How can I start preparing now?

It's always good to be preparing for your future and considering ways to improve your success. I would recommend that you think about different clubs that might lead to your success such as Robotics and/or auto drive challenges. Take a look at what's available for girls in engineering. It might be online, but it might be getting involved with your community and making something happen (like building a park bench at a senior citizens complex or park). Other ideas are habitat for humanity or your local food bank. Even though some of these aren't engineering related, it does show the engineering spirit of "using your capabilities to improve humanity.”

Great question! I think there are many aspects you could spend time with, but most of all, have fun!

Academically, continue to take as much math, science and computer science as you find appealing. Get involved in some type of STEM group that works for you - there many robotics-type competitions that require full teams and abilities, so you don't have to love robotics. If it's just NOT fun, find something else.

I would also encourage you to join something like Speech and Debate team at your school. The more comfortable you can get with speaking to groups and thinking fast on your feet, the better prepared you will be.

Additionally, find something active to be involved with, from team sports to hiking or running, or yoga - it is so good for your overall well-being and it will benefit you in your studies.

Finally, if you are succeeding at everything you are doing, challenge yourself and find something you struggle with. It is good to know how this feels and know you can pursue and life goes on, even if you fail at something.

Oh, one more thing, if you can get a mentorship at any engineering firm, from manufacturing to design, really anything, you will gain valuable insight.

There are so many ways to start preparing. First of all, take all of the math and science you can, including college level courses, as soon as your school allows. I know that in some schools, they make exceptions and allow ninth graders to start if they've shown they are ready based on classes they've taken and grades in those classes.

If it's available, get involved in a robotics program. These programs give you hands-on experience and will introduce you to others with your interests. They will share how they are getting ready too!

There are many resources for university test prep that you may not want to start now, but should start next year. When you are at the point of taking your entrance tests, plan on taking them more than once. Some people even take them 3 times or more!

If you are interested in a university, look at their resources. Most of them have tutorials, test prep, handouts and list other resources for high school students who are interested in a specific curriculum.

Finally, seek people who are currently in jobs that you think would be interesting and ask if they would meet with you to discuss their responsibilities or allow you to shadow them for a day. This is an excellent way to learn more about which type of engineering is most interesting to you.

Great work on investigating this now!

I commend all of the individuals who know exactly where they want to be in 5 years, 10 years, etc. Regardless of where you are in your journey to become an engineer or whatever else you strive to be, please remember, "All work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy."

You are young and you have a world of work and other adult milestones ahead of you. Engineering is not only a science but an Art. Many engineers are inspired by nature and the strength of things like spider webs. Go on hikes and take in your surroundings. Marvel at the homes of different animals. I have often wondered how an Osprey can build such a large nest on top of a pole and have it not fall apart with the first rain storm.

On vacation or even nearby history abounds with buildings and structures that have withstood many of the ravages of time. Recently in Virginia, I stumbled across Fort Nonsense, which in itself was a blunder in engineering and did not meet the needs of the confederate army defense against union troops.

Churches, Cathedrals, and even modern architecture provide places for your imagination. Why did the stream break the rock in that manner and why does it meander through towns in the manner it does. What happened when part of it was damned either intentional or by a beaver.

If your love for engineering is true. You will find it in everything around you. Be patient with yourself, you will have adult responsibilities soon enough.

It’s good that you have made up your mind to be an engineer and are raring to go. Please read/ listen to blogs on Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Ted talks etc. Check out Chat GPT, listen to podcasts on these topics and it will help you move in the right direction, stay ahead and stay motivated. Knowledge is power.

My recommendation is job shadowing. Often those hands-on personal experiences you can weave into your story demonstrate your understanding of a potential degree outcome and show initiative.