I was accepted to UCSC a few days back( haven’t SIRed yet). I applied for a marine biology major. I meet all the prereqs for this major. I’m considering switching majors to physics or earth sciences. Both of them are from a different department than marine bio.
For earth sciences I would be lacking a one course in geology and 3rd class in calc. based physics (both required prereq for major). For Physics I would be missing 3rd class in calc. based physics.
Would I be allowed to take these classes on Fall 2015 at UCSC and change majors if I complete them? From what got from their website, both these majors aren’t selective. Has any UCSC transfer changed majors? If so, what is the process like?
Congrats on your admittance! As far as I know, UCSC asks transfer admits to declare their major in their first quarter at UCSC. When you are admitted, you go in undeclared as a pre-major. Sounds like you could go in undeclared as pre-marine bio, enroll in the other courses, and then declare earth sciences if you get the go-ahead. I would recommend asking a counselor first if this is a viable plan.
I’m not sure if physics is more competitive, but I’d also advise transferring to a department who has comparable admit rates to marine biology. That’s my 2 cents!
@rileyc21 Thanks for the info, I’ll look in those stats about majors.
And about switching majors, if thats the case, then I should be able to meet the requirements for earth sciences major after first quarter there, of course if they tell me I could do it and also considering I’ll be able to get into said courses.
Btw, I remember you from that UCSC housing thread, are you still going there? My first choice was Davis, but I just learned I’m waitlisted there and they will only let me know after June 1st, which is also the deadline for SIR. So I’m going to accept SC as of now and wait for the best. But I’m really ok with any among the two.
@Xenomorph you’re welcome! Hope it’s helpful.
I am most likely going to UCSC, yeah! I think that’s a smart choice. I hope you do get in to Davis but if you don’t you’ll have a friend in me 
I’m JUST about to hear from UCLA, and Berkeley next week so… fingers crossed! For both of us!!