adamechanical
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Posts posted by adamechanical
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Anyone else starting this fall? Would be interested in starting a group for us distance learners.
Mechanical Engineering PhD - 2023
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37 minutes ago, birdie10 said:
Applied 3/15 for BME concentration - so far, the only LEAP BME students I can find online have bachelor's in Biology. When I asked Denise if bio background is required for BME concentration, and she said no.
Anybody without biology background applied for BME concentration within LEAP?
I think as long as you meet their minimum requirements, your application is fair game. They're judging you on the totality of your application and your potential for success in the program. If they don't explicitly say it's a requirement, it isn't one.
Good luck @birdie10!!
I know I'm a broken record about this but I'll keep repeating it: did you happen to apply to other schools (i.e. your local public university) besides BU? They're not the only option for people with a non-engineering background. Either way, go chase your dream! You can do it! ?
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On 4/22/2021 at 9:33 AM, nodeofranvier said:
Update: I got in! Just received my offer this morning with 1/4 tuition scholarship!
Great news! Best of luck! Engineering is the coolest.
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On 11/6/2018 at 8:57 AM, elbclimbs said:
Was not at all expecting a decision so quickly, but denied.
Extremely disappointed.
On 11/28/2018 at 10:14 AM, elbclimbs said:Interesting. I also took mine at a community college, so maybe that was part of it. I'll certainly consider applying to a different division, then. Thanks!
@elbclimbs, I wouldn't bother reapplying. Ever since I finished my MSME program at my local state university (note: I started with a BA in English), I never gave a second thought to my BU rejection and I'm REALLY glad I didn't go even if I did get in. I'm not trying to knock down BU, but they're not the only game in town and definitely not as good a deal as your local state school. Even with all the mishmash of community college classes (I went to 10 different schools moving around), I still got my degree and had no problem getting a job and also got my PE license in Mechanical Engineering with no additional explanation. Don't let BU's decision discourage you, you can do it! Give your local school a chance, mine definitely changed my life. Eventually, as you progress in your engineering career, where you went to school will be the least of anyone's concerns.
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Hi everyone, it's been a while since I've logged in. But I wanted to have a chance to reiterate my past points for the new-to-engineering folks:
While LEAP is a great program, going to an expensive private university like BU is NOT YOUR ONLY OPTION. I've been there, and I know it must feel that way (B.A. in English and French, MS Mechanical Engineering).
Give your local public university a chance to look at your application, or even your local private university. Even though BU has a somewhat streamlined process for people without an undergrad engineering degree, you can mimic the same academic trajectory with almost any university.
I took all the math, science, and lower division engineering classes at my local community college, and was accepted to almost every MSME program I applied to, at a tiny fraction of the cost of BU! If you think about it, it seems pretty silly to pay for Calc I, II, III, Diff. Eq, Linear Algebra, and lower division engineering courses at BU when they're offered elsewhere. The content is the same, and going to an expensive school won't make the material any easier. If anything, for those who are rusty in math, community college teachers offer much better access/office hours if you need additional help, without the intimidation of being surrounded by other students who may or may not know any more than you do.
I encourage you all to keep at it, engineering (in any discipline) is a great career choice and opens many doors to stimulating and well-paid work. Stay with with it!
Feel free to PM me if there are specifics. For context, I live in California and took most of my classes at community colleges here.
Lastly, don't forget to take the FE exam as soon as you're eligible. More and more employers are asking for you to have the EIT (engineer-in-training) certificate (some state call it an "EI" or engineering intern), and even if they don't, it's a nice plus on your resume.
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Hello Citrus00,
There have been many posts on this issue, if it helps please check out my post regarding my approach:
It's worked out well for me, having started out with a BA in English and French, now finishing with MS in Mechanical Engineering. Take as much as you can at your local community college. It's cheaper and you generally have good access to the instructors for when you (inevitably) have questions. I just powered through all the math and sciences, sat in front of class, and asked all the questions I needed to.
Keep your head in the game, you can do it!
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MrDavid,
I have a BA in English and French. I'm just finishing my MS in Mechanical Engineering this semester.
Here's a link to my post on this topic. I'm proof that it's possible.
Feel free to PM me with any specific questions. Best of luck to you.
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Hello everyone,
I haven't followed this topic in a long time, but I wanted to drop a line for those who are still reasearching this program.
I think LEAP is a really cool idea, but it is also very, very expensive. I also don't believe it's the ONLY recourse for students who have decided to make a career change into engineering. I just don't want people to think that shipping over to Boston is the only way they can break into the field.
I have a BA in English and French, but then made the switch right away to engineering. I took evening classes at my local community college taking the full physics series, chemistry, the full calculus series, linear algebra, and some lower-division engineering. I also studied hard and took the GRE exam and got a good score (just to improve my chances and demonstrate good numeracy).
I now finishing my MS in Mechanical Engineering at my local public university and doing it on time, too (two-year masters). I also have a full-time job as a mechanical engineer where I've used my liberal arts background to take ownership of all technical writing, technical communications, and report writing tasks at work. Being able to leverage my English degree as an asset and not a weakness is valued in the office. Being multilingual has also helped bridge certain communication divides that exist in the office. If nothing else it gets my resume noticed.
Best of luck to everyone, our country and our society needs more engineers so don't give up!
Feel free to PM me if you have specific questions.
- awash_ and starofdawn
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Salut Melodie,
I think LEAP is a good idea, but only one of many options.
I applied to LEAP several years ago, but instead I ended up attending a public university who accepted my coursework earned at my local community college.
I have a bachelors in English and French language, and then made the switch to engineering right away. I took evening classes in calculus, chemistry, physics, and engineering to gain admission to the public university where I'm finishing my MS Mechanical Engineering this year.
In summary, I don't think LEAP is the only option for you and it is certainly a VERY expensive route to take. You may want to research and see if you can take some classes online to build up your quantitative background. I encourage you to take the GRE exam as well and study very hard for it.
Best of luck to you. PM me if you have specific questions.
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Hey Armoluv7,
I'm taking Calc I and Physics I this semester just as prep. I'm killing my coursework now, and it's not hard at all once I sit down and actually study. I've never been a math-y person, but I've been fortunate to have good instructors. We'll see where it takes me. I sure wish they'd get back to me though... As much as I would like to, I'm hesitant to keep bugging Helaine.
Not in the summer time, but I'm going to start Fall 2011. I'm looking at taking differential equations and physics 101. What coursework are you currently enrolled in? Are you finding it fifficult to get up to speed with the math and/or engineering courses?
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Hey Armoluv7,
No word yet. I'm checking my email five million times a day. I'm going to email them sometime this week, but in the meantime I'm just focusing on getting good grades in my coursework now. I really need to know soon because I need to make preparations to move. Are you going to take any coursework over the summer?
Hey Adamlau, Dizzychemist any updates. Are we all meeting in Boston soon? I'm crossing my fingers for both of you.
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No updates from me, wish I had better news.
While BU's rankings are not super high (as far as engineering), I for one don't really buy into it. I'm convinced of this because a good friend of mine earned his degree in EE from BU and has really done well for himself. Really well. In a practical field like engineering, employers really care about what you know how to do and that you can back up claims to your abilities. They expect results and no amount of degree waving or high rankings can replace getting the job done (quickly!).
This is a particularly sensitive topic for me. I work with engineers who come from all flavors of universities with different rankings and reputations. The common thread is/was excellent study habits and a drive to really know the material. Being a lowly lab technician, I do what I'm told. But I can plainly see their training was, while not identical, largely homogeneous. My boss encouraged me to apply to BU (really, any school), get the training, and return to industry as a "real" engineer. I think that's what we all want from our education whether from BU or anywhere else. I came to engineering from a purely practical standpoint after working side-by-side with engineers. It is such cool work and its completely up to you if you want to do hands-on stuff (which I prefer) or crunch numbers (I'm sure some prefer this). While studying engineering doesn't guarantee a job, engineers are always in demand somewhere and the work is as fun or boring as you're willing to make it. I have my fingers crossed for all of us. Best of luck to all of you. I. Want. That. Degree.
Just wondering if anyone has any updates. Also, how marketable do you guys think an engineering degree from BU will be in today's marketplace.
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I didn't apply anywhere else(for an MS), I didn't want to put all my eggs in one basket so BU is my top (and only) choice for an MS. But in case I don't get in I'll keep my job with the engineering company and try again later while I continue to take some coursework for some BS programs that still award second Bachelors degrees (e.g. UC Davis) because the CSU system doesn't award them anymore. It's okay though, I love my job and it's really good experience. I just want the (engineering) training so I can be more productive and contribute more at work as far as engineering stuff. I can't make them love me!
adamlau,
Although I am a chemistry major, my field isn't very close to engineering. I am more prepared to be an organic chemistry. The type of classes I took don't really fit what MatSci degree is looking for and there is a lot I still need to learn in order to be successful in the field. But I did try to apply to one of the PhD for matsci and that was UCR but I havent heard from them. So I am just playing the waiting game right now. How about you, did you apply anywhere else?
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Dizzychemist,
It's awesome that you have some research experience. That's going to go a long way in supporting your application (anywhere). I'm wondering, since you're majoring in a hard science, would it be that much of a stretch to apply directly to a MatSci degree anyway? You're way more ahead of the game than, say, me with my 8 quarters of 17th century French poetry. I wish I had spoken to my academic counselor more. That's life! What school are you attending? I went to UC Davis.
Adamlau, I know what you mean about being able to find others to share information about the LEAP program, there isn't much on it but I really liked the goal of the program.
I currently an undergrad and majoring in chemistry, I am currently researching in a materials chemistry lab. And I have a couple of friends who do similar research but in the engineering fields. And I recently I took some computer science classes and fell in love with the field of engineering. I applied to PhD programs for chemistry and during the process my PI suggested that I should follow the engineering side of material science instead of the chemistry route. I have taken a lot of similar classes as Electric engineering as a chemistry major, but I want to learn more and i feel that this path would be better for me in long run so i can achieve a PhD in material science. And thats it really, I am busying in finishing my last quarter and cannot make out to Boston. But what I have heard about Boston has convince me to leave California and go to East coast. ( thats if i get in
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Boy, it's really hard to find information about the LEAP program beyond the BU site itself. I'm thrilled just to be able to vent off some anxiety with others who have applied (and one who's in!). I emailed last week and they told me that my app is being reviewed. Must. Not. Go. Crazy. Armoluv7, what do you think set your application apart to give you the green light? What drew you to engineering? I graduated with a degree in English and French literature. Interesting topic, but not terrible employable. A few years back I was fortunate to find employment (I mean *right* when the economy tanked) with various engineering companies after college who gave me excellent training and work experience and really showed me a great side to engineering. I was fully prepared to dive back in and earn a second bachelors. But hey, you guys know what LEAP has to offer, so no reason to get into what LEAP has to offer. How about you DizzyChemist, what's your story? (Good luck to you!) I'm probably going to take a trip out to Boston in a few weeks to check it out.
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I watched it during their live web-feed. It was extremely informative. Did you go?
I applied a while ago, August 2010. When I didn't hear back for a while, I emailed somewhat incessantly. Did anyone on this board go to the LEAP open house. If you are interested in the program I suggest going, meet all the people involved.
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I hope I hear back soon, I'm wearing out the refresh key in my email checking it 1023 times per day. I was not built for patience.
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Hey armoluv7,
Way to get 'er done! I'm still waiting on my acceptance/rejection. Out of curiousity, when did you submit your application? I haven't heard anything back, did they inform you via email or snail mail? Nice work, hope to see you there. Congrats!
Anybody receive word yet from BU Leap? I recently received my offer of admission for Fall 2011. It was very exciting I've been working towards gaining admission to LEAP for a few years now.
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Oh, and Syracuse gets crazy humid (it was for us!) over the summer and generally has record-breaking snowfalls each year during the winter. Bring your suitcase of courage. I hail from sunny California, it took a little getting used to.
Hey amj6c,
Congratulations on getting into Maxwell, you'll do really well there. If you can, I'd recommend getting a GA-ship with Professor Rosemary O'Leary. She's awesome. Anyway, I myself am not an SU student, I followed my gf to Syracuse from CA like your bf will. There seem to be moderately good prospects for substitute teaching in the area for him if he's interested. Besides the university, it's otherwise a somewhat industrially depressed region though things are changing. I hope 2011-2012 are good for you guys, it's not going to be easy living in Syracuse during the winter. Depending on where you're from, he may find it helpful to just come here and check out some local companies (or even bars if he has to) and secure a job. Summertime empties out the city, he may find better prospects early. He should try Onondaga Community College, too (e.g. http://www.sunyocc.e...nu=820&id=26181). Or even take a few classes, it's a fantastic school. Hope this helps.
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Hey amj6c,
Congratulations on getting into Maxwell, you'll do really well there. If you can, I'd recommend getting a GA-ship with Professor Rosemary O'Leary. She's awesome. Anyway, I myself am not an SU student, I followed my gf to Syracuse from CA like your bf will. There seem to be moderately good prospects for substitute teaching in the area for him if he's interested. Besides the university, it's otherwise a somewhat industrially depressed region though things are changing. I hope 2011-2012 are good for you guys, it's not going to be easy living in Syracuse during the winter. Depending on where you're from, he may find it helpful to just come here and check out some local companies (or even bars if he has to) and secure a job. Summertime empties out the city, he may find better prospects early. He should try Onondaga Community College, too (e.g. http://www.sunyocc.edu/index.aspx?menu=820&id=26181). Or even take a few classes, it's a fantastic school. Hope this helps.
This is a really old thread, but I'll ask anyway.
I'll be moving to Syracuse this June to start the MPA program. My boyfriend is planning to move up there with me, but neither of us know much/anything about the job prospects in the area. Does anyone know anything about this or have any advice? He's got a BA in education studies, but is willing to do pretty much anything for the year I need to be there. Any recommendations for where/how to start looking outside of what's posted on craigslist and syracuse.com?
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Hey Dizzychemist,
I also applied for Fall2011, have you heard back yet?
Hey
I applied to the LEAP program this year for fall admissions 2011, however I am in the same boat as you. I don't know much about the program although that it looked really interesting. Sorry wasn't much help!
Fall 2023 PhD Applicant Thread
in Education Forums
Posted
I just heard back from Alabama, Fall 2023! So excited!