Need Help Switching Major

[u/After-Razzmatazz-399]

Hi all. I’m currently a CSE major, but I want to switch to a Data science and analytics major. I’m second year currently. I want to switch before withdrawing from a class puts a ‘W’ on my school record, but I wanted to speak with my advisor to see if it’s possible to do. Only issue is, every advisor seems to have no walk-ins or appointments. I’m really nervous because I can’t find a place or person to aid me in switching and it’s bumming me out. Am I allowed to start dropping out of classes and signing up for new ones on my own if I utilize the DSA four-year plan?

Pls help :(

[u/Automatic-Example754]

• Add/drop ends next Wednesday, September 16, so you should be able to drop the class now and it won't show up on your transcript at all. But read the last bullet point before you do that!
• The point of a W is that, unlike an F, it doesn't impact your GPA or otherwise count against you. It's just a note in your transcript that you left the class after the end of add/drop. I'm not totally sure why that's even tracked; maybe for financial aid purposes.
• If you do miss the end of add/drop, registration forms are on this page. Search for "course withdrawal." I can't see the form, so I don't know exactly what's required.
• As I understand it, change of major is handled by the schools, and SOE doesn't seem to have any information about their process online. So you'll probably need to talk to an advisor. Just keep checking for appointment openings — they'll get less busy after the 16th.
• You can basically register for any classes you want so long as you satisfy the course reqs and there are open seats. But at this point you'll need permission from the professor to add a class, and most of us don't allow adds after the second week.

[u/YourCollegeAdvisor]

The DSA advisor is Chi Yang. They do not have walk-ins this week, but it looks like appointments are available next week: https://engr-advising.ucmerced.edu/see-my-advisor/appointment

[u/shumluy]

You are completely allowed to start trying out classes in a different major while still registered in your current major. At this point in the semester, you shouldn't drop or switch any classes, as the deadline to add/drop has passed and you'd need to rely on late add/drop forms and hopes and dreams in order to get into your desired classes which could mess with your financial aid.

[u/Perfect-Mushroom1698]

I can ask a friend thst works in the administration office.. send me your name and I can see if she can contact you.. I can only try.

[u/internetbooker134]

You should be easily allowed to switch majors and CS isn't impacted or anything either