<p>I was accepted into the College of Letters and Sciences for transfer from a CC as an intended economics major, but somewhere along the way I realized that I would much rather major in physics. I don't have any of the prerequisites for that major done, so it would take me a year before I could declare the major, and then another two years after that to complete it. </p>
<p>It seems like some students do end up staying at Cal for an extra year, but I was wondering if it's different for transfer students and if my situation is even possible as far as UC policy goes. I haven't really been able to find much information on my situation other than a possible registration block once I reach 90 units as undeclared. Also somewhere it said that financial aid is guaranteed for 3 years for transfers, which sounds hopeful.</p>
<p>(I realize it would probably make the most sense to just go back and complete the prereqs at my CC, but for mental health reasons that is not an option.)</p>
<p>Any information would be helpful!</p>
<p>You get 4 semesters as a single major, and 5 semesters as a double major, and as many summers as you want. I’m not sure how successful people are at petitioning for an additional semester after that. Perhaps you would be more successful if you were doing lab work or an honors project and you could use that as an excuse to stay longer. I’m not sure what’s required of physics, is it just a TON of classes? or is it that the classes are sequential, so you would have to stay for 3 years to take the classes in order? If it’s the former, I don’t see how you couldn’t get it done in 2 years anyway. Just means that you would be only taking physics classes and only 2 electives (I think thats the amount of non major upper divs you must have). If it’s the latter, then I suggest taking on an additional major to fill up your empty schedule and guarantee you the extra semester.</p>
<p>Session D for Cal starts next Monday. Can you get started on something now? Whether that’s getting an upper div elective out of the way, taking a physics class, or making more progress on your econ degree, it would still be beneficial if you feel crunched for time.</p>
<p>FWIW, I am taking 16 units at Cal this summer and while it’s difficult, it’s not impossible. I highly recommend summer session for getting classes done.</p>