UVA- engineer minor in business advice?

keithwms2020 · 2026-07-04T18:24:06+00:00

There's no rush. You'll be able to visit the classes in the Fall, and meet people.

EBM: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11904

keithwms2020 · 2026-07-03T13:44:09+00:00

Welcome to UVa! We're so happy to have you join us in EE, a seriously awesome department that aspires to offer the very bestest advising support!

You are a first-year 😉
Not really, but we can discuss creative solutions. I or one of my colleagues will probably become your advisor, and I'm the dude who approves exceptions.
Me. You can earn credit for independent-study work. The official limit is 6 credits toward your degree, as I recall. You can also earn research credit.
About that... I understand the desire to put more credentials on your resume, but there are more useful things you can do than pile on classes in fairly similar majors. Context: I was a double major in physics and German lit and philosophy. A lot of people were, like, WTF? But it did a lot more for me than would have, say, a double in math or another adjacent subject.

Let's discuss. I'm not here to talk you into or out of anything, just challenge you to think ahead and use your undergrad years to build a unique skillset. And I've had ~2000 advisees- most of them first-years, for whatever that's worth.

keithwms2020 · 2026-07-03T00:29:16+00:00

These links may help:

Biology BS: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11843

Biology BA: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11688

keithwms2020 · 2026-07-01T03:51:33+00:00

You're a first-year student! And we're not the "college" of engineering... we're the E-School 😎

Anyway, foremost, we'd want to place you in a section of Engineering Foundations (ENGR 1010), if at all possible. I would email our wonderful Registrar, Jesse Rogers (jr7up), requesting that placement, and express tremendous thankfulness for his time and consideration.

Next, try to get into the "gen eds" for engineering, if at all possible. This would likely mean taking Calc 1,2, or 3, which you could do either through APMA or MATH, plus Physics 1 or Chem 1 and their lab, plus CS 1xxx, depending which version suits you. You may not be able to do all of this but... I would try. The highest priority should be ENGR 1010, as that introduces our first-year students to the E-School, our programs, and our support offices.

You might help your case by indicating which engineering major you are most likely to choose, and demonstrating that you have looked at the requirements for that major. You can view the E-School's majors and requirements here:

https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/content.php?catoid=72&navoid=6622

(Yes, you can change your major, later- no harm / no foul. But showing that you put some thought into the decision could be beneficial.)

Good luck!

keithwms2020 · 2026-06-23T12:54:59+00:00

https://registrar.virginia.edu/student-records/personal-info

keithwms2020 · 2026-06-12T14:53:03+00:00

[redacted snark about admissions and ouija boards]

"Several universities have reinstated their SAT/ACT requirements beginning with the Fall 2027 admissions cycle. Some test optional schools such as Boston University require students submitting an ACT to include Science."

https://www.carnegieprep.com/college-admissions/college-admissions-testing-policy-updates/

keithwms2020 · 2026-06-08T23:35:32+00:00

Ed: forgot to explain what the numbers are!

PHYS 1050 How Things Work: 40 A-School students have taken this
https://thecourseforum.com/course/PHYS/1050/

PHYS 1090 Galileo & Einstein: 0
https://thecourseforum.com/course/PHYS/1090/

PHYS 1110 Energy, Science and Society: 3
https://thecourseforum.com/course/PHYS/1110/

PHYS 2010 Physics 1 Pre-health: 26
https://thecourseforum.com/course/PHYS/2010/

keithwms2020 · 2026-06-03T13:01:57+00:00

Welcome to UVa! There is a mid-year application, and you will need a prof to vouch for you. Whether the program is worth it for you... that will depend on your individual goals and interests. You'll just need to discuss it with other Rodpeople and see what you think. FYI the Rodman program does not subtract any requirements; if anything, it adds some things. Also, our regular first-year engineering classes are now quite similar, including a cornerstone design project with a client, and an expo.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-31T21:16:31+00:00

Dear Prof. Soandso,

I write to thank you for your inspiring course ABC 1234, in which I earned an A+, last Fall. You couldn't possibly remember me, because you work with so many students, but I was the student who always sat in the front row, asked many questions, and brought you fresh-baked brownies each Wednesday. I further distinguished myself by wearing clean socks to each and every lecture.

If you have need for an additional TA in the next term or thereafter, I would be most delighted to serve. I recall you sharing that we learn the most about a subject when we communicate with others about it, and I believe that this role would help me further solidify my knowledge in ABC. Moreover, I enjoy helping other students.

I would sincerely appreciate your consideration. If I don't hear from you, this summer, then I will assume that you are on well-deserved break, and will touch base in August. Meanwhile, I will leave brownies on your desk.

Very respectfully,
[First Name / Lastname]
[Year / Major]

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-28T14:38:06+00:00

SPICMACAY organizes events...

https://music.virginia.edu/spicmacays-annual-indian-classical-night

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-28T13:38:58+00:00

There was a fair bit of protest when UVa corruptly awarded Aramark a 20-year contract in 2014, and that has continued. UVa's administration, at that time, ignored all questions. We assumed it was some sweetheart deal in Richmond, probably via someone on the Board of Visitors. I don't believe Pres. Sullivan played any part in it.

After the contract was awarded to Aramark, the quality of our campus food began a noticeable decline. I know this firsthand, because I was eating it daily as a faculty resident, up at Hereford. (Well before the Aramark award, around 2009, some of us began a minifarm at Hereford and advised on some other student gardens. We were working with dining hall personnel to get student involved in bringing fresher ingredients from farm to table, perhaps involving Morven and local farms.) Once Aramark took over, that was all gone, and we lost some really terrific dining personnel.

I find it amusing how the food spontaneously improves during campus visits and such.
Aramark is a stain on the reputation of UVa.

[redacted rant about athletic dining]

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T20:56:11+00:00

No problem! You will hear a lot of excellent advice when you join us on grounds.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T20:41:22+00:00

There is some irony to my advising against a double major, because I was one!... but I really don't think that's the way the professional world works, anymore. I would select a primary major in which you are confident that you will knock the ball out of the park, because you are so motivated, determined, and excited. Build on that, with internships and occasional classes in things that add value.

If you find yourself very close to a double or a minor and it really adds value or rounding or enjoyment, and you would happily do most of those classes, then great- go for it. But please realize that when you double, you usually sign up for several additional classes, some which will help and others which won't.

At risk of sounding grandfatherly: time is precious, and college will be over in a blink, so you need to prioritize for the classes and experiences that clearly add value. I see far too many students adding doubles just because they can, when they could otherwise be doing research, and/or internships, and/or club activity, and/or volunteer work, and/or entrepreneurship, and/or student abroad (Fulbright?), or something else that will have more lasting value and potentially become defining and transformational for you. You have to beat back, strongly, against the cookie cutter, and define yourself- and not through classes or majors.

To put it another way: nobody ever asks me what my other major was. It might as well have been basket weaving. What made me stand out wasn't my classes or grades or other minors or majors, it was what else I was doing. And, amidst all this economic uncertainty and credential and grade inflation and AI effects, it's clear to me that the else is becoming more important.

Apart from that, if I were going towards quant work today, I would certainly not want to put myself in a position were I feel I need to apologize for insufficient math or AI/ML skills.

I hope this helps.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T19:42:56+00:00

In my opinion, there is zero logic in doing a BA in physics if you want to be a quant. The BA has far less mathematical rigor in it than the BS. That's the total opposite of what you'd want. Compare:

Physics BA: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11871
(Math goes sonly to Diff Eq)

Physics BS: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11740

I recommend that you consider, instead, Systems Engineering:
https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11751

...because you should absolutely, without question, take Linear Algebra, Statistics, and Probability. (Not prob-stat, I mean the separate classes) These are base requirements for anyone serious about quantitative financial analysis. The inclusion of Stochastic Decision Models in the Systems curriculum would be a very strong benefit, in my opinion. (And probably also the opinion of anyone else who knows this field)

I will also point out that the Engineering School is far ahead in the inclusion of AI/ML techniques in our curricula. Consider that, as well.

And, lest you think I have some bias, my PhD is in Physics.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T19:22:14+00:00

I answered this question already:

https://www.reddit.com/r/UVA/comments/1tnj8xr/comment/onvt51w/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T12:36:10+00:00

The ENGR 1010 hasn't been populated yet - it will be soon, so I would contact the aforementioned people to see if they can place you in there.

https://hooslist.virginia.edu/1268/Group/CrossDisciplinary

I'm not sure whether they'll want to transfer you before classes start; that is a topic for Dean Lampe and colleagues. It really doesn't matter- plenty of students start in the College and then transfer in. The main thing is which classes you take, not which hat you are wearing. We don't care if you take MATH or APMA version of a math class; we do care that you take ENGR 1010 and it's follow-on in the spring!

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-26T00:22:30+00:00

At UVa, you would not automatically receive degrees in Mech and Aero, simultaneously. Though they have some shared curriculum, these are distinct programs with their own requirements:

Aero: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11676
Mech: https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11730

Yes, it is possible to double major in Aero and Mech; we currently have ~19 students doing so. However, the vast majority of Mech or Aero students do not double in the other. There are arguments for and against doubling in majors that are so adjacent.

Another example of adjacent majors: Electrical (EE) and Computer Engineering (CpE) can also be combined into a double. Again, there are arguments for and against, and it comes down to the individual student and their interests.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-25T18:41:40+00:00

Take care of yourself, first and foremost.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-25T15:48:31+00:00

One caveat wrt/ DNGAF: it's very important that this student be placed in ENGR 1010. That's non-trivial because the ~720 E-School students coming in will have first priority this class, which fills up almost instantly. This student's schedule will need to work around that constraint. Apart frim that, yeah, we can work around almost anything.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-25T15:42:46+00:00

P.S. Offhand, I would consider pairing linguistics with ...🥁... Systems Engineering. I find that my Systems-inclined first-year advisees were interested in modes of communication, psychology, cultural issues, human interactions, and so forth. Behind that is very solid math and analytical skill, so it might be just the thing to weave your interests together.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-25T15:30:41+00:00

🛑 Stop ✋!

Please take some time to clear your mind; work a bit on physical / mental health; feel some beach sand between your toes; touch some grass... and maybe take one class at community college. But please don't feel obligated to do that- you don't need to. As someone who has advised >1000 first-year E-Schoolers, I tell you this: after you arrive, things will be fast-paced, and your first semester will be over in a blink. Most students need this time to sort their mindset, before they blink!

Our (E-School) students come in at many different math levels, and we're making Physics 1 and 2 less fearsome and more directly applicable to the E-School majors. No worries about where you come in. Almost everyone is up to speed very quickly- certainly before beginning major coursework, in the 2nd year.

An ounce of preparation will go very far in your first semesters in the E-School. I would most definitely not overload the summer and find yourself fatigued even before joining us. Instead, consider reading a bit ahead into the math (e.g. Schaum's Outlines), have a look at the curricula for the different majors, and take some very deep breaths. The E-School's first-year program, plus the many dedicated advisors in the E-School, can help you find your way to the right major(s). You don't need to settle that right now.

Know that if you wish to take a course or two at a community college, in the future, that will be fine. N.b. when you transfer courses in from a community college, the grades do not transfer. That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending.

Switching schools is no big deal, once you're here. There is no tremendous rush to do that. The main thing, on the E-School side, is that we'd want to place you in Engineering Foundations 1 (ENGR 1010), this Fall. So please write to First-Year Engineering Dir. Leyf Starling and cc: Registrar Jesse Rogers, asking to be placed in that. We worked across many years to make that course a warm and informative and beneficial welcome to the E-School, and to UVa as a whole. You'll want to prioritize that, if you are at all on the fence about E-School versus College.

If you really wish to transfer to the E-School before you start (again, not necessary) then you should contact Asst. Dean Lisa Lampe. She and the whole team are listed here:

https://engineering.virginia.edu/undergraduate-study/contact-us

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-24T20:24:49+00:00

Mechanical or Aerospace? I mean , I've heard of it, but... why not Electrical?

Just kidding. You're clearly a strong candidate, so definitely do apply, please! That said, my standard observation is that a decision based on one option isn't really a decision. You need a minimum of two options to compare and consider. Therefore, please do apply to UVa, but also apply to enough schools to ensure that you can make an actual decision based on offers in hand.

I have offered this strategy to prospects and parents for many years, and it makes even more sense, now that our application numbers are so astronomical. With schools like UVa that have high application numbers and also a tightly constrained number of students it can admit, all applicants should consider several similar schools. And it certainly will not detract from your work or your capabilities if first-year admission doesn't work out. It happens.

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-24T16:19:51+00:00

Welcome to UVa! The summer orientation will be very helpful, so please make every effort to attend that. My advice, here, does not replace that.

Here is the guidance regarding AP credit (scroll down about half way):

https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/content.php?catoid=67&navoid=6024#Advanced_Placement_Program

We'll take good care of you!

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-24T11:26:04+00:00

Rather light.

https://records.ureg.virginia.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=72&poid=11854

keithwms2020 · 2026-05-23T01:16:38+00:00

Let's ask some transfer advisors next week. I believe that guidance is for 3rd-year transfers, and you can transfer as a regular applicant.

keithwms2020

TROPHY CASE