Requesting a Major Change

I was accepted to UT but in the College of Undergrad Studies. I had no idea how hard it is to do internet transfers so now I’m really freaking out. When I applied to UT in November, I didn’t know what I wanted to major in so that’s why I applied to UGS. But now I know that I want to study Computer Science in the College of Natural Sciences. So, yeah I’m really worried now because I’ve been reading that doing internal transfers is tough and I’m not sure what to do. Should I request a major change April 1st? Can I even do that since I not only want to change my major, but the college? Also, would I even get in? I’m so confused and worried, and would really appreciate some advice!!

Edit: I forgot to mention, I think I’m considered OOS since I only moved to Texas this past October. So that’s also why I think I might not be accepted to another college.

Admissions will give you the run around if you’re trying to get in to CS, but basically that major isn’t going to allow major changes at this point or during Orientation. Admissions has control over it until orientation, but they still know the departments’ individual rules on adding students. After orientation begins, it’s up to the colleges and some like Liberal Arts will be an option, but highly doubtful any major from CNS will be an option.

It’s impossible to get into CS at this point. You could try math or physics which could give you the same opportunities, but then again depends on how interested you are in them and how well you think you will do at them.

@chuck616‌ what schools/majors do you think will be options for me? This is really upsetting.

The “normal route” would be to work hard and get good grades your freshman year, and then transfer into CS. There are information sessions on how to do this starting at the beginning of the spring semester. Although all you need is a2.0 to qualify to try and transfer into College of Natural Sciences, the individual majors could be much more competitive than that. You should look at the freshman classes a CNS (and thus CS major) would take, and try to take as many of these as make sense (some are the same classes that all UT freshman take so you should be well covered). Also set up a backup major in case you don’t get accepted in CS. It could be another CNS major, like math, or a major from another college (Economics for example).

@texansfan1‌ Thank you! I also contacted a counselor, but I’m hoping its worth while for me to do what you suggest!

How easy/difficult is it to change my major from Mechanical Engineering (admitted for Fall 2015) to Electrical or Computer Engineering (during the April 1-May major change period)?

Does anyone know the decision criteria for such a change within the Engineering school - first come/first served, GPA/scores, etc. ? Am I risking my current admission to ME in any way by applying for the major change ?

Its not too difficult to change majors inside Cockrell, as long as your grades are ok. For the most part all the freshman take roughly the same courses, and changing from one engineering major to another is fairly common. Talk to your adviser during orientation.