There’s people getting into Cal Poly Pomona with 3.0’s, all it takes is that you set your major to Bus. Admin., CIS - what’s the deal? Can you get in like this and then attempt to transfer into a better program once you’ve made it?
Switching majors from an non-impacted to impacted major requires a higher level of requirements so there is no guarantee said student will be able to switch. Yes, it is possible but it may also back fire if they are unable to switch into the actual intended major. I guess for many applicants the risk is worth it. My advice is always go for the direct admit into your preferred major. CPP does consider your alternate major in their initial admission decision so perhaps some of these 3.0 applicants were placed into their 2nd choice major.
I agree with gumbymom. I went through the architecture program and I know if you switched in, they would have you start at year 1 with prerequisites lined up for a 5 year minimum timeline. In other words, no time benefit if you switched in.