Student Struggling to Decide: Physics or Mechanical Engineering?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's dilemma regarding whether to continue with a major in Physics or to pursue a second major in Mechanical Engineering, particularly in light of transfer challenges at their university. The scope includes academic planning, departmental policies, and personal career aspirations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The student expresses a strong interest in Physics but lacks a desire to pursue a career in pure physics, leading to the consideration of a second major in Mechanical Engineering.
  • The Mechanical Engineering department is reportedly full, with potential transfer closures, creating uncertainty for the student regarding their academic future.
  • One participant suggests waiting for clarification on the transfer situation before becoming overly stressed, indicating that the situation may not be as dire as perceived.
  • Another participant shares their own experience as a junior in Physics at the same university, indicating a shared context.
  • The student highlights a very low transfer admission rate from the previous year, which adds to their concern about the feasibility of switching majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best course of action for the student. There are differing views on whether to stress about the transfer situation or to wait for more information.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects uncertainties regarding departmental policies and the implications for the student's academic trajectory. There are also assumptions about the transfer process that remain unverified.

MissSilvy
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It's time to register for classes again and I'm afraid I have a slight dilemma. My major, currently, is Physics. I enjoy Physics and I have no wish to transfer out of it, but I have no interest whatsoever in doing pure physics as a career (research and teaching aren't my style, neither are the other common options) so I was planning to get a second major in mechanical Engineering. Everything would've worked just fine except our MechE department (University of Illinois) is absolutely full. They admitted too many new undergrads and so they're thinking about closing transfers for an indefinite amount of time. This is worrying because I'm starting sophomore year soon and since I have not a single GenEd left to take, I need to start the specialized science and math classes soon (I'm currently taking the basics, so it's not not an issue yet but they will run out soon and if I don't decide, I could be here much longer than I need to be).

What should I do? I'm meeting with an adviser from MechE but it is the most difficult department in the university to transfer into and if I don't get in, I don't know what to do. I'll be left high and dry with a degree in an area that I never wanted to pursue a career in. I suppose I could consider another engineering field but that option is a last resort. Thank you everyone!
 
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At one point I tried to do the same, I'm at UIUC too and a junior in physics. Check you messages.
 


Are they "thinking about" closing the option down or have they done this? Personally, I would wait to find out what the actual situation is before really stressing over it. Meeting with the advisor is a good idea, as he or she will likely be able to give you some clarification.
 


Afunk: Checked, thank you :)

Choppy: Even the prospect that they're thinking about it is worrying. Last year they admitted a total of TWO transfers out of about 300 that applied, so the admissions rate isn't good by any means. A very low to no shot means I probably should start worrying right now :/
 

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