zanyyall

hello there
i have a question. i was accepted into the mechanical engineering program at uiuc, but i realize now i really would like to do bioengineering..is there ANY possible way to switch majors before beginning my freshman year at uiuc?? (i do realize the bioengineering program is more competitive than mechanical program)

shivamchauhan

it is clearly written on uiuc's website that a student cannot change his major at any point to bio engineering

Danjulieo

You should directly contact the bioengineering department and bluntly ask them for the most definitive answer.

GCBMIB

If your interest is in plant genetics or fuels, you might consider the Agricultural and Biological Engineering major through the ACE department. The department is well-funded and seems to have more money to spread to academically talented students.

Information for Future Students :: Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois

drusba

Bioengineering is a major with its own rules that has been around only about 5 years at UIUC. Those admitted as freshman need very high GPA/rank and test score to even be considered (usually you need to be at least top 5% and have 33 or above ACT to have any shot). It currently takes only new freshman and does not take any transfers, including interdepartmental transfers which would be from another engineering major. Otherwise, if considering other engineering majors, you generally need to stay in the same major for a year (freshman generally take the same core courses so staying in a major for a year before switching usually does not have any adverse impact) and can usually change engineering major after first year as long as grades are good (but department you are transfering to needs to approve).

zanyyall

ill call the bioengineering department, but looks like transferring into it is a no go. so frustrating