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Uni degree choice

I was hoping to get some advice on what to do in this situation. So I have an offer from Cambridge for engineering, but after reflecting on it and taking up some more work experiences / taster days, I realised that I would rather pursue computer science or physical natural sciences, as I've found that I'm much more interested in those fields. I've been stressing about this for many months and each time I want to write to them to change I can't decide which one to go for, if I want to switch at all, or if they'll even let me switch. I was kind of pressured to choose engineering (Indian parents) as it ostensibly has the best prospects and job opportunities, but I don't know if that was the best option for me. They kind of talked me out of picking physics because of that. If I do decide to switch, what should I go for?
Reply 1
Original post by jhdias2
I was hoping to get some advice on what to do in this situation. So I have an offer from Cambridge for engineering, but after reflecting on it and taking up some more work experiences / taster days, I realised that I would rather pursue computer science or physical natural sciences, as I've found that I'm much more interested in those fields. I've been stressing about this for many months and each time I want to write to them to change I can't decide which one to go for, if I want to switch at all, or if they'll even let me switch. I was kind of pressured to choose engineering (Indian parents) as it ostensibly has the best prospects and job opportunities, but I don't know if that was the best option for me. They kind of talked me out of picking physics because of that. If I do decide to switch, what should I go for?
I’d say break down the problem.

First, find out if they even allow you to switch courses. If they do, good on you. If not, that’s going to be a problem, but if you really want to, I guess you can go through engineering then apply for what you want.

Secondly, I’d suggest taking some free courses online for both courses, to see which one fits you better. I know for a fact Coursera has a bunch of free courses on computer science, but I’m not sure about physical natural sciences.
If you don’t have time for courses on both of them, then I’d say watch a bunch of YT videos on it
Reply 2
Original post by akaikage
I’d say break down the problem.
First, find out if they even allow you to switch courses. If they do, good on you. If not, that’s going to be a problem, but if you really want to, I guess you can go through engineering then apply for what you want.
Secondly, I’d suggest taking some free courses online for both courses, to see which one fits you better. I know for a fact Coursera has a bunch of free courses on computer science, but I’m not sure about physical natural sciences.
If you don’t have time for courses on both of them, then I’d say watch a bunch of YT videos on it

Thanks for the advice, I have taken a lot of courses and gone to a lot of lectures recently and I still can't really make a decision lol. If I had to choose it probably would be physics but I don't think my parents will be happy as they believe it has lower job opportunities.
Original post by jhdias2
I was hoping to get some advice on what to do in this situation. So I have an offer from Cambridge for engineering, but after reflecting on it and taking up some more work experiences / taster days, I realised that I would rather pursue computer science or physical natural sciences, as I've found that I'm much more interested in those fields. I've been stressing about this for many months and each time I want to write to them to change I can't decide which one to go for, if I want to switch at all, or if they'll even let me switch. I was kind of pressured to choose engineering (Indian parents) as it ostensibly has the best prospects and job opportunities, but I don't know if that was the best option for me. They kind of talked me out of picking physics because of that. If I do decide to switch, what should I go for?

CS has better earnings potential
Reply 4
Original post by jhdias2
I was hoping to get some advice on what to do in this situation. So I have an offer from Cambridge for engineering, but after reflecting on it and taking up some more work experiences / taster days, I realised that I would rather pursue computer science or physical natural sciences, as I've found that I'm much more interested in those fields. I've been stressing about this for many months and each time I want to write to them to change I can't decide which one to go for, if I want to switch at all, or if they'll even let me switch. I was kind of pressured to choose engineering (Indian parents) as it ostensibly has the best prospects and job opportunities, but I don't know if that was the best option for me. They kind of talked me out of picking physics because of that. If I do decide to switch, what should I go for?


In engineering maybe you can lean your modules towards more theoretical stuff or computer science (maybe in robotics?). Maybe they’ll let you switch but CS is a different faculty with a different admissions process and double the applicants per place too. Clearing (eg Manchester) is also an option or just a gap year might help you properly refocus and decide what you really want.
Reply 5
Original post by Jam.123
In engineering maybe you can lean your modules towards more theoretical stuff or computer science (maybe in robotics?). Maybe they’ll let you switch but CS is a different faculty with a different admissions process and double the applicants per place too. Clearing (eg Manchester) is also an option or just a gap year might help you properly refocus and decide what you really want.

Ok thanks, do you think nat sci would be more realistic to switch to or should I stick with engineering?
Reply 6
Original post by jhdias2
Ok thanks, do you think nat sci would be more realistic to switch to or should I stick with engineering?

That's down to you and what you want to do. Contact your college and ask, explaining your situation and feelings - they'd probably be most knowledgeable and in a position to help too.
Reply 7
Original post by Jam.123
That's down to you and what you want to do. Contact your college and ask, explaining your situation and feelings - they'd probably be most knowledgeable and in a position to help too.

ok thanks

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