<p>I somehow thought that after freshmen year, we can declare our major in whatever we want within Notre Dame. But it seems like the major has to be within the college that we originally put down on commonapp? Is changing college easy at Notre Dame?</p>
<p>You pick your college near the end of Freshman Year, declare a major during sophomore year. Most students do have some idea of what college they may be moving toward, and take freshman classes accordingly. No requirement to stick with what you put on your common app.
There is even a fun event where students are “sorted” into their new colleges:
[The</a> First Year of Studies // University of Notre Dame](<a href=“University of Notre Dame”>University of Notre Dame)</p>
<p>@hsmom2dncrs Thanks for the infor. Does this also include those accepted into architecture? (since architecture is 5 year so it is encouraged that we start asap).</p>
<p>Architecture and some 5 year Engineering majors are encouraged to get started right away - but usually what that means is making sure you take the prerequisite courses you need to get to the upper level courses as well as trying to get your University requirements (theology, philosophy, Seminar, etc) taken care of as quickly as possible. I don’t know as much about Architecture - my son considered it early in HS, but eventually chose Engineering. However, most of the classes you take freshman year: a math class - probably a Calc 2 or Calc 3 for you, depending upon your HS course; a science requirement (Engineers have to take chemistry - I don’t know about Architecture students); a Freshman English/Composition (if you don’t have AP credits); a Freshman Seminar (required for everyone); and then electives (for you, probably some intro to Architecture or drawing course, and maybe a language-Italian might be handy). Even if you decide after freshman year not to continue in Architecture, those classes will fulfill University requirements set for all those who want a degree - you may find that you’d have to add a class sophomore year, but you wouldn’t really be too far behind.
In any case, the advisers at the Freshman Year of Studies can be very helpful in assisting you when it comes to choosing courses. Even though you will have to choose courses during this summer from home, you will meet with your adviser during the first few days on campus, and he/she can help you switch to needed classes if you haven’t chosen correctly. If you really are unsure that you’ll stick with Architecture, make sure to tell your adviser, so that he/she can help you select courses that will have the most flexibility. You are starting in the right direction; it is easier to start by thinking about Architecture and then possibly moving out than it is to start with another major and try to switch in to Architecture.
Plenty of kids not only switch majors, but switch colleges. From Engineering to Science, Science to Business, etc. The Freshman Year program is designed to help you explore a bit of the major in which you think you want to study, without tying you down to a decision you made in high school.
Good luck!</p>