Hi, I have been admitted to the Letters & Sciences at UMD instead of Computer Science for fall 2025. I had a couple of queries about this system. How hard is it to transfer into the CS major? If I meet the gateway requirements, am I guaranteed a seat in the CS major? How long would it typically take me to meet said gateway requirements?
I’m in the process of finalizing a college to attend, and am wondering if this route is truly a viable option. If not, my other options are UMass Amherst and RPI, where I have been guaranteed a seat in the CS major. But, UMD is a very prestigious college and holds its own in the rankings and it seemed to good to miss, hence my dilemma.
UMD CS is in high demand. If there were a clear path into the major from L&S, everyone would do it.
CS is excellent at both UMass-Amherst and RPI. An uncertain chance of getting into the major at UMD is not “too good to miss” by comparison.
I would not sign up for an uphill battle to study what I wanted, when I could invest the effort involved in that uphill battle in excelling at a different, highly-regarded school. Put all of that energy into building a great portfolio, rather than into storming the gates of an impacted department. Look into all of the cool major-related EC’s that are available at UMass and RPI, and have fun focusing your excess energy on one of those, rather than on trying to batter your way into UMD CS and maybe not even succeeding.
Students admitted to the University but not to Computer Science MUST be prepared to select an alternate major.
and
It is highly unlikely that students will be able to change majors to Computer Science at a later time.
No, there is no guarantee. There is a selective review process after meeting the gateway requirements because they only have any 100 transfer seats available.
In short, you should not count on being able to transfer into CS at UMD. Go to UMass or RPI - both have good reputations.
If you want to study CS, I’d choose from your direct admit options. Your post-graduation success will be more dependent on what YOU accomplish during college rather than which one of these fine schools you choose to attend.