Hi! I am currently torn between two majors. Is there an option to have a first choice and second choice majors on the UC Application?
As a Freshman or Transfer?
Below is the UC information regarding considering an alternate major.
**For Freshman Applicants: **
UCB:
Division (L&S, CNR, CoC, CED, CoE) matters for admission selectivity.
Within CoE (but not the other divisions), major matters for admission selectivity. Changing majors within the CoE after enrolling is not guaranteed, unless one is CoE undeclared.
Alternate majors are not considered.
UCD:
Applicants are encouraged to list an alternate major, but not in the
same area as the primary major (e.g., Computer Science Engineering with alternate Computer Science in the College of L&S). Occasionally, we admit to the alternate major.
UCI:
UCI admits into the University first and then into the major. In the case that UCI is unable to accommodate all qualified applicants in their first-choice major, those students who indicate a valid alternate major may be offered admission in that major or Undeclared.
UCLA:
UCLA only guarantees review of an applicant’s first-choice major.
We typically do not admit to the alternate major.
UCSD:
The campus does not admit students on the basis of academic major or choice of UC San Diego undergraduate college. Alternate majors are considered and capped majors are highly competitive. Also note: Capped majors require additional pre-req courses and specific GPA to be able to qualify if changing majors. Also if applying to a capped major, select an non-capped major as an alternate.
UCSB:
College of Engineering: Students are selected by major for all engineering and computer science majors. Only applicants with a solid background in advanced high school mathematics will be considered for admission to engineering. This includes high grades in all math courses through grade 11 and enrollment in pre-calculus or higher in grade 12. A student not selected for their first choice major will be reviewed for admission to an alternate major outside of the College of Engineering if one was selected.
UCSC:
Important Note for Prospective Engineering Students: Choice of major does not influence the selection of first-year students, except for those applicants interested in a major offered by the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE). Freshmen who are interested in a BSOE program should be sure to indicate a BSOE proposed major. Students who do not indicate a BSOE program or who apply as undeclared might not be able to pursue a BSOE program.
UCR:
Admission by major but alternate/2nd choice major will be considered if applicant does not need their first choice admission standards.
For Transfers:
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. If you apply for TAP, an alternate major will be considered.
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.
@Gumbymom
Thank you so much for the help, I truly appreciate it!! could you send me the links for where you found this information for freshman applicants, for some reason I couldn’t navigate the website to find this information. Thank you so much!
Some Information is found on each schools website and some on the UC application guide. I compiled it together for ease of use.
https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/quick-reference.pdf
@Gumbymom Thank you so much!! that really helped!