Hi! I originally applied to UMD with an intended major in History, but recently I’ve been considering switching my major to Government and Politics (their name for polisci, I guess). I figure, since their political science program is an LEP it would be good to major in that initially, and then I would be free to declare a second major in history later. Since history is not an LEP I figure it would be a relatively painless process.
However, I’m a little in the dark about how I would begin requesting to change my intended major. Is it even possible at this point in time, or do I have to wait until after I matriculate? I was accepted into scholars, does that mean I would theoretically have the kind of stats that would allow me to enter the Government and Politics major directly?
Also if I change my major, will my University ID Number change at all? I need to enter it onto my Scholars Interest form, so I don’t want to accidentally enter an outdated number on my Scholars form if it does end up changing.
@nuhsgrad Were you able to successfully switch to an LEP program - and if so, how exactly did you do it (like, did you just email admissions and ask to be considered for GVPT)? I’m asking b/c I’m in a similar situation right now…
@miopyon13: I called admissions earlier (maybe a week ago) and asked how hard it would be to transfer into GVPT, and they said it would just be a matter of me emailing UMD admissions and asking to be switched. Since GVPT is a noncompetitive LEP, my application would still be reviewed by the GVPT undergrad committee, but the chances of being denied are pretty slim. I haven’t done it yet just because I’m not completely sure if I want to make the switch, but the whole process seems pretty easy - definitely easier that transferring after you matriculate! Hope that helps!
By the way if you do decide to transfer over, the email is applymaryland@umd.edu, and make sure to include your University ID number and full name with the email. The admissions counselor I talked to stressed the UID number part so I figured I’d mention it!
@nuhsgrad Thank you so much - the information you provided as very helpful! I’m glad that it’s a fairly simple process - and yeah, it definitely sounds easier than transferring after matriculation. Once again, thank you so much!
