<p>So this fall I’m applying to mostly public California schools (Berkeley being my dream school). I recently did a computer science internship where we created a project that will be submitted to a few national science fairs. I am writing a paper that will be published at some point. With that said, I am thinking of changing my prospective major to something along the lines of civil engineering/architecture rather than computer science and engineering. Would it be a good move to apply into civil engineering when I have no ECs that focus on that? Or should I apply as a computer engineering student, then switch when I get there if I still feel the same way?</p>
<p>Generally speaking, I feel that you should apply to the program you want to get into.</p>
<p>Why? It’s rationally inconsistent to deceive these people. All you could want is:
- Acceptance (if the civil programs don’t accept you, what makes you think you would succeed?)
- Scholarships (if you don’t win them on straight merit, why do you deserve them?)</p>
<p>If you don’t want to do CS/CE, don’t apply to those programs. I mean, that’s how I feel. I wouldn’t apply anywhere unless I was prepared to make a good-faith effort to live up to my end of the bargain.</p>