Alternative Majors

Does anyone know exactly which UC’s allow for an alternative major to be considered for admission?

Here is the information for each campus and their alternate major status based on 2019 application:

UC Berkeley: No

UC Davis: occasionally admits applicants who have listed an alternate, non-selective major and are academically strong junior-level students but who did not meet the selective major criteria.

UC Irvine: An applicant who does not meet first-choice major criteria may be considered for selection to an alternate major if alternate major criteria are met. Such decisions are made on a case- by-case basis.

UCLA: In general, applicants are not considered for admission to alternate majors.

UC Merced: An applicant who cannot be accommodated in the first-choice major may be admitted to an alternate major if selection criteria are met. Such decisions are made on a case-by- case basis.

UC Riverside: An applicant may be considered for admission to an alternate major if a valid one is indicated on the application. Such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

UC Santa Diego: Yes, if the applicant’s first choice is capped.

UC Santa Barbara: An applicant may be considered for admission to an alternate major if a valid one is indicated on the application. Such decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

UC Santa Cruz: Alternate majors may be offered to select students who meet the qualifications.

Thank you! I could not find that information anywhere. Much appreciated.

one addendum: UCLA will consider some alternate majors if you apply using the TAP program. see http://www.admission.ucla.edu/Prospect/Adm_tr/ADM_CCO/tap_alt_mjr.htm

TAP is essentially an honors CC curriculum, your CC may have additional requirements, not all CC’s participate.

@mikemac: Thanks for the additional information. I forgot about TAP for UCLA.