<p>Hi everyone. I've been thinking a lot about college majors and such, and I've come up with a question that I'll likely ask my academic advisor in September but wanted to run by the CC community just for a feel. I have been accepted to the school of arts & sciences, but I think I may be leaning more towards (chemical) engineering. I'm entering Tufts next year, and I know I have plenty of time. I just am curious for people's thoughts and/or past experience. I originally thought of being a chem major or math major, but I realized that I do not want to be a pure researcher and would much rather work on the practical applications of these areas. I like what engineering has to offer, but I also have never taken an engineering class since they don't offer that in my HS. Anyway, do you think that I should stay in A&S to see how it goes and maybe take an intro engineering course to see if I would like to switch in the Spring? Or do you suggest trying to switch prior to orientation to the engineering school, and if I don't like it, switch back into A&S once more? Or any suggestions/feedback at all?
Thanks everyone. I'm open to options, so this is merely a thought.</p>
<p>Although Tufts would let you switch between schools, as a practical matter it is easier to start in engineering and switch to A&S than vice-versa . There are a lot of engineering requirements, so if you’re serious about it, I would take a semester or two as an engineer and see how you like it. Also, it’s better to start as an engineer because they get priority in registering for courses.
Do you expect to have advanced placement in math, chem or physics? If you do, you could open up an extra spot or two in the first year engineering curriculum to take some extra A&S courses while you are trying to decide between the two schools.</p>
<p>Thank you for the input. I do have AP credit for all three of those. However, I wasn’t planning on skipping by general chem or physics because I took it in 11th grade, and even though I got a 5, I think a refresher would be essential. I’ll be using math though. I know I won’t have to take any English courses, and I can place out of a humanity, social science, etc. I know I’ll have leeway in that regard.
I’m serious about trying chemical engineering. I have just never been exposed to engineering courses before, so as interesting as it sounds, I know there’s always a possibility I could dislike it. However, if I did, I’d probably switch to a physical science track in A&S instead. That probably wouldn’t be an insane transition to make.</p>