If I am an incoming freshman with an intended major in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics (pre) but would like to switch to bioengineering, how difficult would that be? Also, would being a Regents Scholar affect my chances of being able to switch into engineering?
You have to take at least two quarters of an “engineering course load,” which HSSEAS defines as at least one math course and at least one other major prep course for the major you’re interested in applying to. You must have at least a 3.5 in these courses to be eligible. Being a Regents Scholar doesn’t make a difference. You either have a 3.5 or you don’t.
The math courses you need to choose from are Math 31A, 31B, 32A, 32B, 33A, 33B
The major prep courses are:
Chem 20A, 20B, 20L, 30A, 30AL, 30B
Physics 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL
Life Sci 2, 3, 23L
Courses skipped with AP credit do not count towards the engineering course load.
So in the fall, if you took Math 31A and Chem 20A along with a GE, that would count as one quarter of an engineering course load. In the winter, take the next math class (31B) along with at least one other major prep course (Chem 20B, 20L, Phys 1A) and that would be a second quarter of an engineering course load.
If you got a 5 on the BC Calculus exam and can skip Math 31A and 31B, then you would just start in 32A and then take 32B in the winter.
There’s no guarantee that you’ll be admitted with a 3.5, but the chances are very, very, very good.
Thank you for the helpful and detailed response.