<p>I've had a recent change of heart of what I want to study in the past few months since I've applied to UVA and I want to transfer from the College to engineering to try to get a spot in the BME program. Does anyone know how hard it is to transfer or if I can switch during class registration? I asked around while I was on campus last week and I generally heard that switching within the College was easy but people were unsure about switching among schools. </p>
<p>As a side note, I'm planning on starting out premed and seeing if medicine is something I want to pursue - is that going to affect anything?</p>
<p>I had the same situation when entering UVa. You can’t actually make the switch until the end of your first semester (there’s a short application you have to fill out), but you should register for the first-year engineering classes at Orientation. I’d recommend stopping by the undergraduate office in Thornton Hall and talking to them about it, they can tell you specifically what you need to do, and they’re very nice and very helpful.</p>
<p>I’m going to put in a plug also for the administrative team for the e’school in Thornton Hall. As both a prospective student and admitted student my son went in with questions while visiting. They were gracious and helpful on both occasions. I also observed their interaction with current students while we were waiting. They were extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and very kind. I didn’t see an ounce of irritation or frustration with any students needs (and sometimes the students obvious lack of following previous directions). This to me was huge and made a big impression. Obviously my experience was only two distinct snapshots, however they were a year apart. On the second occasion I was very pleased to see my initial impression was not ‘just a good day’, but more likely how things are handled on a day to day basis.</p>
<p>Another note, while asking questions on his last visit the administrative staff asked if he would like to speak with a professor. They made a phone call and a professor in his intended area of study (mech/aero) agreed to see him within 30min. We were pretty shocked. The professor could not have been nicer, asked questions, took his time, actually listened to my son, and gave very good advise. It was clear the professor loved what he did, and was interested in helping students. This interaction was honestly the deciding point for my son. He’ll be a first year in August!</p>
<p>Ahhh the ladies in the front office of Thornton. Just thinking about them brings a big smile to my face They’ll go to the moon and back for students…</p>
They’ll go to the moon and back for students…</p>