I’m a little confused about Georgia Tech’s rules in changing majors. I’ve seen on their website that they allow “one unrestricted change of major prior to earning 60 hours.” I know that most schools are very particular about changing majors, so I’m confused what “unrestricted” means for GA Tech. If I were to later transfer into a highly competitive major like CS, would that still be “unrestricted”? Also how long is 60 hours worth of classes? Is that for a full freshman year or after 1 semester?
60 hours will be typically after sophomore year as each year is about 30 credits give or take.
I’ve heard it is typically not hard to change majors but I’m not an authority on that.
I see. I’m just confused about the unrestricted major change because for a school as competitive for CS as GA Tech, I don’t know why it would be so easy to change majors into that. Couldn’t students theoretically get in using an easier major and just transfer?
GT tries to admit students that could succeed in any major. The admission counselors see thousands of apps. They probably have a good idea who’s trying to game the process.
S20 transferred from Scheller to ISyE pretty easily. He’s doing well. He did mention that they’re now limiting transfers because some majors are pushing enrollment limits. I’m not sure about CS.
Do you think it is a good idea for me to email the admissions counselors beforehand about this transferring policy or should I wait until I receive a response regarding my initial decision?
I think you should apply to the major you want. Don’t try to game the system
If you get there and find something you like better by all means try to transfer but I wouldn’t count on it being available. I would say the same about all colleges. Rules change.
Should you contact admissions? Up to you. I don’t see the point until you’re admitted. Might cause a red flag if you did.
I am between 2 majors at the moment, and I’m trying to find out if it is impossible to switch into certain majors if I get in and later in the year decide I want to change.
I don’t know anything about the availability of transfers, but CS is definitely pushing enrollment limits. I spoke with a professor who was involved in course delivery decisions for this year and he told me that the online classes in computer science may be here to stay for the introductory classes because their lecture halls are not large enough to meet demand. Like mentioned above, I’m pretty sure the admissions counselors can figure out when people are trying to beat the system. Georgia Tech says they don’t admit by major, so I would apply to the major you prefer.