How Important Are Grades Related To Your Desired Major

smorgasbord
Sun, 19 Feb 2012 22:00:17 +0000

smorgasbord - What would you recommend? That I apply for something else than switch?



That can depend on a few factors. How much of an improvement have you shown in your math/science courses? Do you have notable STEM accomplishments outside of academics, like going to nationals in Siemens? In that case, a mistake or two will not hurt you. People make mistakes all the time.

Second, would the school you’re accepted to/that you’re applying to allow you to transfer to engineering before you begin your first semester, or would you have to wait a while? In this case, it may be difficult to meet the requirements of an engineering curriculum and graduate on time. I know this is getting too far into the future, but it’s certainly something to consider.

Are you still having trouble with math/science? Identify where you’re weakest – is it truly not understanding concepts, or is it a factor that can easily be amended with an afternoon of hard focus (i.e. not knowing how to use a TI89 in a calculus course and spending a day or two learning its inner workings)? How far along are you in your math sequence? If you’re not at calculus by senior year and you struggle with math, engineering might not be for you. You may be severely underprepared.

If I were in your shoes, I would apply undecided to the schools you mentioned. Typically, they would put you in the arts and sciences school once you’re accepted. Spend some time taking gen-eds. Don’t even think about your major. What piques your interest when it’s time to declare? Or, ask yourself why you want to be an engineer right now. Is it because you heard you might get a good job, or is it because you’re deeply interested in acquiring and applying math and science to the creation of processes and products?