<p>So I'm applying for colleges this year, and I've almost always wanted to apply to the University of Chicago because they have a spectacular math department (I love math. haha) and their science department is wonderful as well (and I love science too).<br>
Recently though, I've been thinking about becoming some kind of alternative energy/chemical engineer. But....the problem is that U of C doesn't have an engineering department. To add on to the problem, I may want to be an engineer now, but I'm not entirely sure that I want to be an engineer later on. I could very well one day, in the next few months or so, all of a sudden decide that I want to major in economics...or something.</p>
<p>So now I don't know what to do. Should I not apply to U of C?
Thanks!</p>
<p>I think you should apply as some sort of math or science major for University of Chicago and then apply to some other schools as an engineering major. If you get in, you can decide whether or not you really want to be an engineer or go to Chicago and sacrifice the engineering major. Anyways, my point is, if you don’t apply, you won’t have that option. And who knows, maybe you’ll decide you don’t want to be an engineer and go to Chicago.</p>
<p>Just don’t apply Early decision, although I think UChicago is EA anyways, right?</p>
<p>Meanwhile, investigate other colleges to help you decide. Just remember, most students change their majors in the first or second year of college. Engineering is pretty intense, so it’s best to get a clear vision of what you want to do before you start, or at least that first year. But, for now, keep all your options open and APPLY.</p>
<p>When I applied to schools last year I was absolutely certain that I was going to be an engineer. I applied to MIT, Caltech, Harvey Mudd, and Cornell’s engineering school. I also threw in Chicago because I really loved the school and I wanted to have an option in case I changed my mind. Which I did. I’ll be studying physics or econ in Chicago this fall. </p>
<p>Moral of the story: you just might change your mind, so keep those options open!!</p>
<p>The math department is absolutely fantastic (speaking from experience :D). I am not saying this is the best way to go (it may be for some, but definitely not all), but I have a friend who just graduated from the UofC with a degree in Physics and will start classes to get his Masters in some engineering program this Fall.</p>
<p>Also, as roflbot101 stated, you may change your mind again between now and May ;-)</p>
<p>I’d recommend applying early - it’s non-restrictive and UChicago has recently shown a significant preference towards EA applicants. If you’re bent on being an engineer I’d recommend against it, for obvious reasons, but if you have any interest in going into math or science Chicago is the best place to get a rigorous education in the country.</p>