Women in Science panel discussion

For those who do not know, Ally and I participated in the Women in Science panel discussion tonight, held by MOE. We learned many things, both about colleges in general and engineering. We wanted to share some tips they suggested and just some general ideas they shared with us:

• Math and engineering are launching pads for many different careers. Shoot for the harder major to begin with. It's easier to opt out of it after you're already in it if you chose to than it is to get into it.
• When applying for colleges, have these thoughts in mind: your comfort zone (small/large, close/far, male to female ratio, etc.), the majors offered there (if you chose to not follow through with original major, is your secondary choice available there?), and if you are going for engineering, do they have a mentoring program available to help you out?
• When in high school, write down your achievements as you go through your four years there. they can all be put down on college applications. And don't do 100 extracurricular activities. Focus mainly on one or two to show the colleges you are serious about something, not just dabbling in everything. Ask schools what they want to see on their applications. Some may require things that others do not.
• Get information on the major you are most interested in. in order to get the most information, see if it is possible to donate some time to a professor in that field during the summer to get hands on experience. The professors will probably be more likely to answer questions in the summer and if you offer to donate a few hours here and there.
• Take the PSAT's seriously if you are a sophomore/freshman. You can get scholarships through College Board if your scores are better than average. When taking the SAT's as juniors or seniors, using contractions (don't, didn't, isn't, it's, etc.) in your essays throws up a red flag. Those are signs of bad grammar. The last thing you want is for the readers to think you do not know correct grammar.
• During the summers in college, do internships. Do a different job every summer. Volunteering as different places, such as museums, will open up other internships that you never thought you would have liked. and the major tip is to NETWORK! By talking to people, you can get them to pass on resumes, provide you with internships, etc.
• Time management is key in college. You need to have an outlet from your course load. Don't spend all your time studying in the library. Take up a sport or two. Join a club you are not interested. You'll meet new people and might discover a hidden talent. But make sure to balance Play and Study.
• No matter what major you are interested in, do a semester abroad. Almost every major has the time available to study abroad. It opens you to different cultures, shows you a new perspective of life, and may even reveal your passion in life.

The best tip by far was this: When you're stuck between a wall and a tough spot, life is putting you in the position where you must look at yourself in the mirror (figuratively or literally) and figure out what you think you have to do with your life. You are in charge of your life. If you need help with something, ask for it. If you think you need a change in your path, then change it. You are in charge. Nobody else is. Make it your own.

Hope everybody has a good night!
-Sammy and Ally