<p>I am in mechanical engineering. For undergraduate, I took electives and did my senior research project in one research field (fluid mechanics). However, I am also equally interested in another field (dynamics/control) and I'm contemplating switching to that field for graduate study.</p>
<p>I'll be applying to the most highly selective schools. I'm concerned that my lack of experience in dynamics/control will significantly hurt my chances of being accepted. Two of the schools I'm applying to have much more faculty and resources in dynamics/control than fluids, so a better fit would exist.</p>
<p>Any thoughts? I'll have to write my statement of objectives in relation to one of these fields and I'm unsure of how to proceed.</p>
<p>The key in an application is to demonstrate that you understand the field of study. Graduate programs involve substantial time and financial investment by the program into the student. Therefore, it is important to demonstrate that you won't just flirt with this new field and leave it.</p>
<p>Well I know a little bit about the field, but I'm not completely knowledgeable in it. I took a 4 credit 300 level required course in it and a senior level elective closely related to dynamics/control. I can't, for example, write an NSF Fellowship research proposal in the field, but I could look at professors' research and say that I'm interested in it. Is it necessary that I show a significant knowledge/background in the field or just passion and interest?</p>
<p>Please remember I'm applying to the most highly selective programs. I wouldn't be worried if the programs weren't so selecitive.</p>