I’ve been looking into applying to UMN Twin Cities, and I’m considering CBS and CSE the most. I understand that these are the most competitive colleges, so I’m wondering if people can get into different colleges if they don’t get accepted into their preferred ones? I’ve heard of applicants getting into CLA who wanted something else, but maybe they indicated CLA as a second choice, if UMN lets you do that.
I’ve been digging for an answer to this but there’s still some ambiguity for me… I appreciate any help!
When you apply, you designate your intended major and the college for that major. You may (optionally) indicate a secondary major & college preference as well.
So, it is possible to apply with both majors/colleges preferences indicated- not get accepted in your first choice, but to be accepted with your secondary choice. A good strategy is to put the competitive schools (CBS, CSE, CSOM) as primary, and a less competitive school (CLA, CEHD, CFANS) secondary.
Also, a few majors are offered by more than one college (Physics, for example, is offered by both CSE and CLA; and “Undecided” is available for all 7 colleges), so it’s possible to be rejected to Chemistry in CSE, but be accepted for the same major in CLA, though this is less common than the first scenario.
Hope this helps!
@khidhala Thank you for the response! That clears things up.
Also, look at the requirements for each college too. Eg, if you are a math major in CLA, you have to do the reqs for CLA degree (eg, 2 yrs of language or testing out of it). If you are a math major in CSE, you have to have 3 semesters of physics for most majors but not the language req.
Finally, you can take courses and even get degrees from another college besides the one you’re in. Eg, my son is going to CSE next year, but is looking at getting an Econ major from CLA w/ his CSE major. He discovered during advising that some depts w/in a college are a bit more troublesome to deal w/ across colleges. Econ is making him wait to take an econ class there and they want him to meet w/ them and discuss a major before OKing him taking a class there. It seems like each dept has their own deal.
If you think you are borderline for admission to a college, it may be a good strategy to put a 2nd choice down to increase your chances for admittance.
Good luck!
@MomMe32 Thank you! I’ll keep all of that in mind.
My S is startimg as a freshman this year in CLA double majoring in CS and economics.He cannot take any economics classes until spring and then only if he declares his major (has AP credits to fulfill prerequisites).