<p>I'm applying ED to Cornell's School of Engineering and on the Common App, they ask for the major of choice. I'm thinking Mechanical Engineering, but I don't want to commit to it now. </p>
<p>Does it hurt my chances if I go in undecided? If I select a major, is it difficult to switch out? Do I still need to declare it later on?</p>
<p>Not sure if it hurts your chances, but if your EC’s tend to lean towards a specific discipline in engineering, it could help with your “fit” especially if you can express some of that in your writing. </p>
<p>The major you select is non-binding. depending on how many AP’s you have, most of first year engineering with the exception of one or two courses is generally applicable for all engineering major curriculum. COE students are expected to declare their major by the end of sophomore year but usually the first semester of your soph would be 3 out of 5 major related courses. Until you declare your major, everyone is technically “undecided” in the administration’s eyes. You can also have arrange some sort of “independent major” but you’d have to work that out with your advisor. </p>
<p>after you apply for a major it’s not difficult to switch but it might be difficult to stay on track to graduate. for example, if I took all Mech-E courses in sophomore year, i’d be ill prepared to start junior year in ECE or CS, although it is possible.</p>