What's considered the most challenging part of an engineering major in college?

I'm really intrigued by the world of engineering and hope to pursue it in college. But I've heard some pretty daunting things about it. Can anyone share what's commonly considered the most difficult part, academically speaking, of pursuing an engineering major?

A common opinion among engineering students is that the intensity and rigor of the coursework is the most challenging aspect of the major. Mathematics and physics classes are typically the foundation for an engineering degree and these can be particularly challenging due to their abstract concepts and requirements for problem-solving. These core classes are in addition to the demanding engineering courses themselves that involve design work, laboratory experiments, and projects.

However, it's important to note that the specifics can vary depending on the type of engineering major you choose. For example, Chemical Engineering majors might find the combination of chemistry and process engineering particularly tough, while Electrical Engineering students often cite the complexity of circuit analysis as particularly difficult.

Another challenge that many engineering students experience is the time commitment required. The workload for an engineering major often involves long hours spent on homework, labs, and projects, which can make managing one's time very difficult, especially when striving to balance academics with extracurricular activities, internships, or part-time jobs.

Keep in mind that while these aspects of an engineering major may be challenging, they are not insurmountable! With diligent effort, consistent study habits, and seeking help when needed (such as using office hours and forming study groups), many students are able to successful navigate and excel in their engineering coursework.