Hello all!
I’ve recently been accepted to UCLA for Computer Engineering and, because I only put that as a tentative major at the time, I would really appreciate your opinions/help on something.
Currently I’m torn between switching to a math major in [Applied Mathematics OR Mathematics of Computation] in the College of Letters and Science, and my current listed major [Computer Engineering] or something similar in the Henry Samueli Engineering College.
Pros of switching to College of Letters and Science:
*GE requirements are mostly covered by IB classes I have taken.
*Course listing for Applied Mathematics [http://www.math.ucla.edu/ugrad/majors/applied-mathematics-major] seems straightforward-- 22 courses total, mainly only maths and CS which I would be excited to do.
*Computer Engineering [http://www.ee.ucla.edu/academics/programs/b.s.-in-electrical-engineering-program-requirements/computer-engineering-option] on the other hand has a lot of electrical engineering requirements which I would not be so keen on. I mean I could pull through and do it of course, but I’d much rather be doing Maths/CS. Or my perception of what maths/CS is at this point I mean.
*It would be so awesome if by minimizing my classes taken (IB/AP already cuts my GE count by half) and pursuing a straightforward major, I could shave off a year or at least a semester of tuition. UCLA is such an honor to be accepted to but it is also the priciest of my options.
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Is that even possible? Or are the maths exams so difficult to pass that I will be stuck in college for longer than average just trying to finish everything?<<<<<<<
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*I really like math, math is my favourite course this year (Calc BC) but also my most challenging one; I struggle to understand it at times especially Taylor series more theoretical stuff ect. Which a math major would highly involve.
Some doubts:
*Read above: “I struggle to understand it at times especially Taylor series more theoretical stuff ect.” I feel like a major in math may be a decision I regret making when it gets too abstract and difficult. But it is still my favourite class, I prefer algebra/puzzle solving over practical applications i.e. physics but I can make myself do both of course. That is why I lean more towards algorithms, math, and computer science.
*Once I switch out of Henry Samueli there’s no going back in from what I seem to understand.
More importantly:
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*Will a applied math major be as hire-able as an engineering major?<<<< I don't care about money; I just don't want to be left without a job at this point. (See: Without a job, doing complex algorithms alone while surrounded by a bunch of cats. :-h I see a bright future in the distance.)
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Thank you so so much for any input at all, any suggestions/personal experience would really help me out!
