<p>Can some of you recommend some 4-year universities that have good flexibility in terms of majors and classes. Specifically, I want to study engineering (Civil or chemical) or social science (economics or political science), and want to be able to switch when I discover which I am better suited for, or take both if possible. I also wish the size to be between 3000-30000 students and a high average ACT score range (27-32).
Also do you think I should apply undecided, because I am split between studying these two things. If I apply for engineering I may have a weakness considering I got a 29 on ACT but a 34 on English. At the same time though I heard it is difficult to go from arts and sciences to engineering but easier the other way around.
Thank you for any advice.</p>
<p>Anyone got ideas?</p>
<p>I think you need to do your own homework rather than cribbing from everyone else at the last moment.</p>
<p>For schools which are divided into divisions, you need to check carefully how difficult it is to switch divisions or majors. It is more common for it to be more difficult to switch into an engineering major than to a social studies major, but you should check each school individually to see what the actual situation is like.</p>
<p>If it is difficult to switch, you can apply as a frosh to the more difficult to enter major, but that will likely mean being subject to a higher standard for admission.</p>
<p>Because engineering majors have long prerequisite sequences, you need to follow the recommended curriculum starting from the first semester as long as you want to keep the option open for them. Economics and political science tend to have shorter prerequisite sequences, and you can start taking those courses while doing the engineering curriculum since you will need social studies courses for breadth requirements anyway.</p>
<p>Note that if you want to go on to a PhD program in economics, you need to take substantial math courses, which may be beyond what engineering majors normally take (e.g. junior level proof-oriented linear algebra and real analysis). Some economics departments use more math in their economics courses than others; if that is desired, check the catalogs for whether the intermediate microeconomics course has math prerequisites higher than frosh calculus, and/or there are advanced mathematical economics courses offered.</p>
<p>Of course, you also need to check affordability with the net price calculators and merit scholarships at each school.</p>
<p>MrMom62, I have my list of colleges, I only had concern for choosing a major and wanted see others’ opinions for colleges with good flexibility.
ucbalumnus, thank you, so generally putting undecided is not a good option?</p>
<p>It depends on the school. You need to check each school specifically.</p>
<p>It may take some digging, but try searching on “change major” for each school.</p>