.
• Gulfstream Aerospace Corp Overview There is a close relationship between’ just in time production and selection of the location of production. Expansion of the company in Savannah is possible due to the large tract of waterfront land and low […]
• Life Cycle Analysis for Systems and Program in Aviation & Aerospace Fifth is the actual launch of the system, where initiation of the system means operating the system and creating products that make the system do what it was proposed to accomplish.
• Aerospace Engineering: Structural Optimization The total aero-structural design matter entails the concurrent optimization of the aerodynamic form of a design and the construction that is created to maintain its consignments.
• Inventory and Constraints in the Aerospace Industry In this paper, the author will provide a report on an article touching on the application of the constraints theory in the management of inventory problems in the aerospace industry.
• Boeing Aerospace Support’s Business Excellence Model To reduce the limitations of the current BEMs, a new BEF is proposed. It includes three elements that are expected to improve the existing BEMs: organizational culture, organizational characteristics, and the integrity of management techniques […]
• Boeing Multinational Aerospace Corporation It is among the world’s largest aircraft manufacturers The largest exporter by value in the US. The second-largest airline planes supplier in the world found in 1916 by William Boeing.
• Embraer Aerospace: Company’s Marketing in Brazil Customs duties procedures should also be introduced to enhance protection mechanisms and improve the quality of goods transportation by Embraer Jets.
• Aviation and Aerospace Issues of Information Security Information Sharing and Analysis Centers are a significant part of the information sharing strategy in the U. There is such a center responsible for the aerospace industry, and its goals are the sharing of threat […]
• Emirates Airlines as a Leader in the Aerospace Industry Emirates Airlines could be considered as one of the companies that were able to take advantage of the external environment and became one of the industrial leaders.
• Global Aerospace Logistics Company: Training Evaluation Due to the fact that the process of training was determined to have a profound effect on the performance of the organization, it became clear that a certain level of control is necessary to estimate […]
• The Aerospace Industry’s Marketing Plan This comprises the sectors of commercial aerospace, defense, space, and general aviation The United State of America is estimated to have spent US$253 billion in the year 2008 alone in military investments.
• Hammond Aerospace: Company Leadership Considering that leadership involves the leaders and the followers, it is imperative to comprehend the relative connection between the two. Some literature suggests that leadership in view of the followers is the ability of the […]
• Bigelow Aerospace: International Business From the side of the US, Bigelow Aerospace could approach the issue, on the basis that partnerships are treated as entities during the determination of the timing, amount, and the character of the income items […]
• Problems in the Aerospace Industry The authors of the article outline all the problems that are encountered by the company that is outlined in the case study.
• The British Aerospace Company: Tornado Aircraft The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most important countries not only in the Middle East, but also in the globe. Fuel is usually stored in the fuselage which is located in the […]
• Aerospace Organisation and the Dangers of Escalation The objective of this report is to attempt to show the problems that can affect the aerospace defence company due to escalation and recommend suitable ways to deal with it.
• Aerospace and Defense Telemetry Market: Opportunities and Forecast
• Global Commercial Aerospace Coatings Market Share and Size
• Aerospace Clusters and Competitiveness: A Bordeaux-Montréal Comparison
• Additive Layer Manufacturing for Aerospace Parts
• Aerospace Defense Industry Overview and Analysis
• Project Management in the Aerospace Engineering Design
• Aerospace Galley Equipment Market Growth, Size, Share, and Forecast
• Analysis of Aerospace Engineering Career Paths
• Aerospace Galley Trolley Market by Aircraft Type Market Growth and Size
• Overview of Audit Program for Aerospace Industry
• Aerospace Industry General Overview and Analysis
• Automotive and Aerospace Industry Cluster Development
• Aerospace Industry, Market Forces and Trends
• Decision-Making Process in Aviation and Aerospace Industries
• Aerospace Manufacturing Industry Research
• Aerospace Quality Management Systems Analysis
• Critical Capabilities and Performance of Subcontracting Firms in the Aerospace Industry
• Database Usage and Improvement in Aerospace
• Network Structure and Industrial Clustering Dynamics in the Aerospace Industry
• Evolution, Innovation, and the Development of Aerospace
• Global Strategic Benchmarking, Critical Capabilities and Performance of Aerospace Subcontractors
• Leveraging Financial Management Performance of the Spanish Aerospace Manufacturing Value Chain
• Market Trends, Forces, and the Aerospace Industry
• Mixed Model Assembly Alternatives for Low-Volume Manufacturing in Aerospace Industry
• Multifunctional Composites for Future Energy Storage in Aerospace Structures
• Network Evolution, Success, and Regional Development in the European Aerospace Industry
• Promoting Technology Transfer in Multi-Technology Industries: The Korean Aerospace Industry
• Porter Five Forces Analysis Aerospace and Defense Industry
• Race and Employment Dislocation in California’s Aerospace Industry
• Trends in Cost and Their Implications for the UK Aerospace
• Risk Acceptance Criteria in Application to Maintenance Management of Aerospace Systems
• Safety Precautions for the Aerospace Industry
• State and Industrial Restructuring: Aerospace Industries in Indonesia and Singapore Comparison
• Strategic Partnerships in the Aerospace Industry
• Structural Integrity and Performance of Aerospace Design
• Supply Chain Risk Strategy of Rolls Royce Aerospace Management
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: British Aerospace Systems
• The European Aerospace R&D Collaboration Network
• How Engineering Design Enables Functional Expansion in the Aerospace Industry
• The Lockheed Incident and Corporate Crime in the Aerospace Industry
• Three Fundamental Concepts That Lead to the Most Dramatic Aerospace Advances
• Value-At-Risk and Tsallis Statistics: Risk Analysis of the Aerospace Sector
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Aerospace engineering is the branch of engineering that designs and builds machines for flight. This includes craft used both inside (aeronautical engineering) and outside (astronautical engineering) the Earth’s atmosphere. Aerospace engineering combines an understanding of fluid dynamics, robust but lightweight materials and the chemistry and thermodynamics of engines.

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The 30 Best Colleges for Aerospace Engineering

What’s covered:, how we made this list, what are your chances of acceptance to these top aerospace engineering schools.

A degree in aerospace engineering can open the doors to a variety of careers—for example, it can lead to professional positions designing air and space crafts, processing data generated by computer simulations, and drafting the technical drawings and specification sheets used in production and manufacturing. Many undergraduate aerospace engineering students will also go to graduate school. No matter what path an aerospace engineering student decides to take, their prospects are bolstered by attending a top school, such as the ones found below on our list of the best 30 colleges for aerospace engineering. 

CollegeVine considered a number of factors when building our list of the 30 best colleges for aerospace engineering, including the reputation of the program, overall school quality, and median earnings of graduates of the major. CollegeVine also weighed the popularity of the major within the school, the size of the program relative to school size, and the student-faculty ratio of the program.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology | MIT

Location: Cambridge, MA

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,600

Acceptance Rate: 7%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1510-1570/34-36 

Every university in the nation looks up to MIT’s renowned Aerospace Engineering program. MIT aerospace students are provided a foundation in the disciplines required to engineer aerospace vehicles and systems. Over the course of their studies, students will cover topics such as aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion, structural design and analysis, advanced materials, and dynamics.

The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program at MIT culminates with a sequence of aerospace laboratories and a capstone project that challenges students to apply what they learned and integrate multiple disciplines—for example, tasking them to design an aircraft or spacecraft system.

2. California Institute of Technology | Caltech

Location: Pasadena, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 900

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A

How impressive is Caltech’s Aerospace Engineering program? Caltech is near the top of our list of the best colleges for aerospace engineering despite only offering the program as a minor. Caltech’s reputation in the field of aerospace engineering is unimpeachable and traces its roots back to 1891, more than a decade before the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Over the years, GALCIT (Graduate Aerospace Laboratories of the California Institute of Technology) has earned a reputation for its stellar staff and unparalleled experimental facilities in solids, fluids, biomechanics, propulsion, combustion, and materials, as well as unique large-scale computational capabilities. 

3. Stanford University

Location: Stanford, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 7,000

Acceptance Rate: 5%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560/34-35 

Stanford’s Aeronautics and Astronautics undergraduate program provides students with a foundation in principles and techniques in the conception, design, implementation, and operation of aerospace and related engineering systems. Stanford aeronautics and astronautics graduates are prepared for a variety of careers, in fields such as:

• Aircraft and spacecraft engineering
• Robotics and drones
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Space exploration
• Air- and space-based telecommunications 
• Computational engineering
• Teaching and research
• Military service 

Along with the fields listed above, Stanford Aeronautics and Astronautics grads will also find themselves well prepared for a host of other careers in technology-intensive fields.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology | Georgia Tech

Location: Atlanta, GA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 16,000

Acceptance Rate: 21%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1370-1520/31-35 

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech can trace its roots back more than a century to the waning days of World War I when the university helped train U.S. Army pilots. A unique characteristic of Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Engineering program is its Mentors In Residence initiative, which pairs students with professionals and provides the space to talk about topics of interest to the student—from career advice to the state of the industry to technology trends. Thinking about applying to the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering? Keep in mind that 97% of its incoming aerospace engineering students have taken AP calculus. 

5. University of Michigan

Location: Ann Arbor, MI 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,300 

Acceptance Rate: 26%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1360-1530/31-35 

The University of Michigan (U-M) isn’t just one of the best colleges for aerospace engineering in the U.S., but also in the world. Shanghai Ranking —an annual publication rating the world’s best universities—places U-M sixth in its aerospace engineering category, the highest rank of any U.S. institution. The University of Michigan has the largest aerospace engineering alumni base in the country, which provides students with a variety of internship opportunities along with opening numerous doors to careers in both the private and public sectors. The university’s Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in just five years. 

6. Purdue University

Location: West Lafayette, IN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,700

Acceptance Rate: 67%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1190-1430/26-33

Purdue University is home to one of the most renowned Aerospace Engineering programs in the country, thanks to notable alumni like Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the moon and a Purdue graduate with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Eugene Cernan, the last American to walk on the moon was also a Purdue graduate; he earned his degree in electrical engineering before earning a master’s in aerospace engineering from the United States Naval Post Graduate School. Purdue is also home to Zucrow Labs, the largest academic propulsion lab in the world. It sits on 24 acres and its research capabilities encompass disciplines such as:

• Turbomachinery
• Energetic materials
• Measurement and control
• Computational fluid mechanics
• Particle flow heat transfer

7. Princeton University

Location: Princeton, NJ 

Undergrad Enrollment: 5,400 

Acceptance Rate: 6%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560/33-35 

Students in Princeton University’s Aerospace Engineering program are challenged in both the sciences and liberal arts, helping to expose them to diverse perspectives, think from multiple viewpoints, and strengthen their insights. Princeton prioritizes teaching—classes feature low student-to-teacher ratios and faculty are available for advice and discussions. Princeton aerospace engineering students are required to engage in an independent project or complete a senior thesis before graduation, which provides them the chance to work on real-world engineering problems in collaboration with faculty members and their graduate students.

8. University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign | UIUC

Location: Champaign, IL 

Undergrad Enrollment: 33,900 

Acceptance Rate: 63%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1510/29-34

An undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign provides students with a foundation of knowledge in engineering, mathematics, and science, along with the understanding of how to apply it to the analysis and design of aircraft and spacecraft. UIUC’s Grainger College of Engineering is proud of its student outcomes—the average starting salary of its graduates earning a bachelor’s degree is $86,149, significantly higher than the national average . Graduates are Grainger College of Engineering found positions at highly desirable companies like Collins Aerospace, GE Aviation, and SpaceX. 

9. Cornell University

Location: Ithaca, NY 

Undergrad Enrollment: 15,100

Acceptance Rate: 11%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1450-1540/33-35 

Cornell University doesn’t offer students the opportunity to major in aerospace engineering, however, those who wish to study at the school’s renowned Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering can pursue a degree in mechanical engineering while minoring in aerospace engineering. Students minoring in aerospace engineering will develop the skills needed to analyze and design aerospace vehicles and their subsystems through coursework in aerospace and fundamental engineering.  

10. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, TX 

Undergrad Enrollment: 53,700 

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1170-1380/26-32

Texas A&M University introduced its first aeronautical courses in 1928 and established its Department of Aeronautical Engineering in 1940, renaming it the Department of Aerospace Engineering in 1963. Texas A&M’s curriculum is balanced across four principal disciplines of aerospace engineering:

• Aerodynamics and propulsion
• Dynamics and control
• Materials and structures
• Systems, design, and human integration

Camp SOAR (Summer Opportunities in Aerospace Research) is a fantastic program for prospective Texas A&M aerospace engineering students. The six-day summer camp allows high school juniors and seniors to spend a week at Texas A&M while working on hands-on engineering projects and touring the university’s research facilities. 

11. University of California, Los Angeles | UCLA

Location: Los Angeles, CA 

Undergrad Enrollment: 31,500

Acceptance Rate: 14%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: N/A 

Aerospace engineering is known for operating at the highest levels of technology and graduates of UCLA’s Aerospace Engineering program are uniquely prepared to work at the forefront of innovation and science. Aerospace engineering is a capstone major at UCLA and graduates are required to complete a project that exposes them to the design, development, and production of a component, such as a lightweight wing, to graduate. UCLA’s location is enticing to many aerospace engineers; it’s within close proximity to companies like SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, along with numerous startups—L.A. is often referred to as Silicon Beach!

12. University of Colorado Boulder | CU Boulder

Location: Boulder, CO 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,100 

Acceptance Rate: 84%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1180-1380/25-31

There are a lot of factors that entice students to study aerospace engineering at CU Boulder. For example, Colorado is the nation’s second-largest aerospace economy and CU Boulder receives more NASA funding than any public university in the nation. CU Boulder is also one of the top non-military producers of astronauts, with 19 CU Boulder affiliates having flown in space as NASA astronauts. Even CU Boulder aerospace engineering graduates who don’t get the leave the Earth’s atmosphere have the chance to have an out-of-this-world career, going on to work at many of the country’s top companies, including ATK, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., and United Launch Alliance.

13. Virginia Tech

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Undergrad Enrollment: 27,800 

Acceptance Rate: 66%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1210-1410/26-32

Virginia Tech’s Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering offers students the chance to major in aerospace or ocean engineering. Because these two tracks share a significant amount of coursework, it’s also possible for students to pursue a double major—either aerospace with ocean engineering or ocean with aerospace engineering. Virginia Tech aerospace engineering undergraduates also have the ability to tailor their degree to their interests through a variety of technical tracks, including: 

• Aero/hydrodynamics 
• Dynamics, control, and estimation
• Energy and the environment 
• Naval engineering 
• Propulsion 
• Space engineering 
• Structures and materials 
• Vehicle and system design

14. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities | Minnesota

Location: Minneapolis, MN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 34,400 

Acceptance Rate: 70%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1320-1470/27-32 

Accredited in 1938, the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities’ Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics (AEM) program is the descendant of one of the nation’s first ten accredited aeronautical engineering programs. Today, the university places a priority on grounding the fundamentals of engineering into their students along with immersing them in hands-on projects and research. In 2019-2020, nearly 90% of AEM graduates found a position within six months of graduating and their mean salary was $71,301. 

15. University of Maryland, College Park | Maryland

Location: College Park, MD 

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,700

Acceptance Rate: 51%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1490/30-34

The University of Maryland, College Park, is one of the top public undergraduate aerospace engineering programs in the nation. Aerospace engineering is a stand-alone department at Maryland—not part of a larger department like at many other universities—that employs roughly 30 professors who solely or predominantly teach aerospace courses. Maryland aerospace students will take at least one aerospace course every semester, to help keep them enthusiastic about the field. Approximately half of Maryland aerospace engineering undergrads are employed in the university’s research labs, with some students starting research as soon as their freshman year. Maryland provides exceptional access to internships and careers—it’s within close proximity to Washington, D.C., and NASA Goddard.  

16. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | RPI

Location: Troy, NY

Undergrad Enrollment: 6,600 

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1310-1460/29-34

Students studying aerospace engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are prepared for a variety of careers in industry, government, academia, and consulting. RPI students are critical thinkers and problem solvers who possess a foundational knowledge of the disciplines and technologies related to aircraft, space vehicles, and other vehicles and systems operating in aerodynamic and hydrodynamic environments. 

17. Ohio State University | OSU

Location: Columbus, OH

Undergrad Enrollment: 46,800 

Acceptance Rate: 68%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1260-1420/26-32

Oho State University’s Aerospace Engineering program was founded in 1948 and has gained national recognition, thanks in part to its proximity to three major aerospace powerhouses: the NASA Glenn Research Center, Air Force Research Laboratory, and GE Aviation. OSU delivers students with broad knowledge of the field of aerospace engineering, while numerous technical electives allow for specialization. OSU is home to numerous state-of-the-art research and instructional laboratories, which give students the chance to gain firsthand experience working to solve real-world engineering challenges. 

18. University of Southern California | USC

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Undergrad Enrollment: 19,900 

Acceptance Rate: 16%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1330-1520/30-34

Aeronautical engineering at USC instructs students in the design, build, and operation of space vehicles beyond the earth’s atmosphere and prepares students for a variety of careers, such as:   

• Designing rocket vehicles
• Designing, building, and testing satellites
• Operating unmanned spacecraft and probes
• Building space instrumentation and sensors
• Conducting government research

In addition to opportunities inside USC classrooms, there are a number of extracurricular activities available to USC aeronautical engineering students, such as design teams like Rocket Propulsion Laboratory and organizations like the Society of Women Engineers.

19. Pennsylvania State University | Penn State

Location: University Park, PA

Undergrad Enrollment: 40,300 

Acceptance Rate: 54%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1160-1370/25-30

The Aerospace Engineering program at Penn State is not only one of the best aerospace engineering programs in the country, but also the only aerospace engineering program in the state of Pennsylvania. Penn State aerospace students are taught the theories and practices in foundational subjects like:

• Aeronautics and astronautics
• Aerodynamics and fluid dynamics
• Aerospace materials and structures
• Dynamics and automatic control
• Aircraft stability and rocket propulsion
• Aircraft/spacecraft systems design 

Additionally, Penn State aerospace engineering students develop important complementary soft skills—they’re strong communicators, excellent teammates, and effective problem solvers. 

20. University of California, San Diego | UCSD

Location: La Jolla, CA

Undergrad Enrollment: 30,200

Acceptance Rate: 37%

The University of California, San Diego’s Aerospace Engineering program prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry, aircraft/spacecraft development, and other technologically dependent fields, like automobile and naval equipment manufacturing and renewable energy. UCSD aerospace engineering alumni are employed at some of the most coveted companies in the field, including Boeing, Cubic Corporation, General Atomics, Green Alternative Systems, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Sandia National Laboratories, Space Micro Inc., and SpaceX.

21. University of Notre Dame

Location: Notre Dame, IN 

Undergrad Enrollment: 8,600

Acceptance Rate: 19%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1550/32-35

Students studying aerospace engineering at Notre Dame receive a solid base in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and the engineering sciences, setting them up for success after graduation—80% of Notre Dame’s aerospace and mechanical engineering graduates go into industry, 10% to the military, and 10% pursue graduate studies. Studying abroad is a popular aspect of aerospace engineering at Notre Dame; the university has engineering-specific semester opportunities in Rome and London , along with offering numerous six-week summer programs in locations like Ireland, Spain, Germany, and Japan. 

22. University of Washington

Location: Seattle, WA

Undergrad Enrollment: 32,000

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1240-1450/29-34

A bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from the University of Washington (UW) provides numerous opportunities to students with their heads in the clouds, such as designing, developing, testing, and building aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and satellites. It also opens doors to more earthly applications, such as making race cars more aerodynamic or designing vehicles for underwater exploration. While working toward their degree, UW students also build soft skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. 

23. United States Air Force Academy | Air Force

Location: USAF, CO

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,300 

Acceptance Rate: 13%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1220-1420/29-33

The U.S. Air Force Academy’s Department of Astronautics was established in 1958, the same year NASA was formed. Today, the Air Force Academy takes a design-build-fly approach to teaching its aeronautical engineering students, providing cadets with firsthand experience dealing with real-world engineering problems and working in cutting-edge laboratories. Cadets must complete a two-course capstone to earn their degree in one of two design sequences: aircraft design or aircraft engine design. Graduates of the Air Force Academy with a degree in aeronautical engineering will find a variety of professional opportunities both in and out of the service, whether it’s as an experimental test pilot or a program manager.

24. North Carolina State University | NC State

Location: Raleigh, NC

Undergrad Enrollment: 25,100 

Acceptance Rate: 46%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1290-1430/27-32

North Carolina State University’s Aerospace Engineering program is one of the most prominent of its kind in both the state and the nation. NC State provides a variety of academic pathways to its students. In addition to the traditional bachelor’s degree track, NC State offers a five-year accelerated track through which students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in aerospace engineering in as little as five years. NC State also offers highly qualified students a Direct to Ph.D. program , which grants exceptional undergraduates direct admission to the university’s Ph.D. program. 

25. Illinois Institute of Technology | Illinois Tech

Location: Chicago, IL

Undergrad Enrollment: 3,000 

Acceptance Rate: 61%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1230-1400/26-32

Illinois Tech is one of the smallest schools—in terms of undergraduate enrollment—on our list of best colleges for aerospace engineering. Students studying aerospace engineering at Illinois Tech explore the design and manufacture of aircraft and spacecraft and are well prepared for careers in civil aeronautics, the defense industry, and the space program. Illinois Tech aerospace students also find themselves applying their knowledge in other innovative fields like undersea transportation, renewable energy, and the development of new materials. 

26. Case Western Reserve University

Location: Cleveland, OH

Undergrad Enrollment: 5,200 

Acceptance Rate: 30%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1520/32-35

The undergraduate Aerospace Engineering program at Case Western Reserve University emphasizes fundamentals in its students, ensuring that they are well prepared for cutting-edge careers and further study at the nation’s top graduate programs. A double major—combining mechanical engineering with aerospace engineering—is a popular option with students at Case Western. Another well-received track is Case Western Reserve’s BS/MS program, which allows students to earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years. 

27. Iowa State University

Location: Ames, IA

Undergrad Enrollment: 29,600

Acceptance Rate: 88%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1100-1320/21-28

Iowa State University helps its aerospace engineering students take flight—it delivers students the fundamentals of aerospace engineering while providing hands-on projects that allow them to augment their understanding of the field. Iowa State University also provides its students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience through its cooperative education program in which students alternate between industrial and academic experiences.

28. University of California, Davis | UC Davis

Location: Davis, CA

Aerospace science and engineering majors at UC Davis begin their studies by building a foundation in math and science before expanding their coursework to cover topics in aerospace and engineering. There are ample opportunities for UC Davis students to pursue their passion for aerospace outside of the classroom; the university is home to a multitude of teams and student organizations such as:

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA): a professional society of people interested in the aeronautics and aerospace fields
• Space and Satellite Systems (SSS) Club: a group that develops systems for use in space
• Advanced Modeling and Aeronautics Team (AMAT): an organization that explores the components and dynamics of airplanes by building RC airplanes from scratch every year and competes in an annual competition against 40+ schools from across the country

29. Worcester Polytechnic Institute | WPI

Location: Worcester, MA

Undergrad Enrollment: 4,600 

Acceptance Rate: 59%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1320-1450/29-33

Worcester Polytechnic Institute believes in project-based learning and its aerospace students benefit from its state-of-the-art equipment and facilities—including wind tunnels, vacuum chambers, and robots. WPI offers a BS/MS program through which students can earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. WPI is extremely proud of its student outcomes—the average starting salary of WPI’s class of 2021 was $71,811 and WPI graduates are working at exciting companies like Amazon Robotics, Aurora Flight Sciences, BAE Systems, Ensign Bickford Aerospace and Defense, Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky Aircraft, NASA, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and Raytheon Company.

30. University of Virginia | UVA

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Undergrad Enrollment: 16,700 

Acceptance Rate: 23%

Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1400-1510/35-35

The University of Virginia prepares students to pursue a variety of pathways in the widely diverse, yet highly specialized, field of aerospace engineering. The field of aerospace engineering is evolving rapidly and UVA students are uniquely positioned to transform with it thanks to a strong background in the fundamentals of the field along with significant firsthand experience using the latest in test equipment and modern experimental methods. Aerospace engineering majors conclude their undergraduate experience at UVA by designing an aerospace vehicle and publicly presenting it to a panel of judges and entering into a national competition. 

Curious about what your odds are of getting into one of the nation’s best aerospace engineering schools? Collegevine can help! Our free chancing calculator uses factors like GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities to predict your odds at the best colleges for aerospace engineering along with hundreds of other schools across the country. More so, it can help you identify areas of strength and areas in need of improvement on your college profile, and, in the end, help boost your odds of gaining admission to your dream school.

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Undergraduate Scholarships & Graduate Awards

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To help support our future aerospace professionals, the AIAA Foundation  provides scholarships and graduate awards annually to undergraduate and graduate students in science or engineering programs.

In the past 20 years, the AIAA Foundation has provided over 1,300 scholarships and graduate awards to students at more than 150 colleges and universities worldwide.

The AIAA Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships Program offers scholarships to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors each year, and recipients can apply to renew their scholarship annually until they reach graduation.

Through its annual Graduate Awards Program, the AIAA Foundation presents awards to graduate students doing excellent research in the air and space sciences.

Undergraduate Scholarship and Graduate Award applications must be submitted online. Applicants must be AIAA Student Members. To become a Student Member, click here .

Applicants may apply for up to three (3) scholarships or graduate awards. On the application form, you will indicate your primary award preference, along with two (2) secondary awards for which you would like to be considered. Please note that applicants with no demonstrated academic interest in the subject area of the award will not be considered, so please carefully select the awards that most closely correspond to your area of academic interest.

Apply Now    Eligibility Requirements   Application Requirements   Restrictions   FAQs 

Undergraduate Scholarships

Scholarship name & award amount.

AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship: $10,000* * This scholarship is made possible by donations from the Hewson Family Foundation and Lockheed Martin and is available to female students demonstrating financial need. Eligible high school seniors may apply if they have been accepted into a college or university to pursue a degree in:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering

Important Note! All materials for the AIAA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship, including letters of recommendation, are due by 2359 hrs EST, 31 December. This follows a different timeline than other scholarships or awards

Daedalus 88 Scholarship: $10,000* *Note: Applicants should call out their entrepreneurial spirit by describing their leadership of a student-initiated, hands-on multidisciplinary aerospace engineering project.  Applicants must be willing to make a presentation, at a site that is mutually agreeable, on the student-led project in which they participated. David and Catherine Thompson Space Technology Scholarship: $10,000 Vicki and George Muellner Scholarship for Aerospace Engineering: $5,000 Wernher von Braun Scholarship: $5,000 Space Transportation Scholarship: $1,500 Leatrice Gregory Pendray Scholarship: $1,250* *Note: This scholarship is only available to female applicants only. Rocky Mountain Section Scholarship: $500 *Note: This scholarship is only available to students studying at accredited institutions located within the geographic boundaries of the AIAA Rocky Mountain Professional Section.

Digital Avionics Scholarships

Cary Spitzer Digital Avionics Scholarship: $3,000 Denise Ponchak Digital Avionics Scholarship: $3,000* *This scholarship is only available to non-US Students studying at a non-US University. Students from embargoed countries are ineligible to apply for this scholarship. Dr. Amy R. Pritchett Digital Avionics Scholarship: $3,000 Dr. James Rankin Digital Avionics Scholarship: $3,000 Ellis F. Hitt Digital Avionics Scholarship: $3,000

Applications accepted from 1 October to 31 January

Graduate Awards

Abe M. Zarem Graduate Award for Distinguished Achievement  * * This award is given to two students, one pursuing their studies in aeronautics and one pursuing their studies in astronautics Neil Armstrong Graduate Award: $5,000 Orville and Wilbur Wright Graduate Award (x2): $5,000 Dr. Hassan A. Hassan Graduate Award in Aerospace Engineering (x2): $7,000 Liquid Propulsion TC Graduate Award: $2,500 Luis de Florez Graduate Award: $3,500 Guidance, Navigation and Control Graduate Award: $3,500 John Leland Atwood Graduate Award: $1,250 Martin Summerfield Propellants and Combustion Graduate Award: $1,250 Gordon C. Oates Air Breathing Propulsion Graduate Award: $1,000 William T. Piper, Sr. General Aviation Systems Graduate Award:  $1,500 ($1,000 award, plus $500 stipend, to attend the AIAA AVIATION Forum)

*Applications for the Dr. Hassan A. Hassan Graduate Award will be processed via the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Aerospace Engineering program graduate school application. Applications for this particular award will NOT be processed via the AIAA online scholarship database. Applicants for the award are limited to NCSU Aerospace Engineering seniors who will pursue a graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering at NCSU. Additionally, applicants must be AIAA student members and US Citizens to be eligible for the award. For more specific information, please contact Dr. Jack Edwards ([email protected]) or Dr. Kara Peters ([email protected]).

• Judging for AIAA Foundation-sponsored awards and scholarships is done by the Scholarship Selection Subcommittee of the Student Activities Committee.
• Judging for Section or Technical Committee-sponsored awards and scholarships is done by sponsoring Technical Committees or Sections
• All decisions made by the scholarship selection committees are final.
• If a selection committee determines there is not a qualified applicant for a particular year, the scholarship will not be awarded.
• Plagiarism – any essay responses or collateral materials should be the original work of the applicant. Any portion of an application that is found to be plagiarized will disqualify the application from any further review.
• Online application form opens at 1200 hrs EST, 1 October
• Online applications must be submitted by 2359 hrs EST,   31 January
• Letters of recommendation due by 2359 hrs EST, 14 February
• All application materials must be present for an application to be considered complete.

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Aerospace engineering personal statement example 12.

The time I first saw an aircraft fly over our house, I was three. Out of curiosity I asked my father about it. To avoid complexity he simply explained that it was like a gigantic flying bus. I was awed. My second question was "Daddy how does it fly"?.

What he told me next did not make any sense to me at that time and in my mind I pictured a road bus flapping its wings to stay airborne but it triggered my love and passion for aircrafts and space shuttles. Later it turned into my dream to become an aerospace engineer and learn how aircrafts and space shuttles work.

Who am I? Hard work, creative, determined are a few things that define me. From the beginning of my school life, I have been an exceptional but balanced student. On one side I have maintained an exceptional academic record through sheer hard work and initiative, and on the other, I have been a great asset to my school in various extra and co-curricular activities.

Pure sciences post Newton have taken a whole new dimension and have guided aerospace engineers to explore unimaginable realms vis. s vis. Space, Moon, Planets etc., I believe we the youth of today can take on from there and take their work a level higher.

An engineers' main task is to, as I understand, apply scientific knowledge to practical problems, however without working out feasibility and financial practicality of various projects engineers stand no chance of successfully embarking on newer horizons, therefore I chose a diverse range of subjects, in which I have maintained excellent grades.

Besides academics I have taken part in several co-curricular activities. I am a part of my school's soccer, basketball, cricket, badminton and debating team. In 2006 and 2007 I led the cricket and basketball team that won the interschool tournaments. I also represented my school in provincial Olympics recently.

These contests honed my skills and ability to work with others as a single impenetrable unit. I was also a representative for my school in WWF nature contest for four consecutive years from 2003 to 2007, and the results were not disappointing; I never scored below third.

In 2006 I won a 'Spellathon', a quiz and an essay writing competition in an inter-school creativity competition. Such competitions have greatly enhanced my interpersonal and thinking skills which are vital for advanced studies.

I have also represented my school in several debating competitions and our debating team is one of the best in the local debating circuit. I was also amongst the organisers of one of the most prestigious debating competition in the country: The Resource Cup. The organisation of such an enormous event required every ounce of managerial skills that I possessed along with the ability to work with at least hundred others.

I am keen to study aerospace engineering because I have always enjoyed solving problems related to the field of aerospace. I feel that higher education will sharpen and develop my skills further. The course will not only allow me to investigate new technologies but it will also give me the opportunity to develop and focus on one of my genuine interests.

The time of the bus with flapping wings is long gone, and now, armed with the arsenal of advanced mathematics and physics I believe that I am ready to take on the biggest challenge of my life and to fulfill the dream I saw as a child. My entire experience as a student and a teenager up until now, has taught me the value of hard work and an orientation towards continuous learning.

Being very honest, I have no hesitation in accepting that currently our part of the world relies heavily on hand-me-downs, but the outdated technology passed on to us is no longer sufficient to remain at par with countries in my region.

I would like to return to my country equipped to contribute towards the R&D process, which in the field of science and technology may only be in its inception stages when I come back.

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Where are you currently.

Wed, 01/09/2010 - 00:35

where are you currently studying???????

Wed, 24/07/2013 - 06:12

This is one awesome post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

Where did you end up studying

Tue, 09/09/2014 - 11:18

Where did you end up studying?

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