Advice please?

<p>Hey guys, I'm transferring from a San Diego community college within the next year (2015) and I'm kind of at a crossroads. </p>

<p>Here's the rundown: I'm currently a philosophy major with ~3.4 GPA. I'm in the honors program and shooting to transfer into either UCLA (with TAP) or Berkeley for philosophy. My first year was kind of a let down; out of 23 credits, I got 4 B's and 3 A's. If I get straight A's in all my classes until I transfer I can max out at around ~3.75. With this GPA and TAP I'm feeling pretty good about UCLA for philosophy (should I be?). Still very iffy on Cal though. </p>

<p>The thing is, I've been recently been interested in Economics. I've done all the logistics and I'm able to cover all the economics pre-req's before next year. Should I pursue it? Would I have a chance with TAP?</p>

<p>After high school I spent about 5 years traveling the eastern hemisphere, and pretty much...living. I've been slowly adapting to my old lifestyle again and that was the reason for my B's during the first year. I plan to explain all this in my personal statement, but would that even give me a shot at UCLA or Berkeley economics?</p>

<p>Any input would be great!</p>

<p>Just remember that Economics at Cal and UCLA require calculus 1 and 2. if you havent taken calculus yet then attempt the class and of you cant get an A then I would say that Cal and UCLA are out of reach for you.</p>

<p>Yeah, my schedule for next semester is packed (Calc Honors, Microeconomics, History H, Logic, Financial Accounting). I’m not even sure I can pull all A’s, but I want to try at least. </p>

<p>An advantage is that - with TAP - I can choose an alternate major even if I don’t get in with Economics. I want to double major in Economics/Philosophy, but the only way to get into the economics program is to directly apply into it. </p>

<p>If worst comes to worst then I transfer under Philosophy and double major in mathematics/economics (non-impacted). Does anyone know how practical UCSD’s International Affairs/Economics degree is? Thanks for answering, Dagoberto. </p>

<p>Also, is it risky to apply into an alternate major? As in, is there a chance I would be rejected from Philosophy because I was rejected from Economics?</p>

<p>@alciabiades59. To answer your fist questions, I’m a mathematics/economics major at UCLA. In order to apply as math Econ you need calculus 1,2,3 + linear algebra + differential equations. So it would take you longer to transfer.yes is less impacted but it is also a harder major.</p>

<p>No getting rejected by ypur first major won’t impact your review for your alternate major. You will be looked by a different committee with a different set of eyes.</p>