Mechanical Engineering at Sacramento State?

Hey y'all! Thinking of applying to Sacramento State for mechanical engineering. Anyone here know about the program there? Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities? Thanks in advance!

Sacramento State's Mechanical Engineering program is known for its strong, hands-on approach. Most of the courses you'll take are designed to give you practical, real-world experience that can be directly applied to future courses or jobs. They emphasize this by providing extensive laboratory work throughout your studies.

One of the highlights of the program is the Senior Design Project, a year-long endeavor where you'll build a product/system from scratch in a team, testing and refining it until it's final. This project allows you to apply what you've learned in coursework in a comprehensive, real-world problem-solving scenario and employers often view projects like this as valuable professional experience.

The faculty at Sac State is often noted as one of the strongest points of the program. Professors are experienced, accessible and deliver quality instruction. They often go the extra mile to help you grasp complex concepts.

However, one common complaint among students is that the department can sometimes be crowded and getting into required classes can be a challenge. Advisors recommend registering for classes as early as possible and have a back-up plan in case your first choice of classes is full.

Sacramento State also offers several student organizations such as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Society of Women Engineers. These societies are a great way to get some extracurricular involvement and make connections with potential employers and fellow students alike.

Lastly, remember that CSU Sacramento, like all Cal State schools, is test-blind, which means they do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all. Focus on maintaining a strong GPA and showcasing your interest in Mechanical Engineering through any related extracurricular activities.

I hope this gives you a good overview of the program. All the best with your admissions process!