How does UCI & UCSD handle alternate majors?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

Two specific questions:

  1. I know UCSD won’t admit students into their alt. major if it is also capped. Does this hold true for UCI? (assuming impacted = capped)
  2. Will the alternate major be viewed as a separate application? If not, will alternate majors be given lower priority? (ex. a 50% acceptance rate would instead become 25% if listed as alternate)

I am aware that most people on this forum aren’t AOs but I figured someone more knowledgeable could chime in.

2

I have not found any definitive data or the exact process on how each campus handles alternate majors for Transfers or even Freshman, but I am sure it will be based on the applicants major prep course completion for Transfers and major capacity limits.

UCSD for example states they recommend if you are applying to a Capped major to select a Non-capped major as an alternate. In rare cases for both Freshman and Transfers, I have seen applicants admitted into a Capped major as an alternate. This is based on the UC Decision threads in which posters have stated they were admitted into a Capped major as an alternative. Not exactly scientific but I would think valid.

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3

This is from the UCI FAQ’s:

You may also specify an alternate major, for which you will be considered if you meet its requirements and if space permits. There are no changes of major within the admission process.

4

Just based off of what people have posted in the decision threads over the years, UCSD tends to go to 2nd choices quite often. If neither is available, they may accept the student as undeclared.

5

OP is a Transfer applicant so Undeclared is not an option.

6

Oops, didn’t see that. I haven’t paid as much attention to how often UCSD gives first or second choices to transfers compared to freshmen. Sorry if I misled.

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7

Sorry, I can’t seem to view the quoted text in your post here. Could just be an issue on my end

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8

Here is the link about Transfers: Transfer Students | Office of Undergraduate Admissions | UCI

You may also specify an alternate major, for which you will be considered if you meet its requirements and if space permits. There are no changes of major within the admission process.

9

anecdotally, I can tell you that UCSD does admit alt majors if capped, at least for freshmen. Last year, I applied for one engineering major and got into my alternative engineering major.

10

Yes, there are exceptions but for the rule, they recommend a non-capped major or students could end up in Undeclared which has a much difficulty when trying to change majors as a Freshman. Transfers are another story since required coursework is needed for transfers.