Unless your robot cured cancer...

Mar 14, 2017 3:11 AM

The recent explosion of robotics clubs is a blight on college applicants. You built it from a kit, you programmed it with a canned API, you didn't even win at the pay-to-enter competitions. You learned... almost nothing. It challenged you... to follow directions in a safe setting with like-minded peers. You succeeded because... your parents could afford the plane ticket to the "international" competition.

Similarly, do not tell me your inspiration for studying engineering has anything at all to do with the Kerbal Space Program.

Also, college is too expensive, go to whatever accredited school offers you the most money, and get a 4.0. Save your $$ for your Master's.

BONUS blurry kitten tax. My little fancy man is 17 years old now and going strong!

alumnus*

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Sorry the tax is the thumbnail, still trying to figure out how posting works (after 4 years of lurking)

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Seems a little harsh for high schoolers.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

"go to whatever accredited school offers you the most money, and get a 4.0. Save your $$ for your Master's."

9 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

My robot destroyed other robots and wasn't built from a kit but rather designed and machined by the group. Does that count as learning stuff

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes!

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Best experience my Son got: helping coordinate and design/build with an area Habitat for Humanity.....later graduated with EE and CpE.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 3

10/10 would recommend admission. Sounds like he already got that, though!

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Master's do not pay off for most engineering fields. It's much better to start you're career - financially and career path wise

9 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Unless you get it for free I agree. If you want higher education you have to do a doctorate now a days just to get your tuition covered.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I've heard the same. Unless your job pays for your schooling and then pays you more, the Masters degree is almost obsolete

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Really, a 1-2 year MSE isn't helping anymore either? That's distressing. Not sure I'd trust a 22 year old Bachelor's to build me a hat.

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The only premade part of my high schools robot was the radio control. The rest was designed tested and welded by students.

9 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Right? Now that sounds like a cool thing to talk about during an interview. When this was a new thing I heard stuff like that. Now tho...

9 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Maybe it's just my region, but the rules were very specific about no using kits. The radio controls and drivers were the same for everyone.

9 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0