Engineering the Transition: Purdue's Path to Your Major
When you first get accepted into the engineering program at Purdue, you will be considered a first-year engineering (FYE) student. This is because Purdue offers the transition to major (T2M) process where after fulfilling the FYE requirements – program specific GPA, EAI, and completing all FYE classes, you will have the opportunity to select which top two disciplines of engineering you want to pursue for the rest of your undergraduate years at Purdue. Although this process may sound a bit nerve racking, I can assure you, considering that there are 16 engineering degree programs to choose from, this is an ideal process to help guide students in which program to pursue.
At first, the Transition to Major (T2M) process was one of the more intimidating parts of my freshman year, but honestly, it’s not as daunting as it seems. I always knew I wanted to pursue Mechanical Engineering, but I feared that not meeting the requirements would result in a different path. Now looking back as a sophomore who successfully transitioned into my dream major, I realize there are a few things that I can share that could help make your transition hopefully as smooth as mine was. If you’re planning on pursuing the First Year Engineering (FYE) program and feeling uncertain, perhaps my experience can ease some of your worries.
First off, there is no shame in feeling overwhelmed. Between keeping up with challenging coursework, attending Engineering Your Major (EYM) seminars, and trying to maintain a strong GPA, you can feel like you don’t know if you’re coming or going. What helped me was realizing that I wasn’t alone. Nearly everyone in FYE was navigating the same uncertainty, and Purdue’s resources—advisors, seminars, and even peers—were there to guide me.
Fear is another common feeling that creeps in when you know every part of the process plays a role in whether you are accepted into a particular major or not. One fear I had was not meeting the GPA requirements for Mechanical Engineering. When you T2M, there are certain requirements you must achieve, one being your GPA and EAI. The 3.20 EAI (Engineering Admissions Index) for some reason, although I was confident in my academic abilities, it seemed to be this weight that just brought on the feeling of fear. However, with all the extra resources provided that I took advantage of - tutoring sessions, professor office hours, and study groups to stay on top of my coursework, and just simply taking it one semester at a time, it became more manageable. Sure, there were moments that I had some self-doubt, but with consistent effort and the support of my peers, I successfully met the requirements. Just remember, if you’re concerned about maintaining your GPA, Purdue has your back, providing plenty of resources to help you succeed.
While I knew I wanted to pursue Mechanical Engineering, the EYM sessions really opened my eyes to other engineering fields I knew little to nothing about. Many of these sessions fascinated me and even made me question if I should explore other paths. However, sitting in the Mechanical Engineering seminar confirmed that this was truly the field for me. At the same time, I saw how valuable these sessions were for students who were undecided, helping them discover pathways they hadn’t considered before. Even for those who came in knowing what they wanted, the seminars often led to a change of heart by providing a chance to learn about the wide variety of engineering disciplines and the opportunities within each.
Looking back, T2M wasn’t just about choosing a major; it was a chance to grow. By attending seminars, meeting advisors, and exploring my options, I learned more about myself and what I wanted out of my engineering education. The process taught me to ask questions, seek help, and believe in myself—skills that have already proven to be invaluable as I’ve begun tackling the Mechanical Engineer coursework and projects.
Advice for FYE Students
If I could go back and give myself advice during T2M, here’s what I’d say:Start Early: Attend EYM seminars with an open mind and take notes on what excites you about each major. The more informed you are, the easier the decision will feel.
Use Your Resources: Don’t hesitate to reach out to advisors, professors, or even upperclassmen. Their insights can help clarify your path.
Trust the Process: Remember that most FYE students successfully transition into their first-choice major. Believe in your hard work and let the process unfold.
Embrace Change: It’s okay if your interests evolve or you decide to change your major. Many students discover new passions along the way, and those changes can lead to incredible opportunities.
Transitioning into Mechanical Engineering was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college journey so far. It wasn’t without its challenges, but those challenges taught me resilience and self-assurance. Purdue has an incredible community ready to support you every step of the way—and soon enough, you’ll be looking back on this process as just one of many milestones in your engineering adventure. Trust in the journey. You’ve got this!
Mia Ortlieb, ME
WE Link Leadership Team
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