<li><p>How hard is it to double-major? I really want to major in political science, but I’ve always had this fascination with urban planning and urban studies. Do you think it would be pretty feasible to double-major in political science (CLA) and urban studies (CLA)? And how would I go about doing that before the semester starts? </p></li>
<li><p>When do we find out what housing we’re assigned? Or do you only know that once you’ve confirmed admission?</p></li>
<li><p>Can you enter the honors program as a current student? I got the Gold National Scholarship, but no honors invite… which isn’t a big deal and it won’t affect my final decision much, but if I do attend, it would be kinda neat to be in the program. Right now I’m stuck between the U of M and CU-Boulder Honors program. So if I could get into the honors program there after a semester or two, it would pretty much seal the deal for me. </p></li>
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<p>By the way, I just noticed on the myU thing that it’s currently 9 degrees in Minneapolis. 9 degrees!!! That’s not a comforting sight to this spoiled Floridian, who’s enjoying sunny 76 degree weather today haha.</p>
<p>Hehe, it was actually below 0 today, with a windchill of -20F, but seriously this is rare. Usually it's more or less nice this time of the year (Although I consider 30-40 nice) Anyway, about your questions:</p>
<p>1)Depending on the two majors it can either be REALLY hard to double major, or really easy. I'm planning a double major in biochemistry and genetics because the main classes for them are pretty much identical. In your case Poli Sci/Urban Studies seems a little harder. You didn't specify if you want a BS or a BA, but I'll assume BS since that's the harder one to get. You need about 50 credits in the major, for poli sci you need about 30. Also the max. liberal ed req. credits is also about 50 (although if you schedule things wisely (or have AP credits) you can shave that down. So now it's just doing the math. Poli Sci and Lib Ed together equal 80, meaning for an ideal 4 year (120 cred) plan , you have 40 credits left.....so numbers come up short. Of course if you take more credits per semester you can get everything to fit. Or you can just do the 40 credit BA and then it'd be fine, but you won't really have much leeway with your schedule. Try the Grad Planner at one stop by selecting the majors and planning out a sample 4 year plan. It's VERY helpful in my experience.</p>
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<li><p>You find out the assignments in July I believe, roommates and all. But you must confirm admission by May 1 otherwise you're not actually guaranteed the housing. Also, apparently you get 1st Year Program info faster if you accept admission (Argh)</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, you can. They have the information on the honors page. Let me find a link real quick. Voila, University</a> Honors Program : University of Minnesota. That clears up all the stuff you need. Also, remember that not all honors invites went out and they sometimes come at a different times than scholarships so it's possible you still have a chance. </p></li>
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<p>Good luck, and I hope you choose U of M. I love the atmosphere here (I've done dual-enrollment for two years) and don't let our weather scare you :-)</p>
<p>I forgot to mention a crucial part of my potential double-major plans. I've done a LOT of Dual Enrollment, 60 credits worth actually. I don't think all of them will transfer to U of M, but I would bet that at least 40-50 will. So a lot of my general requirements should be completely filled. So if a lot of my credits transfer, I'm hoping to possibly double-major in three years. I think that double-majoring in four years wouldn't be a problem with the number of credits I already have. I guess I was wondering if it's possible to do it in three years, I just didn't tell you that lol. </p>
<p>I am a college prof and in MHO I see no reason in the world to ever double major. You can take one subject as your major and minor in the other. The most specific major would be urban planning so I would major in that and minor in political science (which happens to be my field). If you want to go to law school an urban planning major is just as good as any other, and if you want to go into urban planning, you will need the major. I think (as do many college profs) that by fulfilling the req's for a double major you really cut yourself off from lots of other subjects that might be interesting to you and really broadening to your knowledge base. Also, the honors program takes students after freshman year, visit their website to find out all about it.</p>
<p>^ Thanks for your advice, I can see why it could be somewhat harmful to my overall educational experience. The reason I want to double major is to have a variety of options, in case I bomb the LSAT, don't get in to any law schools, or just determine that it's not right for me. If I had two degrees, then I could possibly land a job in either of those fields, or possibly go on to grad school in one of those fields. Although if I don't double major, I think you're right in that I should major in urban studies, instead of political science. Because if I ended up working right out of school I would rather be working in the urban studies field than as some low-level political organizer. It's just that, especially in this economy, I want to be as versatile in the job market as I can be, and have a number of fall-back options. </p>
<p>But I appreciate your insight! I'll make sure to take that into consideration as I continue to ponder my options and as I start gearing up for classes in the fall. </p>
<p>Whatever I major in, I think that it looks like I'll eventually end up at the U of M! This isn't an official declaration, but given the cost and academic quality, the U seems like the best option I have. Go Gophers!!!</p>
<p>If you're truly good at and love a certain major, besides your current one, dual major is definitely a smart choice for U! I guess my dual major in Economics benefits me a lot when I was applying for the graduate program.
But, as a senior, I should say that first of all, you'll probably make sure that you can stay excellent, or at least good in your own major. I mean you just cannot prove others that U are excellent in B, with a poor performance in A. Moreover, dual major means more energy that you should take into studying.</p>