<p>Hi~I'm an applicant for Fall 2013 and I want to focus on engineering in my undergrad years. The thing is, right now I can't tell which specific area of study I'd like to focus on(computer science, electrical eng, etc). I know there is eng undeclared, but according to the data I've collected, it's one of the most competitive choices in the engineering department. </p>
<p>So right know I'm thinking about applying for a relatively easier major and then change it after I finish the first year. But, is it really that easy to change a major? Or should I just apply for undeclared instead?</p>
<p>Thank you!!!</p>
<p>In some schools it’s very easy, in others it’s very difficult.</p>
<p>Generally speaking, if it’s “competitive” to get admitted into it as a freshman (as opposed to schools that are equally competitive regardless of major applied for), it’s probably competitive once you’re in as well. For instance, at UMD, you have to apply to get into the business program if you were admitted under a different/no major.</p>
<p>I’d say aim for engineering if you’re pretty sure that’s where you want to be. You’re going to need series of math, physics, possibly CS, and a couple other things, and if you fall behind on the lower division courses it’ll be harder to change into a STEM major later. If you start off as humanities major or focusing on GE classes, it could mean spending and extra year or two playing catch-up.</p>