<p>I’m currently a sophomore II mechanical engineering student at Kettering University (#2 ranked for mechanical engineering by US News & World Report), and I find myself in a very awkward dilemma. </p>
<p>I don’t want to be an engineer. </p>
<p>I can’t exactly put my finger on why I decided on Mechanical Engineering, other than the fact that the job potential and salary earnings are fantastic. My problem is that I’m not a math-oriented person (it took me years to get the times tables down), but I am a very English-oriented person (5s on all AP soc. sci and English classes, 2s on math). Got a 36 ACT on critical reading, 22 in math. </p>
<p>I’m starting to doubt my abilities to succeed in the career path I’m working toward, and Kettering is a very specialized school (we only do engineering & business). The problem is, because of the difficulties I’ve experienced, my GPA is now less than 2.75 (HS GPA was over 4), and I’m afraid I won’t be able to survive in higher math and engineering courses. Additionally, my parents won’t entertain the notion of switching schools, and since they’re paying (very graciously, I must add), I’m not sure what my options are at this point. </p>
<p>This was more of a vent than a question, but I guess what I’m getting at is how do I tell my parents that I want to transfer, and how do I actually go about it (admissions won’t like the new GPA, etc.)?</p>
<p>I think your parents would be happier to have you switch majors & schools now rather than spend money for a few more years if this path is not right for you.</p>
<p>Figure out the sticking point for the parents. Maybe they fear you will transfer and get a degree in basketweaving…if so., if you have a viable plan that they can buy into, it might go smoother.</p>
<p>Tell them that your 2.75 GPA is probably going to tank even worse next year–at which point your transfer options will be limited. If you leave now, a 2.75 in a ME degree program is actually okay and transfer schools will entertain the idea of you switching majors and schools. </p>
<p>It might take a few talks with your parents over a few days/weeks – they may need time to digest the information. I once proposed something to my parents when I was a young adult and their first reaction was NO WAY… a few weeks later, I talked to my father and he was actually receptive. In time, I think my father talked to my mother… and about a month later they called <em>me</em> and said they thought it was a great idea. (I had long given up!). What I took away from that is <em>sometimes</em> parents need that extra time to get over the shock first… so don’t burn bridges, just keep talking to them.</p>
<p>I agree that your parents may need time. Most parents do (I am one, who has been on the receiving end of the “I want to transfer” phone call). I think that the situation is compounded here by the parents (I’m guessing) having pushed the student into engineering? The signs were there well in advance - no facility with math - that this might not be a good match.</p>
<p>I think the earlier poster is on point… that your parents may respond better if you have a “plan”. I’m sure they fear that you will be “unemployable” if you get a degree in other than engineering. They would not be the first parents with that fear.</p>
<p>But if you can show them a plan of what you would like to major in and where it could lead career-wise; if you can help them see that a mediocre or poor GPA in an Engineering field will not easily lead to good job prospects… all of that could help.</p>
<p>Are you at all interested in the Business major that is available at your current school? This would not involve a transfer. There are aspects of business that might - potentially - suit your strengths. Those that are more into organizational behavior, marketing, strategic planning etc. Not trying to push you in that direction… just wondering.</p>
<p>The only additional suggestion I can make regarding talking to your parents is to support and acknowledge their concerns. Let them know that you wanted to make Engineering work, that you understand that (theoretically) it leads to good job prospects… but that you have found that you just cannot make it fit although you have tried very hard. Ask for their help in brainstorming with you what might work for both your interests and needs and their hopes for you.</p>