Hey all I’m looking to go to college for computer engineering but since it is so competitive I feel I need to reconsider. I am generally looking into ANYTHING involving computers, electronics, tech, etc. I love it and would be happy with anything in that area. The colleges I want to apply to for CE (computer engineering) are super competitive but I know if I apply for IT I could get it. I still have a chance with CE at some of the schools but again, if I apply for CE and get denied, then am I automatically not eligible for that college? Should I reapply for the lower requirement major or should I apply the first time and try to switch? My grades aren’t the best, (They have shown heavy improvement and I feel they will be greater in college because my trend of grades is consistently going up). What do I do? Which should I apply for? I’m looking at UIC, IIT, DePaul, Purdue. Mainly the first three as I want to stay in Chicago. Thanks again.
-John
Depends on the college.
Some colleges may not admit directly to the major; they may admit to the school or a division, and students then have to earn high GPAs or apply into competitive admission processes to get into the major if the major does not have enough capacity to take all of them.
Some colleges admit by major, and students who are rejected from the major are rejected from the school.
Some colleges admit by major, and students who are rejected from the major are considered for second choice majors or admission as undeclared students. But changing into the first choice major after enrolling may be difficult.
Enrolling as an IT major may not be a good idea if you really want to do CS/E, since the business prerequisites you would have to take as a frosh IT major may limit the schedule space available for courses needed for CS/E that you need to take if you want to change major (and changing major may be difficult if the CS/E major is “full”).