Hi, I’m relatively new here. Anyways, does your selected major weigh and the certain classes you took into the application process? For example, in the future I’m planning to apply as a communications/comparative literature major (non-STEM) and all my B’s have came from STEM classes so far which happen to be the highest level (AP’s and honors, honors precalculus in sophomore year). Also, I received a B in an elective class in the first semester (Digital Imaging) which I had to take because a language class couldn’t work with my schedule. Do they consider that? If it weren’t for that B, my GPA would be a few points higher. Also, I’m planning on applying to nowhere super prestigious, just maybe schools like UW, Ohio State, and the UC’s.
Many, many colleges admit by major, so it definitely impacts the selection process. Purdue, for example, will require a much more rigorous course selection and GPA for Engineering than for childhood education.
The alignment of your A’s vs B’s and how they align with your chosen major will also be looked at. Not as in “oh, let’s ignore that class and make the GPA higher”, but as a soft consideration/tie breaker.
I know this isn’t your question, but you should know that most public universities don’t give financial aid to out of state applicants. I don’t know which of these is in your home state, but the others will be expensive. If you don’t live in CA, prepare to pay $65k/yr at the UCs.
It can vary based on college.
Some colleges admit by major, so different majors may be more or less competitive.
Some colleges admit by division (e.g. liberal arts/science versus engineering versus business versus agriculture versus …) but not major within the division (or that may vary depending on the division).
Some colleges do not formally admit by division or major, but if they have subjective admission reading, your intended major in the context of your application (including courses, grades, essays, etc.) can make an impression on the admission reader.
If you want to change major after enrolling, and the new major is one of the more competitive ones for frosh admission, expect it to require a high college GPA or competitive admission process to change into.
If admission is done by division or not formally by division or major, some majors may still be oversubscribed and subject to high college GPA or competitive admission to declare after enrolling as undeclared.
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I’m a resident of California so I’m no terribly worried about tuition. But like many students, I’d like to go somewhere out of state; I have to weigh my options accordingly, depending on the financial aid I actually get.
I am a resident of California so I am not terribly worried. However, like many students, I’d like to move out of state, so I’ll have to weigh my options accordingly depending on the financial aid I receive.