D&S twins both applied to Maryland for engineering, both were admitted to Letters and Sciences. Seeking information on experience transferring from L&S to Clark engineering. I have reviewed some material provided by LEP and Engineering departments about courses and GPA requirements, but assuming the student fulfills these requirements, is there anything else required to successfully transfer into engineering? Is this process competitive (they have a similar situation at another school, where it is competitive)? Is it worth it to take the risk at Maryland if they have direct admits to engineering at other similarly-ranked schools?
Unlike the business school, the transfer process for the engineering school is not competitive. As long as you meet the stated requirements, you’re in. It is only competitive (and very highly so) as an incoming freshman. The natural attrition (some students realize they don’t want to work that hard after all to be an engineer or it was not what they expected so they change majors) allows room for students to transfer into engineering without a problem.
Is it worth it to take the risk at Maryland? Personally, as the mom of a senior MechE student, I think so, but that has to be your own decision. Read through this thread and all the links I listed within in, and then you can make a more informed decision http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-maryland-college-park/1732708-everything-you-want-to-know-about-engineering-at-maryland-p1.html
If you have questions about the program and internal transfer process, I would highly suggest attending an admitted students day so you can ask questions first-hand.
Keep in mind that at some schools even if admitted to the engineering school there are minimum requirements that need to be met before the student officially declares their major, often as a sophomore. So you may not actually be taking any more of a chance at UMD. My S was also accepted to Letters and Sciences and though he hasn’t made his decision yet, the failure of a direct admit to Clark won’t be the deciding factor.