<p>I applied to CMU in December, before Robotics season had started, and during season, I realized that I really, really liked electronics. A lot. Now, I'd much rather major in ECE than in biology, however, I was admitted into the school of H&SS and didn't apply to CIT because I had taken the biology SAT II instead of a physics / chemistry one.</p>
<p>How difficult is it to change colleges once you matriculate? I know that there are general requirements for graduation that I would be fulfilling mostly during my freshman year, so is it possible to transfer colleges / pick up a second major in a different college, or does CMU make it extremely difficult to do so? Right now, CMU is a definite #2 for me, possibly #1, but if I can't switch majors, I will definitely not be attending.</p>
<p>ECE is probably the second hardest program to switch into, behind CS. Even within the CIT school it can be difficult, since it's a restricted major and they only allow a certain number of students to do it a year (whereas, in a field such as mine (materials engineering), we took anyone that was willing because our department used to only get around 10 students a year).</p>
<p>If you were applying for biology, shouldn't you have tried to get into MCS instead of H&SS?</p>
<p>If you can't get into ECE, try Mechanical Engineering if you like robotics. You can also take a robotics minor at CMU, but I don't know the specifics.</p>
<p>One of our concerns at CMU is the fact that you need to be initially accepted into a particular school before beginning college. If not, it can be be almost impossible to get into that school (depends upon openings, etc.). It does not appear to be easy to switch into SCS and CIT. The reason it concerns me is this-how many 17 and 18 year olds are 100% sure of their major? If you are 100% sure of the school at CMU where you are accepted, fine. Otherwise, I suggest you call the admissions department and be up front with them about your change in major and see what they can do. Maybe they can wait list you for CIT. Also, my son's impression of CIT on the sleeping bag week-end (at least for computer engineering) is that computer engineering is theoretical and SCS is more practical. Find out which area you want and see if the focus of the department matches your interests (theory vs. practical).
Hope this helps. Ask CMU. At 52k plus per year, you want to be sure you match the program.</p>
<p>"Also, my son's impression of CIT on the sleeping bag week-end (at least for computer engineering) is that computer engineering is theoretical and SCS is more practical."</p>
<p>"I always thought CS was more theoretical than CE."</p>
<p>You're both looking at it wrong. Both CE and CS can be theoretical and practical, depending on what you want to do in the field.</p>
<p>Theoretical CS is like designed better algorithms for program; practical CS is implementing ideas in software. Theoretical CE is like designing better microchips; practical CE is like making a microchip given select parts and constraints.</p>