Hi, is it possible to apply as a mathematics major (something I am considering doing) then switching to a more competitive major at that specific school? For example, if mathematics and a competitive engineering major were offered in the same college of engineering, could I apply as a math major, then switch to engineering? How about if I apply as an undecided major and switch over? What are the rules about this in college?
Thanks
Depends upon each college’s procedure for switching majors. Google the name of the college and switching majors which should bring up some information.
Exactly. However, if it is a college that admits by major, and some majors are capped, and you want to transfer into a capped major, the odds are slim to none. One should assume that colleges know every prospective back door trick.
At many of the top engineering programs in the country the class size is limited. They normally are able to fill their engineering classes and then some. It would be unwise to apply to one of those schools as a math major with the idea it might improve your chances of being accepted if you really wanted to study engineering and not math. I think you’d likely find yourself disappointed. At universities with less selective engineering programs I would talk to the unversity about it.
I’ve seen this backfire many times. If you want engineering then go with the program that takes you, not try to go to a higher ranked program or school via backdoor. You can always go there for masters.
The reason why some majors have more competitive admission is that they are full. So it will still be competitive to switch into them later.
@lvvcsf how about if the mathematics major is a part of the engineering school?
You already have your answer:
Agree with above. Nobody here can give you a certain answer about a nameless college’s policy. Contact the school to find out for sure.
At some schools (mostly liberal arts colleges), such a switch would be possible. At universities that admit by major (for example the UCs) it might not be possible. You should email the admissions office and ask.
@kjake2000 You will have to contact the specific school. I don’t know of too many mathematics departments that are part of an engineering college. Then again, to be honest, I’ve never looked into it. Usually they are in the college of arts and science.
Specific to your particular plan: at many schools, math majors start taking theory and proof heavy classes relatively early. In my experience, people can be spectacularly great at engineering while hating and/or not being very good at “pure” math. So you could seriously tank your GPA, ruining your chances of transferring into engineering.
Some colleges may have an applied math track that would allow you to bypass the heaviest of theory classes but you won’t avoid it entirely. Ask your self if you are sure that you would be happy staying in the math program should your backdoor-into-engineering plan not work out and if you could really keep up a good GPA in such a program.
Minnesota has a College of Science and Engineering that includes engineering majors, math, and several science majors: https://cse.umn.edu/r/undergraduate-majors/ .
However, it appears to admit at the division level. It looks like all students in the division need to earn a 3.2 college GPA to get into their majors; those with lower GPAs may be admitted on a competitive basis to majors that have space: https://cse.umn.edu/r/application-to-a-major/
What universities would that be?