Hey, guys.
I applied for this scholarship for female STEM majors. They invited me for an interview this week. On my scholarship applications, I put biomedical engineering as my projected major and wrote detailed plans about what I will do in the future as one. My extracurriculars involve attending medical programs and volunteering at the hospital, as well as participating in various math, science, and engineering programs. Currently, I’m considering of changing my major to mechanical engineering and set design so I can pursue a career in designing entertainment for others and for making others happy. I was inspired to get involved into making theme park rides, creating elaborate stages in theatre, and all that stuff. It’s so cool to me. Should I tell them that I might or most likely will change my major?
The biomedical engineering aspect shows more prominently through what I have done, so I’m considering just telling them more about biomedical engineering at my interview because I did feel passionate about making tissue, cells, and organs and incorporating 3D printers into what I do. But with the scholarship, they also keep in contact with you throughout college, pair you with a mentor, and help you with internships. I’m afraid that if I mention my change to mechanical that they won’t think of me as a strong candidate, and if I don’t mention it, I’ll be paired with someone in biomedical engineering that won’t necessarily help me further a career in entertainment engineering. I don’t know what will happen if I tell them that I’m changing my major once I start college.
Any thoughts? Anything would be appreciated.
I dont think scholarship committees are going to hold it against you for changing your major later. Happens all the time and you are still going to be in a STEM discipline.
As a freshman, you really don’t have a major. What’s wrong with saying you are considering several different types of engineering, including biomedical and mechanical?
@ordinarylives - These days, it seems like more and more schools are moving to direct-admit programs for some STEM fields, including certain engineering majors. Some students are being forced to choose a major (and not just a general field like “engineering” before they even apply!
To the OP - I believe honesty is the best in this case with something like, “I’ve really enjoyed all my word in the biomedical field and until recently, I thought that is what I wanted to do. However, I’ve - insert reason/experience/whatever it was - really piqued my interested in doing mechanical engineering instead.” You could always pursue a graduate degree in biomedical with a mechanical undergrad if you do decide to go that route instead. Good luck with the interview!
While they pair you up with a mentor, chances are probably equal that the mentor may or may not be able to help with the particular field you are pursuing. The mentor is probably more of a sounding person, who can help you figure out the direction, perhaps help you think of questions to be asking, etc.
Don’t worry too much about it - you aren’t expected to know your future while you are a freshman.
I like what @My3Kiddos suggests.
@My3Kiddos Thanks for the advice! I was stressing about this for a while. The application even made me detail my goals, where I outlined my undergrad and career as a biomedical engineer (where I’d work and what I’d do, etc). I was afraid that my change of heart would’ve looked bad. But you’re right: honesty is probably the best way to go.
@3puppies With the mentor, that person is supposed to be someone in the STEM field with at least 5 years of experiencing, so I believe they can also help with getting internships, getting into programs, etc.