If I've been heavily involved in shop class and have some major projects under my belt, should I include these in my college apps, and do they count as substantial extracurricular activities for an aspiring engineering major?
Absolutely! Involvement in shop class and the projects you've completed are definitely worth including in your college applications, especially since you're aiming for an engineering major. These practical, hands-on experiences showcase your commitment to understanding the fundamentals of design, building, and project management, all of which are relevant to the field of engineering. When describing your projects, be sure to highlight the skills you've developed, the challenges you overcame, and any unique aspects or innovations you contributed. This will help admissions committees see not only your dedication but also your potential as an engineering student.
If any of your projects won awards or were implemented in some practical way—for instance, a piece of furniture that's now used in your school—don't forget to mention that as well. These activities can be seen as Tier 3 extracurriculars since they demonstrate your interest and leadership in a specific area, which becomes even more impressive if you've guided or taught others in your shop class. So, go ahead and feature these projects prominently in your application, as they will strengthen your profile as an engineering candidate.
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