Hey everyone!
I’m currently a junior in high school and am beginning to get stressed about college and my future as most people are. I want to major in computer science, but I do not think I have the grades to get into a good program I’d be happy about. My English grades are better than my math grades in SATs and on my transcript. However, I did get a five on a AP Comp Sci A exam and always had As in the computer science classes at my school. Anyways, here are my stats.
I have a 3.1 GPA.
1410 on the SAT (Might go up, taking it again).
Plan to take the Math 2 SAT.
Java and Python Certified.
5 on the AP Computer Science Exam
Some extracurriculars.
I want to apply to UCR, and mostly public universities out of state. However, given my low GPA and math scores, I do not think I can get into the CS programs there. Is it possible I can choose a less competitive major or keep my major undeclared, then, if/when I get accepted, I change my major into CS. Is that allowed and doable? I know UCR allows you to change your major, but I’d imagine many other people plan to change their major as well given how competitive CS is.
Whether you can switch majors after admission depends on the major and the college. Changing majors is very common but there are restrictions. As you are aware, it may be very difficult to get into CS due to CS being especially competitive at many colleges.
Be sure you are using the correct UC GPA (I don’t have more information except that there are UC GPA calculators on the internet). 3.1 looks low for UCR.
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/riverside/freshman-profile/index.html
http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/files/freshman-profiles/freshman_profile_riverside.pdf
Please be aware that most public universities do not provide need-based financial aid to out-of-state students. Since you are in CA, look at WUE schools. https://www.wiche.edu/info/wue/WUEsavingsChart.pdf
I would check how each University admits since switching from a non-competitive to a competitive major can be problematic at some schools where you need a direct admit. The rule of thumb for most applicants is that it is much easier to switch from a competitive major to a non-competitive versus the other way around.
UCR admits by major but they do consider your alternate major if you do not get into your first choice.
Below is a link for how to change majors at UCR and just remember that even if you meet the change of major criteria, it may not be guaranteed.
https://student.engr.ucr.edu/policies/major-changes#computer_science
Your GPA will impact your chances at UCR for CS but if you are a California resident, there are several Cal States where CS is not impacted and you would get a solid education. SFSU is an non-impacted campus.
Converted to UC GPA, it’s either a 3.3 or a 3.4. I’m not entirely sure about that.
Can I keep my major undeclared or English, something I have stronger grades in, and switch out after that? I’ve read that you can switch after being accepted, but that seems weird. I’m very confused. =/
Criteria to change into the CS major at UCR is here:
https://student.engr.ucr.edu/policies/major-changes#computer_science
In general, if the actual desired major is more competitive for frosh admission, changing into it later will require a high college GPA or competitive admission then.
Note also that UCR’s humanities, arts, and social sciences division will not let you change out if you cannot do so within the first year: https://chassstudentaffairs.ucr.edu/transition_advising/index.html . This is unusual, since major change restrictions are typically based on the capacity of the major you are changing in to.
You can calculate your UC GPAs here: https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/ . The “weighted and capped” version is the one you will find on most UC web sites referring to high school GPA, and is also what CSU uses.