I recently got denied my first choice (CS) but accepted as undeclared to UCSB. I really, really want to go to UCSB because I feel like it fits me and I love its atmosphere, but I equally love computers. The only thing making me hesitate about going is the fact that I’m not majoring in CS first semester. I was wondering how much I’d be missing out on if I went to UCSB undeclared, compared to doing computer science at SDSU/SLO/UCD? To word it better - would a large chunk of my classes be taken up by computer related classes if I was a computer science major, or would I not be missing out on much by being undeclared and only taking core classes?
Also, I know transferring from undeclared to school of engineering at UCSB is difficult, but would it be unreasonable to do core classes like calculus/english/etc, and then try to transfer in? If I didn’t get in, would I be able to keep trying?
Here is the information to change majors. It may come down to CS or UCSB but not both. Would you be happy at UCSB without CS?
Minimum Requirements for Consideration
The following are the minimum requirements for consideration. NO EXCEPTIONS ARE MADE FOR THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS.
Complete these courses with a letter grade and on the first attempt:
CMPSC 16, CMPSC 24* and CMPSC 40 (or Math 8)**
Minimum of cumulative 3.2 GPA
Math 3A (or 2A), Math 3B (or 2B), Math 4A and Math 4B
Minimum of cumulative 3.0 GPA
Never have been on academic probation at UCSB
Have less than 105 UCSB units completed by the end of the quarter in which you applied
AP and transferable non-UC units do NOT count toward this limit
Complete a study plan that demonstrates you can finish the CS degree without exceeding 200 units or 5 total years of college
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
*CMPSC 8 is a prerequisite for CMPSC 16, but can be waived with an AP Computer Science A score of 4 or 5
**Can take CMPSC 24 and CMPSC 40 concurrently
Note: CMPSC40 has been moved from the math requirements to the CS requirements as of Spring 2019.
Admission to the major (beyond minimum requirements)
Due to the overwhelming volume of UCSB students looking to change their major to Computer Science, please understand that meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee that you will be admitted into the Computer Science major. Specifically, students who have taken CMPSC 16 (or its equivalent) in Winter 2020 or later will be subject to a change-of-major admission limit, to be determined based on the available resources within any given year.
You would have to take these pre-req courses at one point to switch majors. Even if you are in the major, GE’s need to be taken in between the major classes for a balance.
So even if I wasn’t a CS major, I could still take computer science classes because they’re prerequisites for transferring, or would it be too hard to get into those classes? And would I be taking an equal amount of classes related to CS to those in the major, or would they be taking significantly more?
CS majors would get priority for the CS classes but to change to the major, you will have to take them eventually. Again, something to consider if not getting the classes in a timely manner will increase your time in declaring and completing the major.
honestly you’re probably better off going to a school that has accepted you for CS. The info I can find on the UCSB website is discouraging. You need to take a few CS classes to apply to transfer but
Another option (and one I’ve started a thread on) is to attend SBCC and transfer after 2 years. You’d live in the UCSB area and can even take one UCSB class per quarter. However this is a less attractive option for CS since the guaranteed admission program TAG does not offer any engineering majors. As a regular xfer applicant you’d face this
If you go to one of the other schools you’re in the CS major, you’d have to do so bad they kick you out. Much better odds of ending up with a CS degree and job than trying to change into the major at Santa Barbara, IMHO
Thanks for the reply Would it be reasonable to go to a different college for CS, and then try to transfer in to UCSB’s school of engineering? How many semesters would I have to do before I would be able to transfer?
@jiff33: UC’s only take Junior level transfers so 90 quarter or 60 semester units or approximately 2 years. It depends upon how much of your AP credit can be used toward your transfer. UC to UC transfers are doable but still no guarantees.
Transfer priority is CC to UC transfer, UC to UC transfer, CSU to UC transfer and finally private to UC transfer.
As others have commented, transferring into cs at UCSB is close to impossible. Were you accepted to SLO for cs? SLO has an amazing cs program (many would pick SLO cs over a UC) and the vibe on campus is great. Join SLO fb groups, ask questions and learn more about the program. Good luck with your decision.
go to other schools like sdsu or cpslo cause you will have an actual chance of being in cs major. Cal Poly is really good at engineering and computer science.
Would it be reasonable to go to a different college for CS, and then try to transfer in to UCSB’s school of engineering? How many semesters would I have to do before I would be able to transfer?