How do I let my boyfriend know that I am ready/want to get engaged?

I am 21 and my boyfriend of 1 year is 27. We met in college, he was a grad student and just got his masters of education. I am still in school, studying science and trying to pinpoint a career that will align with his and my goals for life.

Our relationship moved very fast from the start but I don’t think it was unnatural at all. We moved in together after 6 months but were practically living together before then, unable to be apart for too long. I am a better person around him and we mesh in every aspect. I have never loved anyone more.

I guess what I am getting at is that I am ready to take the next step. Within a couple months we were casually discussing engagement and had both compared our belief that a couple needs at least a year before they can know that they are ready. Thing is, I was ready long ago but wanted to wait to be sure. I have this feeling that he is waiting until we are more settled in career and such before proposing but I want to get engaged now. I want to wait until I am done with school before getting married but I want the title, the claim to him (as selfish as that sounds) now. We already talk about the future like “when we have kids”, “when we get a house” and such. I feel like we are already engaged.

I love him so much, how can I let him know that I am ready to get engaged and do not want to wait until I am done with school for the proposal? It is hard to explain my reasons, but talk to any friend and they will attest that my feelings are true.