When I applied, I was torn between a comp sci and business major, and selected business as my intended major. I now realize that I would rather study computer science. Would it really be so impossible to switch into a CS major from business? I’m bummed because Cal Poly is pretty much my #1 but I don’t want to go for business : (
It is not impossible to switch majors, although much easier within the same college. During one of the campus tours, a student explained the issue with switching majors at SLO. Since you have to select a major upon applying, you are evaluated based on the admission criteria for that major. If your Stats are not up to par for CS on your orginal application, switching into the more competitive after admission will be hard. Also, SLO will start scheduling you into your major courses during Freshman year while many schools will focus on GE’s first. So if and when you can eventually switch you may be behind in your classes for the new major. The campus is impacted and they have only so many slots for each major. I would contact admissions once you get your acceptance and see what is required to switch if CS is what your really want.
My son was able to switch from Ag Business into Computer Science (he later switched out of CSC). It’s not that hard to switch into CENG if you can make decent grades in the required courses for your target major. CENG is the biggest “exporter” of students to other colleges at Cal Poly and OCOB is the biggest “importer” of students, so spaces open up in CENG for those who can pass the hard classes required to get in to that college. CSC is a pretty difficult program at Cal Poly and many end up switching out of it, so there will be openings. I say go for it! Take the freshman CPE series (101,102,103) as soon as you can and see engineering advising after you complete 1 quarter at CP to get on an Independent Change of Major Agreement (ICMA). The sooner, the better.
As @ralph4 said, you can switch, but typically not without some sort of proven Cal Poly track record. Each department treats transfers differently. You could play it one of two ways, ask admissions if you can switch your application to CS (tougher admit), or stick with business, get your feet on the ground and then try to switch. The disadvantage of the former is that admission will be more selective. The latter option will block you into a semester of classes, virtually none of which will be applicable to CS, so you’ll be behind. Tough choice. Call admissions and explain your dellima. They are friendly and helpful. Good luck.