<p>My DS has been accepted to UConn in the Mech Eng program. Since MA state schools do not offer a Materials Eng program, MA residents may take it at UConn at reduced tuition. It is a substantial amount (about 11K cheaper than OOS tuition). I looked at the courses for the 2 programs and for freshman year there is only 1 course difference (1 program has a chem course and the other program has a physics course during the 2nd semester). </p>
<p>Would it be unethical to sign him up for Materials Eng as a Freshman and then have him transfer to Mech eng as a sophomore? Would it be tough to transfer into the Mech Eng program?</p>
<p>Unless what you are asking is, can you get a tuition break for one year by signing up knowingly for a major your kid has no intention of completing because the loophole may exist to do this. I don’t think you really are asking if it is ethical. It is more of can you get away with it. As far as toughness to get into Mech Eng - that is up to your son and his GPA, I would imagine.</p>
<p>Ethics aside, the first question might whether having been accepted as OOS, can he change majors before he enrolls and have the tuition reduced. They may consider regional students as a group, and only accept so many, knowing they will pay reduced tuition.</p>
<p>What a great way to start your sons professional education. Lying is ok as long as its saving you some money. This is how corporations get into trouble all the time.</p>
<p>@confusedmominma, did your sons application status ever say “information on your application is currently unavailable. Please check back after the next business day for updates. We apologize for this inconvenience.”</p>
<p>Sunset-Not that I ever noticed. A couple of people on CC had posted that they had been accepted so I checked his portal and it said he had been accepted. His status could’ve said something else in the preceding days but we just never looked.</p>
<p>@confusedmominma, never anyone’s intention to shame (I hope!). It’s a really stressful time. Best of luck to your son and whatever path he chooses.</p>
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<li><p>Have you considered what happens if your S were to switch to Mechanical Engineering sophomore year?</p></li>
<li><p>This was on another thread:
<p>SaintSaens-Yes, I saw that quote. Just another thing that’s giving me pause. Would hate for my son to be “stuck” in Materials Eng and not be able to switch majors to Mech eng for his sophomore year.</p>
<p>First you need to figure out if you can change majors before you have to pay tuition. I’ve talked with another prospective student in VT who’s considering ME vs a closely related engineering major, but I’ve found nothing that says you can change majors before even arriving on campus. Once you’re there it’s not too difficult, but beforehand I’m not sure. Call up whoever you can at UConn. I’d say the Bursar’s Office is your best bet. Don’t leave it to email, they won’t get back to you. The phone calls might take some time, but you have a better chance of getting a real answer.</p>
<p>This second part is a part of a personal gripe about everybody rushing into ME because they think it will guarantee them a job. If you do go through with this, have your son legitimately think about changing majors, too. They’ll talk your ear off about this the first semester, but you definitely shouldn’t just choose a major and stay with it because you like the description. I also have it on good authority from several friends in the SoE that essentially every professor in ME is awful, whereas most in MSE are more engaging, and some actually care about their students. Just something to think about. If you’re ever on campus, try talking to some students from each major. The Materials Advantage club has some really cool people that would probably meet you and talk about it at some point. When the MSE department came in to talk to us this fall, they said all 30 of their students had already secured jobs for after they graduated.</p>
<p>Taciturn-Thanks for the inside info. We will be at the Accepted students Open House in April. Hopefully will get the chance to talk to prof and students at that time.</p>
<p>ConfusedMomMA. I had the same exact thoughts about the New England RSP Tuition Break. With the cost of tuition, I think that it is entirely correct to be exploring every option to reduce tuition costs. I know several students who use the cost advantage of the RSP. You might want to consider declaring a dual major to capture those cost savings. This is the usual route to getting the reduced tuition while still pursuing the degree that is not part of the RSP. There are very likely large overlaps in the required courses between closely related majors.</p>
<p>Up to this point, have you received anything from UConn besides the acceptance letter?</p>
<p>USNChief- thanks for your thoughts on the subject. Just trying to explore every avenue. Some people attend a less expensive school for the 1st 2 years and then transfer for the last 2 years in order to save money. I see this option as being similar. Of course it would be even better if he decided to major in Materials Eng for all 4 yrs!!</p>
<p>We have not received any FA info from anywhere yet.</p>