Hey guys, I will be attending UIUC this fall as a freshman. I am admitted to an engineering major, but I would like to switch to another one within the college of engineering, and if I could do it now it would be great. I’ve done some considerable activities after getting admitted, so if I talk to an academic advisor and provide them with all my new stuff and request to switch, will it be possible?
Thank you so much for answering.
P.S I wanna switch to Mechanical, I know it’s hard, but I wanna shoot my shot…
Also, all of my recent activities were related to mech…
I can’t answer your questions, but this page should have the info you need to know before speaking with your advisor. It looks like you have to stick with your current major for at least one semester https://wiki.illinois.edu/wiki/display/ugadvise/Majors%2C+Minors+and+Certificates#Majors,MinorsandCertificates-ChangingMajor
The engineering major to which you are admitted is the one you will be in during at least the first semester at UIUC. To make a change for second semester (and not all engineering majors accept changes that early) or after, you will need to discuss the issue with your UIUC advisor and will be advised how to proceed. Be aware that there are impacted engineering majors (meaning the major already has more students than desired for the resources available and usually has significantly more per semester trying to switch into it than out of it) into which it is difficult to make a change, and that currently includes mechanical engineering.
If you really want to do mechanical, work hard and ensure you have the best grades possible freshman year. However, MechE is notoriously difficult to transfer into, so be prepared to transfer into another university if you’re set on MechE.
I’m in eng mechanics ryt now, and on the international student FAQ, they have an answer stating that if you want to change your major BEFORE enrolling in classes, you can call them at the given number and talk to them. Do you advise doing this?
I doubt there is any harm in asking to change your major now @omnom2169, it would be helpful if you posted the link you refer to in post #6
Thanks OP.
Again, calling them now to discuss is appropriate, and will give you information regarding the likelihood of switching to ME, whether now, in six months, or ever. State why you want to switch, and have questions ready when you call.
Ask questions like these:
the timing (now, wait 6 months, later?)
Is a min GPA required to apply to change majors
Is switching majors competitive, and if so, what percent of students are typically successful and what beyond a high GPA can help my chances?
How many undergrads switched to ME last year?
IMO it’s most likely you will have to wait a semester (because there may not be room in ME right now), and changing your major to ME will be competitive, based on a combination of your GPA and whether there is room in the major. Good luck.