I was accepted to Arts and Letters, but what I am wondering is whether cross college transfers are possible.
Also can someone give me some info on the first year studies experience? Do you declare a major after or before the first year is over?
ND does not actually admit you to a particular college within the University. All freshmen are enrolled in the First Year of Studies. An exception is if you indicated on your application an intent to enroll in Mendoza as a sophomore and received pre-approval to do so. Another exception, I believe, is if you applied to the Architecture program. If not, you can enroll in A&L, Science, or Engineering. From what I understand there will be very, very limited opportunity to enter Mendoza without pre-approval. Also, I’m pretty sure you declare a major by the end of your sophomore year. The FYS has a really good website within the general ND one, and most specific questions about the first year experience can be answered there.
You can transfer to any college except for Mendoza(still possible, just much harder). You can even transfer into the School of Architecture without a portfolio! As ejcclc posted above, all freshmen enter First Year of Studies. You do not need to declare a major by the end of first year. However, you will have to commit to a college by late spring semester.
As they said above, you can transfer into anything except Mendoza. But if you are planning on moving from A&L to the College of Science or Engineering (or even Architecture), I would email and let your advisor know as soon as you get their contact info. While all freshmen are enrolled in FYS, you would still need to take different classes (Intro to Engineering for the College of Engineering, Chemistry for College of Science, Physics and Art for Architecture) in your freshman year, so it would be best to let your advisor know as soon as possible so you stay on track. 