<p>i've already submitted my UC applications, but i'm thinking about changing my major. i realized that i'm very far from having all of the english major preparatory classes completed by spring (missing language as well as literature classes) but i have 2/3 completed for anthropology. anthropology is also a less selective major, at least at UCLA. would it be a good idea to switch majors, or should i stick to english? would changing it mainly for admission purposes be a bad idea? my chances of being admitted as an english major with so little preparation is probably low, even with an above average GPA. any suggestions?</p>
<p>If you don't have the language classes (one foreign language up to level 2), then you won't even complete the IGETC. However, I've not seen anyone, at least on these forums, rejected for missing these requirements. Also since you have an "above average GPA," I think you'll be fine. </p>
<p>BTW do you have TAP? That tends to help out a lot as well. I've known people from my school who had average/below average GPAs with missing prereqs for semi-selective majors like English and still got in.</p>
<p>In terms of switching majors to raise your chances, I don't know too much about this. If you are going to do it, first make sure if it is difficult to switch majors once you are admitted, because if you can't, and end up not liking anthropology, then the next two years may not be very pleasant.</p>
<p>I was in the same dilemma as you earlier this year, but I decided to just hack it out and take the extra couple of classes, even though UCLA is not my first choice.</p>
<p>Oh yeah I forgot to mention that the foreign language requirements (up to level two) can be satisfied if you had satisfactory grades (C or higher) in a foreign language in high school for two years. However, if you have plans to go onto grad school, I would advise against this since grad schools have certain foreign language requirements in which you have to demonstrate a proficiency level. If not, then I'd say you do this.</p>
<p>Also, can you list down the classes you have already completed for the major reqs? The most important classes really are the two composition/lit classes, and the two surveys of british lit classes. If you will complete these classes by Spring, then I think you'll be fine.</p>
<p>Hey Pellman I have a question regarding this major switching thing, the major I declared on the application was global studies, but I feel like switching on to international development studies(they listed this as impacted). The major pre-reqs for international development studies and global studies are 100% identical, so I am not really too worried about that. However, my UC essay talked mostly about the major global studies.. what should I do? Will I be at an extreme disadvantage to change my major because my essay talks about something else slightly different? Eventhough the prereqs are the same? Or should I just change it once I get admitted into UCLA(saying if I do get in), I have seen some people on the forums do that before..</p>
<p>If anyone else knows the answers to my questions please feel free to help me out!!</p>
<p>thats tough! i would say you stick to global studies! (to me it sounds more interesting than international dev.)</p>
<p>haha yeah major dilemma indeed mojo! I'm still thinking through about this. I think at this point I like them both almost equally.
I feel that going for international dev. would tailor more to me in some ways because I am pre vet, and I am interested in rural/international development, and I've also seen a lot of vet schools interested in students with that kind of experience/study.
:S</p>
<p>Well, I've heard from many UCLA counselors and people in these forums that essays doesn't really mean much if you are an above-average applicant (GPA from about 3.75 and up). So, I guess that if you REALLY want to change your major (I don't see the difference between both majors, but maybe you can explain it to me :o) and if you will have completed all the prereqs for that major, then go for it.</p>
<p>i do have 2 years of high school language, which satifies the IGETC. but for english they want up to a 4th semester. because of terrible advising i was confused about this whole major pre-req thing until recently. so basically i'll have 2 semesters of language (if high school counts), english 1A, and english 1B. i can't fit the year of british literature or additional language courses if i want to complete the IGETC and core requirements by the end of spring. i'm literally taking as many classes as i can (full class load in winter and spring)just to meet the minimum requirements.</p>
<p>so the question is...will that be enough? i wrote my essay on my desire to be an english major, which is true. i believe the essays were fairly strong and my gpa should be around 3.7. i just didn't know about the importance of having specific classes in your major until it was too late to do much about it. i'd rather not have to go to the trouble of switching majors back and forth. but if it really significantly lowers my chances to be admitted to all of the UCs, i'd consider it.</p>
<p>Thanks pellman. Well, international development studies is more about development in countries, global studies is like, international relations(more like polisci I guess). My GPA is a 3.59 at the moment.
I remember seeing the due date for the major change some time next month, I'll see what I decide during these few weeks.</p>
<p>oh what? can u link me on the major change thing, cuz i havent changed my major for ucla either!</p>
<p>here's the link:
<a href="http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/applicant/changes.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/applicant/changes.htm</a></p>
<p>oh damn! i realized that i made two mistakes on my application, i put bio instead of BIOL and psy instead of psych. Now i think i gotta call up every school!! worst of all, is that all offices are closed until jan 2nd or something!</p>
<p>"but for english they want up to a 4th semester."</p>
<p>Yes, but like I said, I haven't seen anyone rejected for not finishing all four. The good thing for you is that you will fulfill the IGETC requirements.</p>
<p>"I can't fit the year of british literature"</p>
<p>This may be a problem. From what I hear, these two classes will either make or break your chances. You may have to get some more input on this from people on these forums.</p>
<p>BTW are you from around the LA area? L.A. Harbor College offers these two classes online, and all you'll be responsible for are doing the required essays (I think). If I were you, I'd look into taking the brit lit classes this way.</p>
<p>But hey, if all fails, I think you're still in good shape to get into the anthropology major.</p>
<p>I am considering changing my major as well. I spoke on the phone with a UC Berkeley representative, and she said, if you change your major, the major you initially applied as will be the one they look at in terms of your admission, then they take the change of major into account once you are in. So, if I want to change my major to a less impacted major for a higher chance of admission, this won't work? Did I hear right from the rep? Anybody know for sure?</p>
<p>I called Berkeley again, for the third time, and the representative said that when reviewing applications, they look to see if the applicant will be a "good fit at Berkeley", and don't consider the major a key factor. Hmm, I love how they try to be as vague as possible. Just what the heck does a "good fit at Berkeley" mean anyways? </p>
<p>On the phone, I repeatedly would ask her, "Ok. I understand. But what I wanted to know is whether my application would be reviewed based on the major I initially applied under or the major I change it to." Again, she said we look to see if the applicant is a "good fit at Berkeley." My hunch is, though, this lady didn't know how to answer my question. I'm lost.</p>
<p>i think shes right because for example, sociology is my major, but you arent admitted to the program until you go to berk and have a GPA established. So maybe she is right; maybe they are looking for the "right fit".</p>