Hey everyone! I’m planning on applying to Columbia, but I’ve heard a bit about their red tape. I’ve also heard that it’s gotten better, especially for undergrads, but I figured that I should still ask: How hard is it to transfer from Fu to Columbia and vice versa? I’m interested in becoming an engineer, but like everything about the future, I’m not sure of it. In case I find that I don’t like engineering, will I be able to transfer out of Fu? The last thread I’ve seen on this topic was written a few years ago.
Thanks!
What is FU in this context? Can’t imagine a school that would want to go by those two letters. Fordham?
Why did you post in the Brown Forum?
@Sportsman88 OP means from Fu to Columbia College.
My daughter knew someone that did the transfer to Columbia from Fordham because of engineering. He transferred in senior year. I think it was for the 5 year program, I don’t remember.
You should also look into Manhattan College for engineering, that’s what they’re known for also.
The OP said “Fu”, not “FU”. This has nothing to do with Fordham. The OP means “The Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science”, which is one of the schools at Columbia University. If you are a Columbia undergraduate, the Fu School of Columbia University (for engineering) is distinct from Columbia College of Columbia University (for liberal arts).
Basically, the OP is asking: “If I am admitted as an undergraduate to the Engineering School of Columbia, and my interests change, would it be difficult to transfer to the Arts & Sciences School of Columbia, or vice-versa?”
I don’t happen to know the answer, but I do understand the question.
I wouldn’t count on being able to transfer to the College, you would face yet another blackbox admission process.
I did hear of someone, an international student, who was admitted to CC but found the math classes too easy and switched to Fu. I would imagine that it’s a matter of proving yourself.
It is not an easy process to transfer between CC and SEAS (Fu). It’s not really a red tape thing it’s more that they function as separate schools within a school. It’s not intended for people to switch and there is a full application process. The cores are different so switching even after the first year would result in having some credits that would have to be used as electives and being forced to take freshman core classes as an upperclassman. It is relatively easy to double major or minor in something from CC for SEAS students so you do see lots of interesting combos including things like ME and Dance.