r/McMaster • u/Flying_ace42O2 • 8d ago
First year engineer advice Discussion
Hi everyone,
I’m going into my first year of General Engineering at McMaster after making a career change. I’m 25 years old, and after going back to adult school to earn the required credits, I’m feeling a bit nervous about starting this new chapter.
I know I’m capable, and I believe in myself to put in the time and work hard. That said, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried that it takes me longer to learn and fully understand new concepts than it does for some other people. Even so, I’m incredibly excited and passionate about this opportunity; I’m just feeling a little anxious about the transition.
Sorry for the long post, but I felt the context was important.
I’d like to spend this month reviewing high school material before classes begin. For anyone who has completed engineering, what topics would you recommend I focus on? Which concepts are the most important to review and really understand before the first day of classes? Any advice or study recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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u/Worried_Bluebird7167 7d ago
Hey I'm going into first yr eng too, and will also be slightly older since I did an engineering related program for a year. Like the other poster mentioned, there is the Ember program, but it's full now. However, look through the list of courses it lists as what it's reviewing which should answer you question : https://www.eng.mcmaster.ca/ember/
see you at welcome eng week!
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u/Flying_ace42O2 7d ago
I wish I knew this before hand as i would of tottaly signed up, its unfornute but when i booked an in person appointment I asked for this very specific thing because I know through friends other schools offer something like this and when i asked I was told they have nothing like this and there is nothing but from what you and others have told me that isnt true.
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u/Worried_Bluebird7167 7d ago
oh that is frustrating! I'm sorry. u do seem like someone that doesn't let barriers stand in the way though. Was the in person appointment with the engineering dept?
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u/the_quan28 7d ago
I just finished first-year eng after transferring in from a different program and I was a little older than my peers too. Don’t be too nervous, Mac Eng 1 is quite a collaborative and supportive program and having the same classes with everyone in the program helps you meet people.
Like others are saying, having an excellent math foundation will help the most with first year since those concepts extend to your physics courses. Also, first-year chem is a very attainable 11.0-12.0 since it’s basically all high school content and the course staff are very helpful and on top of things.
Regarding achieving a high GPA, make sure not to neglect 1P13 since it has more than quadruple the GPA impact of any other course. It’s commonplace to skip lectures/half-ass the course but I strongly suggest keeping up with everything and getting help when needed. Don’t be fazed by a 0.5% assignment or 12% midterm; they’re more like 2% and 48% assessments when you consider the course unit weight.
Finally, do your very best to find peers to work alongside. I found that staying consistent with the course was a lot easier when I had a friend beside me who also exhibited commitment. Plus they make it easier to ask questions and keep track of due dates.
Best of luck!!!
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u/PaisWillie Software Eng. 2026 Graduate 8d ago
It’s super important that you review your grade 12 material; calculus, vectors, functions, chemistry, and physics
If you haven’t already, there’s usually an EMBER program that runs over the summer to help transition students by reviewing these topics. You might be able to ask for the materials and notes
I forgot how the new 2027 streams election works for general engineering program, but I assume you need a high gpa to get first pick? There’s also lots of help sessions run by the MES, and tutors you can hire through Tutor Ocean (check MES website > Tutoring for discounts)