It seems like I’m going to have a C in my pre-calc honors class this semester. Would this hurt my chances? If I do manage to get a B in precal and maintain all my other grades, my GPA would a 4.14. Would it still be possible to become a chem major with a C in my math class for a semester?
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/freshman-admissions-summary says that, last year, applicants to UCI with UC-weighted GPA of 3.80-4.19 had a 57% admit rate, while those with a 4.20 or higher GPA had a 97% admit rate.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/freshman-admission-matrix.pdf indicates that some majors may be more competitive at UCI, and alternate majors may be considered.
http://www.changeofmajor.uci.edu/CoM_PhySci.html indicates that, for students already enrolled at UCI and wanting to change major, chemistry is not particularly difficult to change into (2.0 overall GPA, 2.5 chemistry GPA). However, this is not the lowest standard for any major, since some allow changing into with a 2.0 overall GPA and 2.0 major GPA. If this is similar to frosh admission, chemistry may be slightly more selective than the school overall.
If you get a C, that probably shows a downward trend in your grades, which is likely harmful for your admission chances.
I see. It looks like CSULB might be a more realistic option. Thanks!
You still have a chance and definitely worth an application. Try very hard to get the C up to a B. Just make sure you apply broadly and have a good mix of safety, match and reach schools on your list.