<p>I'm planning on applying to Umich for Engineering, but I hear it is very competitive. This is my first choice school so I want to do whatever I can to increase my chances. If I select a major that's not engineering or a less competitive engineering, like environmental, will it increase my chances of getting in? Also, will I be able to switch to what I actually want to take freshman year?</p>
<p>It usually is a lot less competitive to get into a university as a different major like liberal arts. For example NYU has a really good and really selective business school (Stern), but getting into NYU in general is much easier than getting into this program.</p>
<p>I’ve heard it’s just as difficult (and in some cases MORE difficult) to transfer into a different school within a university as it would be to just apply for it from the start.</p>
<p>I read if it is new program with a lot of funding, it it easier.
Or if you pick something like geography.</p>
<p>Openedskittles, that doesn’t seem right. From what I’ve heard, almost everyone changes majors atleast once in their college career at one point or another, so shouldn’t the process be easier? I’d still apply to the College of Engineering, though it would be for a major that not many others apply for.</p>
<p>I think you should just apply for what you want and give it your best shot, instead of trying to manipulate the system which could only end up complicating matters for you. Michigan has a separate admissions pool for each school or college. Let’s say you apply to LS & A (arts & sciences) and are admitted. The only way you can then get into the College of Engineering is to apply as a transfer student; but to do that, you’ll need to have completed a bunch of specific course requirements (including two semesters of calc, one physics, one chemistry, and one computer science) while maintaining a minimum GPA. Maybe you could do it, but that sounds more complicated than just applying to the College of Engineering as a freshman. And if the College of Engineering suspects you applied to LS & A only as a way of getting into Engineering through the back door, they may not look kindly on your transfer application; after all, they’re under no obligation to take you as a transfer student. </p>
<p>As for applying directly to Engineering in one specialty then switching to another—sure, I suppose that’s possible, just like changing a major within LS & A. Bur my understanding is that Michigan maintains a single applicant pool for the College of Engineering, not separate applicant pools for each specialty or “major”. So if you’re admitted to Engineering, you’re in Engineering, and you can work toward whatever major you want. (At least that’s the way it works in LS & A; others can correct me if I’m wrong).</p>
<p>Thanks, bclintonk. Your answer was nice and thorough. Just what I needed.</p>