So im starting Cornell engineering this week

[m_the0ry]

My first advice is to have fun but be sure to get good grades. They really do matter in such a competitive industry. Mediocre grades can be recovered with by demonstrating competence, but bad grades can be dooming.

Second, like Kaj said, the equations aren't terribly important after your final is over. The fact is that we engineers use CAD and simulation software, not mathematical recitation. The most important thing is gaining hands on experience in lab exercises (use the CAD tools a LOT you will not get another chance to use them until you are in private industry, as the licenses cost $5000+), and the second most important thing is to increase your intuition. Engineering is all about levels of abstraction and designing systems. Abstraction is a double edged blade.You can't make something fundamentally easier without losing some control. Remember that your abstractions are tools to help you change your view of scope (small scale -> big scale) and develop prototypes, NOT the end of the design process. That will always require simulation and field testing, and the greater your intuition is on the minutiae of your field, the more you can assist in the design -> prototype process, which is what makes you attractive to an employer.

[PokerPrincess]

I second most of the advice given here (particularly the advice regarding "unimportant homework.") Also, if you don't have time to do all of the homework, start towards the end. This is particularly helpful strategy in advanced math as the problems tend to build on themselves. (if it's divided by category, do the end of each category). In general, if you can do the more advanced critical thinking questions, you will have no problems with the regurgitation problems towards the beginning.

As far as being competitive and successful as an engineer, do your best to find an internship as soon as possible. The contacts and knowledge you can will help you through your degree program and your career.

Good luck!

[Kingdeuceoff]

Freshman year is easy...wait until sophomore year.....and hen even worse getting a job....that one hurts the most, stay a student as long as you can

[surftheiop]

what sucks so much about getting a job? i know like 5 chemical engineers and they all love their jobs