<p>I think I recall a counselor in my CC TAP orientation stating that the choice of an alternate major that UCLA would <em>actually</em> consider is limited to TAP students.</p>
<p>So, when I read in the UC matrix document that UCLA does not, <em>in general</em>, consider alternate majors, I just assumed that the only exception to that rule was being a TAP student. I’ve also never seen on this forum anyone who got in under their alternate major who wasn’t TAP-certified.</p>
<p>Berkeley’s even stricter with alternate majors. They don’t consider them under <em>any</em> circumstances.</p>
<p>I can see why they wouldn’t corner themselves into a TAP only caveat in the link. There might be circumstances where UCLA would want the right to accept someone into their second choice, for whatever reason. It’s a good way to keep the window open for them I suppose.</p>
<p>You will be able to update in January. I don’t think any of us know for certain, but the general consensus is that they don’t review grades until after the update.</p>
<p>The applications do get reviewed prior to that update because the update was open in the 2nd week of January, but I was asked to provide verification of my employment on Jan 2. </p>
<p>Potentially helpful info about UC San Diego:</p>
<p>I did TAG for UC San Diego last year and was sent an email on Feb 3rd asking about a gap in educational history. Was totally confused why they emailed me because I wrote about it in my application. Regardless, they accepted me and let me know mid March. The TAG application may have been in an expedited pile and was looked at before everyone else, but it’s a rough idea when they start checking the apps for transfers. </p>
<p>Well, I have an update from two UCLA depts for alternate majors. I wanted to try and suss this all out because the wording is vague. First, re engineering, you can put two majors in; however, if you don’t get into #1, unlikely they will consider #2. If you get into #1, they may look at 2 and you might get into that instead of #1. Their decision.</p>
<p>Regarding English and Amer Lit, you cannot put in two majors, but can petition to get into the alternate once accepted because the requirements are the same in both. In fact, they said it makes no sense to put both in. Choose one, then petition after the fact.</p>
<p>So @fullload that should give you a clear answer.</p>
<p>If I hear back from any other depts I will post.</p>
<p>Well that certainly is interesting, thanks for the research, Lindy. In that case, I might just put Am lit first and something unrelated second, or nothing at all. Seeing as I can always jump over to English after being accepted. Interesting.</p>
<p>That does seem like the best plan. I might also add, just my sense, that putting in an alternate (in TAP or engineering) in essence, could muddy the waters, so to speak. </p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what is it about the two that are so different? To me, they seem essentially the same, but obviously something is pulling you more to one than the other… I didn’t read the descriptions.</p>
<p>UPDATE: I just looked at the stats for the two: avg GPA for Am lit is 3.46. Avg for English is 3.7+ and it’s impacted. Since UCLA is the ONLY UC you are applying to, which is a risk right there, I personally wouldn’t even be having the debate, as the majors are so interchangeable to the public and your career path. </p>
<p>Me? If you’re asking me, the reason I chose Am lit over English is simply the gpa average acceptance. English is impacted and has a 3.7 avg. acceptance, Am lit has a 3.4 with a higher % rate of acceptance. No-brainer for me and I think it’s real weird they both exist, considering the path is identical and there are only a few differences in upper classes.</p>
<p>I guess I was confused. I thought you were debating this and that was the whole issue about wanting the alternate major so you could choose english but have am lit as fallback. Either way, I agree, I think am lit is your best plan. </p>
<p>Nah, not really debating it, sorry if it seemed that way. I was just thinking about doing English first if UCLA did in fact allow my second choice if the first did not work out (non-TAP). But alas, they will not.</p>
<p>I’m surprised by how restrictive UCLA is with its students. At UCSD, you’re given more autonomy. You’re free to pick any classes you want as long as you have met the prerequisite. It is also really easy to change your major. I guess UCLA just likes to make things complicated.</p>
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