<p>I’ve narrowed down my choices to two schools, Cal Poly and UW Seattle. I got into general engineering at Cal Poly, but my problem is is that I’m uncertain of wanting to major in engineering. I know that I could probably transfer into a different area of engineering at Cal Poly, but I’m still only 80% sure or so about even wanting to major in engineering, regardless of any specific area. That’s my major issue with deciding Cal Poly over UW. My other worries are that I don’t know if there’s a lot to do at Cal Poly vs being in the Seattle area where there’s lots to do outdoors, and that there isn’t a lot of diversity or job opportunities at Cal Poly. Anyone have any advice for me? If I don’t like Cal Poly will I be able to transfer to a different school without having to make up for classes I wouldn’t take at Cal Poly? Thanks.</p>
<p>We were told it is almost impossible to change to anything else except another field of engineering.
Have you been to campus and seen the area. Bautiful near the beach but pretty homogenious. Much different than Seattle or U Dub</p>
<p>I’ve looked at both campuses and they’re both amazing. If I were to go to Cal Poly, I understand I would have to major in some area of engineering OR transfer to another school. I enjoyed the beach a lot when I was there, but I also saw that the area wasn’t as full of things to do as Seattle. That being said, it’d be nice to have a change of view and go to California. To reiterate, I’m hoping people can give me some tips on the pros/cons of choosing Cal Poly, as well as options/flexibility I would have there, when I’m not absolutely certain that I want to major in engineering. </p>
<p>Many people change their major out of the College of Engineering every year. At admitted student day (2012, I think) we were told that Engineering is the biggest “exporter” of students at CP, while the College of Business is the biggest “importer” of students. Many more students enter CP engineering than graduate from CP engineering. Check the numbers in the factbook. One of my kids easily changed his major from Computer Science (CENG) to Philosophy (CLA).</p>
<p>The biggest thing about UW is that you don’t even get to apply to engineering until you are a sophomore and it’s competitive. The issue with Poly is that you might not get out of engineering (which isn’t true since moves lateral or to easier admits are pretty straight forward). The issue with UW is that you might not get in. Two opposite sides of the coin. Good luck!</p>
<p>Since Cal Poly is out of state for you, and you are not sure about engineering, then I recommend UW because it is more flexible and a better school. Plus, it sounds like maybe you are a resident of Washington state. If so, UW is not only better, but cheaper too.</p>
<p>I’m not sure that UW is a better school. Both have a variety of excellent programs, and both have significant drawbacks because they are underfunded state institutions. </p>
<p>Between 30-40% of Cal Poly students change majors, according to the director of academic advising. He told us that any student that wants to change majors must consult the target department and arrange a ‘contract’ that specifies a minimum GPA over the next one or two academic terms, during which certain classes must be taken. Students transferring out of engineering into business, for example, might be asked to take two economics classes and achieve a 3.0 GPA. After admission as a freshman, a student must wait one term before requesting a change of major.</p>