I’m a current junior so this is in advance of next year but I was wondering how direct admit into a specific school vs. general works. I am interested in engineering and I know that’s a difficult major to get into so I was wondering if people know if it’s better to be directly admitted into that school or apply to the general school. And I’m a girl who’s interested in engineering so I’m not sure if that makes a difference? Also I know there are some schools where you have to apply to a certain school, and I was wondering if it simply varies from school to school. If anyone could give me a quick general overview about how this process works that would be great
At many colleges, engineering majors are oversubscribed, so that those not directly admitted to the major (or the engineering division at some colleges) face a competitive process to change into an engineering major.
Even some colleges that admit to the engineering division require those students to compete for entry to their majors, though it is typically less competitive than for those outside the engineering division.
At least one college (Wisconsin) admits to engineering majors, but requires high college GPA to stay in the majors.
Details vary by college, and it is not always easy to find this information. In general, it is best to apply with the major you really want to do.
For engineering it is usually best if you can get direct admit into the program. Now for some schools you can get a direct admit into the exact type of engineering (ie: chemical, electrical, etc) Other schools you get admitted in to first year engineering and will apply for your specific type of engineering during your freshman year and may or may not get it. (usually you can remain in the engineering program but will be redirected to a different type than requested)
For example, at Purdue you are admitted to FYE (first year engineering) and all engineering students take the same courses. During that first year you will be introduced to many types of engineering, some you may not be aware exist and at some point you will be asked to apply for the one you want to continue to study. Since a lot of kids seem to want mechanical, there isn’t as many slots for that as demand so some of those students will be redirected to another form of engineering.
For most of the top engineering schools if you don’t get direct admitted its pretty much impossible to get in to the program. In other words if you start at the university as an undeclared student or an accounting major and then decide you want to do engineering you most likely won’t get in.
Definitely look for direct admit if possible. Your State U may have general admittance…but it is probably more affordable. Apply to both types.