<p>I'm not sure if I want to go into computer science or computer engineering yet, or perhaps even chemical engineering or something. But the problem is that computer engineering (CIT) and computer science (School of Computer Science) are in two different schools. If I apply to CIT and end up attending, is it possible to later switch to the School of Computer Science?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Yea it’s definitely possible and actually very common. I know friends who have started in SCS and later switched into ECE and vice versa.</p>
<p>The majors of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and Computer Science (CS) are quite similar in their coursework (for the first year or two) that if you decide to switch, the classes you’ve already taken can still count for the other major. </p>
<p>It is also possible to double-major. If you’re doing that, I’d suggest starting in ECE and double-majoring into CS. It’s much harder the other way around. </p>
<p>Hope that helps!</p>
<p>Pixel, you could apply to both programs and indicate you might like to double major…that is if you think you can write a sincere essay that indicates why you have explored those curricula and your thoughts.</p>
<p>ECE and CS are both extremely difficult programs to gain acceptance…equally low acceptance rates.</p>
<p>Or you could apply CIT open without declaring ECE-- a bit higher acceptance rate and emphasize your interest in a Minor in CS…??</p>
<p>Operationally-- internal transfers in and out both programs achievable once you take specific courses required of majors and do well.</p>
<p>Thank you for the responses!</p>
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<p>This seems like a loophole… why wouldn’t everyone apply without declaring ECE?</p>
<p>It’s not a loophole-- but a risk. ECE has limited spots. So you would have to apply to be an ECE major later…which if you do well in the required courses, would work. But those are hard courses-- reputation is they are “weeder” classes.</p>
<p>If your essay is focused on ECE exclusively, the assumption would be apply ECE. But let’s say you have an interest perhaps in nano-technology-- then it is possible to talk about physics, ECE and even materials science…and apply to CIT and MCS…opening lots of possible options. </p>
<p>ADcoms aren’t stupid-- but there’s opportunities if you are uncertain- to market that as “I’ve got lots of interests” rather than I’m uncertain.</p>
<p>Does specifying ECE actually lower your chances? I knew a guy from my HS that applied ECE, was accepted to CIT but not ECE, and wound up attending in MCS for math.</p>
<p>I think if you apply ECE the standard protocol is that they look at your application first in terms of ECE - if you’re not accepted, they then look at you in terms of CIT general. This would make sense, considering many ECE applicants get rejected from ECE but accepted to CIT.</p>
<p>So it really shouldn’t hurt your chances at all to apply to ECE, because you are still being considered for CIT as well. Then you can always re-apply for ECE later after you take weeder courses.</p>
<p>Admissions can change policies or approaches year-to-year.</p>
<p>Don’t speculate. What was a reasonable strategy in years past may not hold this year.</p>
<p>Best thing-- write an email/note to Admissions-- and ask directily–if you apply ECE are you automatically considered for general CIT admissions should you not be offered a spot in ECE. Such an email does not and will not hurt your admissions chances.
It’s also something to discuss in an interview-- which is highly encouraged. Attend sleeping bag weekend if you can in November and schedule your on campus interview in advance.</p>
<p>I think all applicants to CIT are evaluated for ECE regardless of their intended major. CIT still requires all freshmen to take two introductory engineering classes their first year. Also, I had applied under Materials Science & Engineering yet was given clearance for ECE if I wanted.</p>
<p>Also, I should mention to the OP that if you’re debating between ECE and CS and wind up attending for CS you should still try to take the intro to engineering courses, math, and physics required by the ECE degree. If you decide not to change you’ll have covered all of your lab science and math requirements early, but if you do decide to change you’ll be way behind everyone else in ECE.</p>
<p>I talked to a CMU student (in SCS) and he said that in order to switch from ECE to SCS you need to take Introduction to Data Structures and do ** extremely ** well in the course. Then you need to convince one of the professors.</p>
<p>Is that worthy applying to CIT to ECE major then transfering to School of Computer Science?</p>
<p>That is really important since the acceptance rates of the two departments are different. I think it is much easier to be accepted by CIT rather that SCS.</p>
<p>I think if you get an A in 15-211 they’ll seriously consider you for CS. If you get a B you might be okay. If you do well in 15-251 as well I’m sure they’ll take your transfer.</p>
<p>It’s not super difficult to do well in 15-211. 15-251 on the other hand…</p>
<p>I think you’re missing the points we told you above.</p>
<p>At CMU your application can be to more than one school. And as noted, your essay should be directed towards your interests in CS and ECE - -hence an application to both schools would not seem contradictory.</p>
<p>There’s no restriction on the application- apply to both if you think you can write in one essay why you are interested in both. If you are fortunate to be accepted to both- you would have to enroll in one but could always change down the road.</p>
<p>Keep in mind-your cannot fool an AdCom…your essay and teacher recs need to be sincere about your interests relative to your experiences/course selection thus far.</p>
<p>Best of luck</p>
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<p>It may be easier, though I wouldn’t say much easier. I’d also say getting accepted to ECE within CIT is considerably closer in difficulty to getting accepted to SCS.</p>
<p>Thank you for all the advice, everyone. This is very helpful!</p>
<p>You should apply to two schools. Admissions told my brother he would have a better chance of acceptance if applying as a double major with CS and math. He got in and eventually dropped the math part.</p>