Why does the computer science major require admission?

Major admission was not established as a roadblock for students.  Rather, it is a means for both the CS faculty and pre-CS students to gauge preparation for more advanced coursework.  The faculty have found that students who are unable to earn grades of B in lower level CS courses have a very difficult time succeeding in more advanced courses.  The trial pre-major period allows students to assess whether or not this program is actually an appropriate fit for their skills and goals.  The department feels it is much better for students to learn this early in their academic careers, rather than in the senior year when faced with very difficult advanced coursework.