at ucsd, ucsb, davis, ucla, cal
my main major is physics
i plan on TAGing to either ucsb or davis (still undecided)
it’s a bit ironic because economics is probably the more competitive major to get into than physics, especially at ucla. im just wondering if it’s possible to apply as a physics major and then double major in economics. or would economics be way too impacted to be able to simply double major in it after getting admitted?
or would it be best to apply as an economics major and then add physics? (my gpa is 3.47, but ill have completed all of the physics major requirements which include calc based physics, calculus sequence, multivariable, differential equations, linear algebra. even have the general chem sequence, excluding one lab which i had to withdraw for non-academic reasons [plus that lab isn’t a requirement for a physics major])
would an economics major applying with that complex coursework have more of a chance to get in, even if they have a lower gpa? (ive taken micro and macroeconomics and i have an A in both of them. does that mean id have a 4.0 major gpa if i apply in economics?)
also, another question… do i need to have completed all of the courses on assist to qualify for TAG?
for uc davis i planned on doing applied physics which i think requires a computer science class but it doesn’t say it’s required by the time you transfer:
====Applied Physics B.S.====
Special Advising Note:
Transfer students are strongy advised to complete as many preparatory courses as
possible for their major before enrolling at UC Davis. In particular, it is
highy recommended that students complete a calculus-based physics series, a
calculus series through linear algebra and differential equations, and a formal
course in C programming before transferring.
i haven’t taken a course in C, but i know a tiny bit about python from online resources.
will this rule me out of TAG for davis?
For TAG you only need to meet the unit/gpa requirement. “Recommended” so not required so your good to go on the TAG I believe.
@OnlyTheStrong what if the C course is listed on assist along w/ the required physics/math classes (and not as one of the ‘‘recommended’’ ones)? but the “recommended” part is only mentioned in the advising note, im not sure if TAG will just automatically cross check w/ the listed courses and think they’re mandatory or not…
Physics and economics are very different studies that relate to very different fields. I am personally a double major, so I want to make it clear that I am not advocating against double majoring. I would simply not recommend going through the stress of trying to work out those two majors specifically. There are a number of organizations that meet at the intersection of science and economics, but the workplace is about specialization. Employees are hired to provide very specific expertise on a specific subject rather than general knowledge of multiple.
However, if you are determined, then you will almost certainly want to apply under economics. Adding it after transfer will be next to impossible at nearly all UCs, especially considering that more students will be admitted in the next couples years than ever before.
Possible at any UC except UCLA/UCB. You would need to apply as an econ major to both UCLA/UCB if you want to do it. Also, in both schools you will get in only as a pre-econ major where you still need some pre-reqs before you can declare the major. I would look into getting a minor in accounting instead. It will benefit you way more if you looking to get some practical business knowledge.