1. What are the requirements for completing the First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program in West Lafayette?
To complete FYE, you must earn credit for nine courses with a GPA of at least 2.00, an EAI (Engineering Admissions Index) of at least 2.00 and a grade of at least C- in each of the courses. Complete details are available.
2. What are the requirements for finishing different engineering degrees?
There are 18 different degree programs in the College of Engineering at Purdue, 17 in West Lafayette and five in Indianapolis. Degree maps and plans of study for each degree are available.
3. When do I declare my engineering major in West Lafayette?
Students are not admitted into a specific engineering degree program or major in West Lafayette until they have completed all FYE requirements. (Students in Indianapolis are directly admitted to their major.) This usually requires at least two semesters of study. In the final semester in FYE, a student will make a formal request for a degree program through the "Transition to Major" process. Admission into engineering degree programs may be competitive, particularly for programs at or over enrollment capacity.
4. Can I use my AP scores for credit for FYE courses?
Yes, if you take the proper exam and the score is high enough. All AP scores of 3 or higher post as credit to your Purdue transcript, but in many cases, a score of 4 or 5 is required for credit to post as a particular required class (scores of 3 often post as "undistributed credit"). Students are responsible for making sure that their scores are sent directly from AP to Purdue. More information.
5. What computer hardware and software should I bring to campus?
Purdue students have access to computers and a full range of software in ITaP labs around campus. Purdue IT has minimum requirements for students.
6. What learning communities are available to incoming students?
Student Success at Purdue manages several Learning Communities, which can help students develop relationships with other students, see connections in course material and learn more effectively. Many of the learning communities are specifically designed for engineering students.
7. What should I be doing now to prepare myself for employment opportunities?
It is never too early for students to be thinking about internships and employment, and many students will take a professional internship position in the summer following their first year on campus. More information is available from the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) and the Office of Professional Practice (OPP).
8. Does credit earned at other universities meet FYE and degree requirements?
Purdue requires a grade of C- or higher for a transfer course to be awarded Purdue credit, but the exact grade will not be included in your Purdue GPA or your EAI. Note that courses taken on Purdue regional campuses are not considered transfer courses; grades from these courses do count on your Purdue GPA and EAI.
9. What if I want to take a class over the summer?
Students can check MyPurdue for exact offerings each summer. Students should work with their current academic advisor to discuss and plan for summer courses.
10. Are course substitutions allowed?
Check with your academic advisor.
11. How do I talk to an advisor if I have any other questions?
You may email engr-info@purdue.edu with simple questions or visit the FYE advisor page for information about a meeting (either scheduled or drop-in) with an FYE advisor.