High school junior here. Growing up I’ve always loved computers. Built my first one in 5th grade, starting making GTA mods from 6th grade, can do Arduino stuff, know a bit of coding, web development etc. I am taking AP Physics 2/C this year and I find it more interesting than computers. But the issue is I have taken AP Comp Sci, other CS/engineering classes, CS ECs and my awards are also CS related. If I get into CS, can I decide to switch to physics/get some sort of a double major/something in the middle once I’m in college? I am interested more in Physics/Space Science stuff now but I also love computers and have been working with them for a long time so I’m not sure what to do.
At some schools, you have to apply in to some highly competitive majors, programs, or department. For example, at the University of Pennsylvania, you have to decide on where to apply, FAS, Wharton, SEAS, or specialized programs that combine more than one school at the University like The Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology (M&T).
At other schools, Yale for example, everyone applies to the undergraduate College, and you don’t have to formally declare a major until the end of sophomore year regardless of your major or program.
Given the popularity of CS these days, it is common to be easier to switch from CS to physics than from physics to CS, due to student demand relative to department capacity.
But each college will be different, so check each one carefully.