STEM majors, particularly those in engineering, are generally technical in nature. If you are passionate about studying engineering in college, consider preparing for it while in high school. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare for STEM and/or engineering, especially if you are aiming for top colleges abroad. The major reason is that, unlike in India, where getting admissions in top colleges primarily depends on entrance exams, foreign universities look for well-rounded profiles. This is more than an academic feat and involves showing interest in the subjects through extracurricular activities and a rigorous course of study.
How to Prepare for STEM / Engineering Majors at Top Colleges Abroad
Grades 9 – 10
In these years, you aim to lay a solid foundation and discover your interests. Even though your school’s board (CBSE, ICSE, etc.) typically dictates the curriculum, you must strive to obtain top scores and study the most challenging courses offered.
- Science: You must score well in the basic Physics, Chemistry, and Biology syllabi. This is where you establish the fundamentals on which everything else is founded.
- Mathematics: Your math classes must be aced. This is usually the single most significant indicator of success as an engineer. Emphasize gaining a strong conceptual background in quadratics, polynomials, linear equations, coordinate geometry, and trigonometry. They are the building blocks for more advanced math.
- Computer Science/Information Technology: If available at your school, take it. Demonstrates an early interest in a major STEM discipline and develops problem-solving skills that are so important for engineering.
- English and a Second Language: Strong communication skills are an asset, and top universities look for them. Specializing in English, especially, will be essential to your application and essay writing.
Grades 11 – 12
This is where you will select your stream and really stand out. For a STEM and engineering specialization, the most popular and successful stream is the science stream with non-medical subjects.
- Core Courses: Physics, Chemistry, and Math are mandatory and the cornerstone of a solid application. You need to take all three at the highest level your school provides.
- Maths: Focus on sets, relations, functions, trigonometry, and conic sections in Grade 11. Once you move to Grade 12, you must dive deep into Calculus. Topics that must be focused on are differential equations, integral calculus, vectors, and three-dimensional geometry.
- Computer Science: This is a highly suggested fourth course. It’s a great way to demonstrate a profound interest in computers and computational thinking, which is beneficial for nearly all fields of engineering today.
- Engineering Graphics/Technical Drawing: It’s available in some schools. It’s a good option if you’re studying mechanical, civil, or product design, as it teaches visualization and design skills that are essential.
Students from the A-Level Curriculum
If your school provides an A-Level curriculum, you should take Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Take Further Mathematics if you wish to attend very competitive courses at universities such as Cambridge or Imperial College.
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How to Stand Out as an Indian Applicant?
In the Indian curriculum, you do not “opt for” Algebra 2, Pre-Calc, or Calculus AB in a given grade, because they are part of your regular curriculum. Your task is just to study the highest-level math you can in Classes 11 and 12, because that will naturally include those subjects. To take it one step further, prepare for this by self-study and take the corresponding AP exams to confirm your abilities globally. Read 7 ‘Must-Haves’ for a Successful College Application.
AP Exams
Some students in India who are targeting US universities opt for AP (Advanced Placement) exams. Sitting for the AP Calculus AB or AP Calculus BC exam is a great way to demonstrate to a university that your level of knowledge is equal to that of a US high school student.
A good score on these tests (4 or 5) not only improves your application but also gets you college credit, where you can then omit beginning math classes when you’re at university.
Factors to Keep in Mind while Preparing Academically for STEM/Engineering Majors in Top Colleges Abroad
Solid foundation in foundation subjects: Focus on Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science (if offered). These subjects prove your preparedness for an intense STEM program.
Course rigor: Whenever feasible, take advanced or harder courses like APs, IB HL courses, or A-Levels. If not available, consider online platforms like edX, Coursera, or NPTEL to show depth.
Grade consistency: Universities want to see consistent performance over time and not a flash in the pan. Aim for a robust high school academic record.
Cross-disciplinary interest: STEM today tends to intertwine with economics, social sciences, and the arts. Demonstration of skill and interest outside of merely math and science can enhance your profile.
Standardized testing: Stay up to date with the most recent demands for SAT/ACT, and get a head start on the universities on your list that still require them; well, even if it’s test-optional, just go for it.
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How to Plan Extracurriculars to Build a Strong Profile for STEM Majors as a High School Student in India
Strong academics will pay attention to you, but extracurriculars make you noticeable. Here are some significant ways to enhance your STEM profile as an Indian high school student:
1. Science Fairs and Research Competitions
Demonstrate your creativity and problem-solving abilities by engaging in fairs and competitions. Some of India’s well-established options include:
- IRIS National Science Fair (India’s official fair associated with the Intel ISEF)
- CBSE/State-level Science Exhibitions
- Google Science Fair (global, online)
- Local hackathons like Smart India Hackathon (Junior Edition)
These sites showcase your capability to implement classroom teachings to actual problems.
2. STEM Clubs and Leadership
If your school has robotics, coding, or science clubs, join them and attempt to become a leader and take on leadership positions. Alternatively, form your own club—maybe a coding club, a tinkering/maker club, or even a neighborhood robotics club. For instance, some students have had great success organizing weekend Arduino or Python workshops for juniors. This shows initiative and leadership.
3. Olympiads and Academic Competitions
Olympiads are one of the most competitive ways to show STEM capability:
- Mathematics: INMO (Indian National Mathematics Olympiad)
- Physics: INPhO (Physics Olympiad)
- Chemistry: INChO (Chemistry Olympiad)
- Biology: INBO (Biology Olympiad)
- Informatics: INOI (Informatics Olympiad).
- Junior Science: NSEJS (National Standard Exam in Junior Science)
Even at the first or second stage, participation signals high-level aptitude. Other national competitions like NTSE, KVPY (if still offered in your year), and quizzes (e.g., BITS Pilani’s Aptitude Quiz) are also recognized abroad.
4. Summer Programs
STEM-focused summer schools provide exposure to enhanced learning and research. Indian students can consider the following:
- IISc Young Science Academy Programs (Bangalore)
- IIT Gandhinagar Summer Camps
- MIT LaunchX, Oxford Royale Academy, or University of Toronto summer programs (abroad)
- Online research mentorships such as Polygence or Veritas AI (for coding/AI projects)
Emphasize particular projects or skills developed over these experiences in your applications.
5. Independent Research and/or Passion Projects
Universities appreciate self-initiated curiosity. You can:
- Partner with a local PhD student or professor
- Run home or school lab experiments and post your results on blogs or publications such as the Journal of Emerging Investigators
- Design an app, website, or prototype that addresses a local issue (e.g., water purification, waste)
Well-documented passion projects usually make for great application essays.
6. Community Service through STEM
Mesh social engagement with your technical passions. For instance:
- Teach coding to disadvantaged kids in your locality or through NGOs.
- Organizing a robotics camp at a nearby government school
- Developing an app for local community use (e.g., filing potholes, blood donation scheduling)
The above activities demonstrate empathy, leadership, and the power of applying STEM for good – something prestigious universities deeply care about.
Need help with profile building, timeline planning, college selection, or anything else related to career planning and/or college admissions? Feel free to reach out to us!
You might also like to read the following articles:
Best STEM Majors for Non-Science Students
How to Build a Profile for Pre-Med while in High School
Holistic Review and “Institutional Priorities”: What They Mean for College Admissions
Tanmoy Ray is an experienced admissions consultant and content marketer with a passion for helping students achieve their global education dreams. After completing his Master’s degree in the UK, he worked with leading universities including the University of Oxford (UK), Utrecht University (Netherlands), and the University of New South Wales (Australia). Tanmoy combines his deep expertise in higher education with a talent for crafting student-focused resources that simplify complex admissions processes.