Im a senior in high school and have applied to PSU. I want to major in Mechanical engineering with a focus on BME/design. I heard that you dont declare your major until later and that people may be put in DUS. Does that mean you go to school longer or something?
Being in DUS has very little effect on your college experience. Everyone applies for their specific majors at the end of their fourth semester, and that happens no matter what school you’re in. You can take the same classes whether you’re in the college of engineering or DUS, too. All you have to do is follow your recommended academic plan.
DUS can be a benefit to 1. people who are actually undecided, and 2. people who might not get accepted to one of the more selective schools. Like summer session, it can be a way to increase your chances if you’re a borderline applicant.
Also, Penn State doesn’t ‘place’ you anywhere. You apply to a specific school within penn state. So if you didn’t apply DUS, you won’t be placed there. You will be evaluated for whatever major you applied for. DUS is an undecided major that is appropriate for the first 2 years at Penn State, at which point you apply for the major of your choice. That being said, there are entry to major requirements that everyone must complete, whether you are DUS or were admitted to Penn State under a certain major, before you are actually “IN” the major. It does not add any time to your degree completion either way.