Hello, all.
I am currently a freshman, majoring in Computer Science. I am currently working on my application to transfer to Northeastern, Worcester Polytechnic, and URI. My first semester proved to be a strong one with a 4.0 GPA, and while it is very early in the new semester, things seem to be going well.
My concern is how colleges (more so Northeastern and WPI) would perceive me taking “easy classes”. Each semester, I have had five courses; while the majority of my classes have stayed with the Computer Science curriculum (and have been decently challenging), I took two gen eds last semester, and I am currently taking another gen ed, along with a History of Rock ‘n’ Roll class as an introductory course for my Music minor. Would these colleges look at these courses and frown upon them? Or do they not matter as much as I am thinking?
Probably depends on each individual school and what they’re going for, but I think the most important part of transferring at most schools is that your credits will transfer and that you’ve met any/all prereqs to get into your desired major or program, as well as GPA/essays/the usual stuff. While rigor may be important, I wouldn’t sweat it as most freshmen take introductory classes (you’ve gotta start somewhere).
At WPI, when you apply as a transfer you are competing with other transfers who are applying for the same major. Transfer competition centers around departments and not just all other applicants in the general transfer pool. In the past four years the undergraduate population has grown by 9% while the number of students majoring in CS has grown by 83%. This will impact the competition for that department as entering freshman are not restricted by their choice of major once they are admitted.
“In general, courses that are the academic equivalent of a WPI course with a grade of a B or better will be considered for transfer credit. College-level and lab-based chemistry and biology, calculus, calculus-based physics with lab, engineering science, and most social science and humanities and arts courses are typically considered for transfer credit.” See https://www.wpi.edu/admissions/undergraduate/apply/how-to/application-deadlines/transfer-students/transfer-student-faqs
As you want to minor in Music, the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll course may fit in well. In WPI parlance, 1/3 unit equals a three credit hour course. See https://www.wpi.edu/academics/study/music-minor for more detail.
Music is a big deal at this and many other STEM schools. Check out computer music research @ https://www.wpi.edu/people/faculty/bianchi.
Hope this was helpful.
:bz