@Publisher Some programs are direct admits, which means as long as you’re progressing toward your degree, you will be accepted into the program. “Progress” can be defined in several ways.
Other programs require that you apply as a junior, and are competitive. Even with a decent GPA, you may not get accepted, if its a very competitive major.
UCB’s concern is that you’re aware of how each university handles it. For some folks, not being a direct admit is a big negative.
For example, at UF, the Nursing program is competitive. You could enroll as a freshman, spend two years at UF in “pre-nursing”, earn a good GPA (lets say 3.3+) but find out that you’re not admitted into the nursing program. Then you’re options are to switch majors or switch schools (which many do).
At UF, most of the programs labegg is looking at are direct admits. They require that you make progress toward your degree, usually by having a 2.0 or 2.5 GPA in core classes (sometimes higher) and by completed the required “critical track” courses.
Below is the breakdown for Psychology program at UF. You’ll notice that the requirements start off light for the first 2 semester, which allows the student to explore other majors, while still meeting the Psychology requirement. Many UF students will have already met the math requirements via AP/DE/IB/AICE credits. Also notice the GPA requirement, which slowly increases, but still tops out at a reasonable 2.8. If you met these requirements you’re place into the Psychology major as a junior, it’s not competitive.