Hi guys, I was just accepted as a junior transfer into UCSD.
I applied as Computer Science and Engineering (CSE: Computer Science) Major, but was accepted as a Mathematics-Computer Science major instead (an alternate major that I listed). My brother, with a lower GPA and the same classes, was accepted to the former (his first choice as well). Is it possible they made a mistake? Can I request to change my major or ask why I was accepted to my alternate major instead of my primary major?
Also: Does anyone have any experience with the Mathematics-Computer Science major at UCSD? I know from browsing around that it is more Math/algorithm oriented whereas CSE:CS is more programming oriented - how will this affect my chances at learning what I need to be a capable programmer in the tech world? I understand that a lot of what I will be showing to interviewers will be programming knowledge and results outside of the classroom, but will I be missing out on computer programming courses if I elect to stay with Mathematics-Computer Science?
I already contacted UCSD Admissions about this and will be waiting for a reply. (the subject of the message that I selected was : Change of Majors, and I detailed my above questions).
Did you brother also apply this year to UCSD? Or did he apply in a previous year? Was he applying as a transfer or an incoming freshman?
Admissions can sometimes do wacky things, but they are allowed to accept whoever they want to the university and students can get admitted to the major they want in any way. You can try to appeal, but CS is an impacted major and they can’t take everyone.
I would considered the Math/CS major exactly what it sounds like. It is a math major with a little bit of CS thrown in. Some employers might really like that, while others might not care. From what I know about the CS field (and this is all hearsay from friends and family in the field) that it tends to be much more about your experience than about what your degree is in. They care about what you know and what you can do, and you may have to work harder at proving that as a math major. But really, no matter what your major, internships and other programming experience are what is really going to matter when it comes to looking for a job.
Yep, my brother applied to UCSD with me for Fall 2015, both as transfers. His GPA was .3 lower and he got accepted into his primary major. I will try to appeal, but in the end, I feel satisfied with what I was given - I just need to know what I am getting into and prepare myself accordingly.
For those of you already at UCSD, how hard is it to apply for CS classes if you are not a CS major? I fully intend to take advantage of available classes when possible and will definitely be working a lot on projects outside of class, but any additional classroom learning would be great.
Thanks @baktrax for your help.
0.3 lower isn’t that significant, depending on what GPA you’re talking about (4.0 vs 3.7 isn’t that significant but 3.1 vs. 2.8 can be a bigger deal). That could just be down to other factors in your application, or just pure chance.
You can take any CS class you want as long as it isn’t restricted to a certain major.