Is it possible to change major after applying and before decisions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z The University of Texas at Austin
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1

Hi,

I have turned in my application for UT for a specific major, but I am considering changing to Computer Science. I know it is probably one of the hardest majors to transfer into and/or get accepted in the first place, so is it possible for me to switch majors even after I turn in the application? Right now, my portal says my application is in review so I can’t change my major, but is it possible to switch majors after they accept me to the major I chose first?

Thank you

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From UT Austin: "If you are currently an undergraduate student at The University of Texas at Austin and interested in changing your major, you may be eligible to apply for internal transfer.

The internal transfer process is highly competitive, especially for certain colleges and schools, and some majors only offer internal transfer for fall admission (application opens in spring). Consideration is based on a holistic review of your academic performance and other materials you must submit."
https://admissions.utexas.edu/apply/internal-transfer

Fall Internal Transfer
The application for fall internal transfer admissions opens in mid- to late January and the following colleges and schools accept internal transfers during that semester:

  • School of Architecture
  • McCombs School of Business
  • Moody College of Communication
  • College of Education
  • Cockrell School of Engineering
  • College of Fine Arts*
  • Jackson School of Geosciences
  • School of Information
  • College of Liberal Arts
  • College of Natural Sciences
  • School of Nursing
  • Steve Hicks School of Social Work

Tips Prior to Applying

If you are hoping to switch to a major in another college or school other than the one in which you are currently enrolled, we encourage you to do the following:

  • Know the process. The university has published procedures for those seeking internal transfer. Become familiar with them.
  • Be aware of transfer admission requirements. Most colleges and schools post information on their websites to inform prospective students of the credentials applicants need to be competitive in the internal transfer admission process. Review those details so you know what you have to do to become a strong contender (and so you can decide whether you think that will be possible).
  • Talk with your advisor. Advisors can work with you to decide on a class schedule that will help you pursue your goals while also staying on track for on-time graduation.

Calculus Readiness Requirement

Freshman applicants seeking admission to the Cockrell School must meet the Calculus Readiness Requirement. To meet the requirement, students must submit one of the following by the official admissions application deadline:

  • SAT Math score of 620 or above*
  • ACT Math score of 26 or above*
  • AB or BC AP Calculus Test score of 3 or higher
  • IB Mathematics HL or SL Examinations score of 4 or higher
  • Transcript from a college or university with credit for a college level Calculus I course (or higher) with a grade of C or higher
  • An official high school transcript showing credit for a Calculus I (or higher) course with a grade of C or higher
  • An official high school transcript showing credit for a Precalculus course with a grade of C or higher
  • Five years or more of high school math courses at or above the level of Algebra I

For additional information, contact Engineering Student Services at 512-471-4321.

*Freshman applicants for Fall 2021 not submitting the SAT or ACT: Additional tests may be required to ensure students receive adequate academic support services, especially in math-intensive majors. Students will be contacted if there are additional testing requirements.

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I just applied to UT for an undergraduate degree, so I’m wondering if there’s an option to switch majors before I even accept and enter the school…

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Contact the UT Admissions office and ask. If they agree to the change be sure to get it in writing.

5

Do you advise me doing that after I get my response for the major I asked for first or should I do it now? Will it hurt my chances at getting into the major that I want because I changed my mind much later?

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Just my opinion on this, but is the major you selected on your application no longer what you want to study at all? If so, then contacting the admissions office and asking about changing the major on your application sounds like the right move. Before you do that, though, are you an auto-admit who has a stellar application to get accepted into computer science or a review/OOS applicant with an amazing application? That is one of the toughest majors to get into at UT and I know several auto-admits who did not get CS who were fantastic students. If you aren’t sure your application for CS will be competitive, then maybe just keep your application as is and, if accepted to UT, try the official transfer route.

Again, just one opinion… Whatever you decide to do, don’t think twice about it after making the decision. There are just too many things out of your control to worry about unknowns…

Good luck!

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