STEM Careers: Prepare for Admission to a Top University
One of the fastest growing careers today are in the STEM field and many students pursue a variety of degrees related to these fields. But as demand ramps up so does competition to enter these programs at top US universities. Here we outline what STEM programs encompass and how you can start preparing for them.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It includes research endeavors and real-world endeavors. Regardless of the activity, there needs to be some real-world relevance to both.
For example, if you develop an app to tackle an issue in your community or you lead a club that provides coding lessons to underprivileged kids. However, research projects are not required by all STEM schools. Universities like Stanford tend to be more well-rounded and don’t always ask for research projects while MIT and Harvey Mudd College are more technical and require some research-based projects.
When applying to STEM programs, it is important to understand that there are different admissions requirements and considerations based on what stream you choose. Here are some specific requirements for the four broad STEM streams:
| Stream | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | Four years of Math: Algebra II, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus (even Statistics) |
| Engineering | At least three years of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, including labs |
| Mathematics | Any Computer Science or Engineering courses offered at your high school |
| Science | Four years of English, 2-3 years of a foreign language and 2 years of Social Studies |
Once you figure out what program you are interested in, it is time to figure out whether you have what it takes to go to a top STEM school. You should start planning your profile early enough and make sure to include all or at least some of the following:
- Take the right courses and tests
- Engage in extracurricular activities
- Show your leadership capabilities
Crimson Education is the world’s leading US admissions counselor. Our student’s high rate of success is due to our unique model which pairs students with top university graduate experts who work 1:1 to perfect every part of the application.
Our counselling model includes help at all stages of the admissions process – from university selection strategy, test prep and personal statement/support, to extracurricular mentoring and interview practice. You can schedule an initial video consultation to begin your journey with Crimson!
