<p>Hey everyone, I've been searching the forum for hours and I cannot find a definitive answer to my question. I applied to UCLA as a philosophy major, and UCLA only requires one major pre-req class. Does it matter that I will be taking the pre-req in the spring? For what it's worth, I have a 4.0 cumulative GPA, so basically I'm just wondering if UCLA will freak out that I won't be done with my major pre-req until spring.</p>
<p>And please respond only if you REALLY know what you're talking about. It bothers me when people act like they they are the UCLA admissions guru when they're really just pulling info out of their you-know-what.</p>
<p>Agree with @SMCguy. According to UCLA the prerequisites for Philosophy are:
[<em>] one introductory course in philosophy of the mind or in skepticism and rationality
[</em>] one introductory course in ethical theory
[<em>] one introductory course in symbolic logic
[</em>] one additional introductory philosophy course (e.g., contemporary moral issues, Western philosophy, introduction to philosophy, etc.)
To answer your original question, it is best to complete your prerequisites before you apply. I do not know how impacted Philosophy is, but this especially applies to impacted majors. For example, take Business Economics (can also be applied to any major) at UCLA. </p>
<p>Applicant 1: Has completed the 6 prerequisites for the major. Therefore, when he/she submits their application, the person reviewing the grades will have no doubt in their mind because he/she has completed all the required courses.</p>
<p>Applicant 2: Has only completed 4 of the prerequisites. Will be taking the remaining in the spring. Compared to applicant 1, the person reviewing the application will not have the complete picture. For all we know, the person can be admitted and bomb the 2 remaining courses.</p>
<p>One can argue, well GPA, essays, ECs, etc will separate the two applicants but if they were identically the same, it is clear Applicant 1 is better suited than Applicant 2. I’m not saying you will not be accepted but it is generally accepted, the sooner you complete the prerequisites the better.</p>
<p>At my school you have 3 options to satisfy the ucla major pre-req for philosophy: Philosophy 100 OR Philosophy 102 OR Philosophy 105. I’ve talked to a couple counselors and both said I only had to take one class. Mitchapalooza, where did you get this info? I’m not saying you’re wrong or anything just wondering if what you said is written down somewhere. Also, philosophy is NOT an impacted major, the average admitted GPA for last fall was like 3.54 and with around a 60% acceptance rate.</p>
<p>I was wondering if it was impacted or not, until I saw the transfer profile. My comment is not written anywhere. It is just an observation. More of a general statement. I guess it applies more to impacted majors. There is no mention of prerequisites having to be done before applying. It only states courses must be completed prior to transferring. </p>
<p>My observation deals with the fact that most of these majors (Business Econ, Comm, Econ, etc) are highly impacted. It has been stated here that the most important criteria for admission is GPA and number of prerequisites completed. Think about it. Applicants will be competing with other students who not only have the GPA but might have finished all the required prerequisites. If it came down to the two, which one would you pick? Of course, the one who has completed all the prerequisites.</p>
<p>I did find this, however.
You have a perfect GPA. Your major is not impacted, so I wouldn’t worry.</p>
<p>Thanks Mitch, I can see how if one’s major was impacted having all pre-reqs done at the time of applying would help. I called my school’s transfer center and they said completing a pre-req during the spring wouldn’t negatively affect my admission decision, so I was probably just worrying about nothing.</p>
<p>@windedbison Ahh ok so only 1 of 4 pre-reqs is offered at your CC. Well since Philosophy is not impacted and you have a great GPA I think you’re in.</p>
<p>Please remember that you’ll have to take the remaining 3 pre-reqs (lower division) at UCLA if admitted. I recommend you take Phil 101 or 136 at Palomar College in the Spring. You might also want to look into online classes at West LA, SMC, etc. The more pre-reqs you finish the better.</p>
You have a 4.0 GPA… that’s like tailgating the hell out of someone in a BMW, it’s expected. :)</p>