<p>I'm applying to U of I for next fall, and am considering Engineering and Architecture. While I'm leaning more towards arch as of now, I realize I might change my mind. Would it be better to apply into engineering and transfer to Arch when I'm sure, or apply to arch since I am somewhat more likely going to end up there? I know engineering is harder to get into (Getting in is not a problem, I know I'll get into whatever I apply to at Illinois, it's mainly the level of difficulty transferring after the original choice that I'm concerned with) so should I apply into that, thinking it would be easier to transfer eng-->arch than arch-->eng?</p>
<p>oohh, thats a tough one... they're both pretty difficult to get into initially. what r ur stats? which one can u write a better essay on?
personally i would probably say arch to eng. as long as u have good grades b/c i know a couple architects who started their major coursework in their sophomore year while most engineers only start it their junior year. engineering will usually let u in if u have good grades and can handle the coursework.</p>
<p>Top 8% (approx--school doesn't rank) at competitive (private) college prep school, 34 ACT, decent ECs, all honors and APs, In state.</p>
<p>I think I could write a pretty decent one for either. If I did engineering it would probably be civil, so in the sense of writing an essay, they wouldn't have to be very different.</p>
<p>It would be easier to transfer from engineering to architecture. That is not a knock on architecture, but the College of Engineering is really strict on transfers.</p>
<p>A third year UIUC arch student, I looked into this freshman year when I thought about double majoring in CivE and Arch. While I found that it is virtually impossible to accomplish a double major in those two, I learned a bit about what it takes to transfer between the College of Engineering and College of Fine and Applied Arts.</p>
<p>First of all, with your stats, I feel that you are pretty much guaranteed a spot anywhere in any program at UIUC (your exceptional ACT score is very impressive). That being said, your freshman year is pretty basic on both accounts- architects take one basic intro arch class (and maybe a history) while engineers continue with the calculus curriculum, take the intro engineering courses (by intro I mean the classes that introduce you to the concept of engineering), and maybe start their physics and introductory comp sci classes if they are advanced enough in math. Otherwise, you use this time to complete general education requirements.</p>
<p>Transfer requirements are surprisingly more stringent (on GPA) for the Arch school than for Engineering. However, the classes you have to complete to successfully transfer to Arch are less academically demanding than Engineering- you have to complete the three semesters of physics and the math sequence, through calc 3, complete the chem requirements, and maintain a 3.0 GPA to transfer into Engineering; for Arch I believe you have to finish the rhetoric requirements, Calc 1 or Physics 101, and possibly some history, and maintain a 3.2 GPA.</p>
<p>If you attend UIUC for your freshman year, decide whether or not you will pursue architecture by the end of the year- otherwise you will be out of sequence with the design studio classes which begin sophomore year, and will have to stay a year longer to complete the degree (you will fall a year behind).</p>
<p>For Engineering you can continue to sign up and take courses up through the 200 sequence, after that you will need to be in the college to register for them.</p>
<p>There is a quota for both schools, too, dictating how many students they can accept each year- but for Arch I don't believe you'd have any problem (especially if you talked to the advisors in the college).</p>
<p>Perhaps to help you make a decision, you should consider the focuses of each discipline, and the work involved.</p>
<p>Engineering is very technical, much more intellectually demanding (in my opinion), and difficult, because a huge percentage of your classes are advanced math and science courses. Classes are typically more of the normal college lecture-discussion format. I took several classes in the CEE curriculum, and they are very cut and dry in the structure and requirements.</p>
<p>Architecture on the otherhand, is much more cross curricular, and its curriculum emphasizes much more art and history than Engineering. The work load of Architecture, from my experience on campus, is also many times more demanding than any other major I can think of, perhaps equaling some of the engineering disciplines (electrical and computer come to mind.) Freshman year is a breeze, but when design studio and technology courses begin, your time becomes a very scarce resource.</p>
<p>I find Architecture more interesting because of its creative aspect- CivE demands creativity as well, but in a much different way. Architecture is basically a useful application of artistic principles; while you will spend time going to lectures and sitting through exams, you will also get to experience open discussion in design studio, and sleepless nights with your classmates while working to meet tight deadlines- an experience that few other college disciplines deliver. While not nearly as technically and academically demanding as engineering, the physical quantity and quality of work expected is staggering, but manageable- and if the work interests you, fun as well.</p>
<p>Bottom line, though, with transferring- I feel you will have an easier time transferring from Engineering into Arch, because more prerequisites are requipred for Engineering. Keep in mind, however that you will have to make up your mind quickly- as you will face another year of college should you choose to transfer to Arch any later than right after your Freshman year.</p>
<p>Hope this helps, and wasn't too off topic or confusing!</p>