<p>I will be applying to UCB and I can't decide what major to apply for. I am now double majoring in Political Science and French at a CC. I know that UCB's Political Science department's admission rate is brutal, while the French Department's admission rate is higher.</p>
<p>My counselor told me that I should apply as a French major since it would be easier for me to get in but all the extracurricular and community service projects i did all center around Political Science. For example, I am mentor/facilator for a high school in PeaceJam, an international educational program that teaches young people bout peace and other political and human rights issues. Every year, I always attend peace conferences and meet noble peace laureates and interview them for my stories. I'm even starting a research project about Burmese refugees in the Bay Area.</p>
<p>I study French because i know it could take me very far in the world of politics and international law, which are my interests. But as for my extracurricular activities, I haven't done a single thing that is French related. I've never attended a French Club meeting and never was interested in it either. The only French thing I've done was go to the French Wine festival every year, eat at French restaurants and visit museums with my friends for my activite culturelle, which is mostly social rather than educational or intellectual.</p>
<p>In my opinion, applying as a Political Science major will make my personal statement more passionate, coherent and relevant.</p>
<p>But what do you think? Should I just take a risk by following my heart or should I be more strategic and take the short-cut?</p>
<p>Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought the UC schools were like Texas in that they allow you to choose a first major and then a second major to be considered for if you don't get in.</p>
<p>You shouldn't let your choice of school affect your intended major. If you really like poli sci, go for it. </p>
<p>For Cal's Social Science department, I'm sure every applicant is qualified/above qualified. I'm not too sure of it, but your application may come down to the essays, where you have the opportunity to distinguish yourself from their high application pool. </p>
<p>Anyway, can you post your stats so that we can better gauge your chances/compare it to others who've made it in?</p>
<p>I would without a doubt go for the French major; with your stats you will be a shoe in and since you want to double major in that as well why not. Don’t risk it and go for the French major.</p>
<p>here are my stats (I've posted this so many times)</p>
<p>Major: Political Science and French
GPA: 4.0
Breath: done by the time app.
IGETC: done by the time of app.
Major Prereqs: Done by the time by app. except for one Political Science class that is not offered at a CC and a fourth semester French
EC: PeaceJam and all the good stuff (everyyear since I landed in the CC, I always go to conferences to meet Nobel Peace Laureates, etc.); Facilator for high school's peacejam chapters; I interned at the a local newspaper for 20 hours a week in the summer; staff writer for school newspaper
Volunteer Work: Teaching immigrants English and doing Fund-raising for PeaceJam; tutoring at juvenill hall this summer (boy, what an experience!!)
Work Experience: 10-20 hours a week tutoring disabled students</p>
<p>As you can see, I haven't done anything Frenchy because I didn't have enough time to.</p>
<p>Thats fine if you have if done anything frenchy becase your chances are still better at French. I honestly think you will get in either way so good luck!</p>
<p>The divine one said you should get into either major...so don't overthink things...in fact, he is convinced you will get the regents invite (since you have the requisite 4.0 gpa)...he wishes you best of luck and if you have any further questions don't be afraid to PM him...Also, if you are interested in becoming an apostle, PM him :D</p>
<p>Yeah. UCLA only considers alternates for TAP students. It's on the application bc the other schools DO consider them. Just not UCLA if you're without TAP.</p>
<p>Sorry.</p>
<p>/They generally don't tell this to students, for some reason. It's been confirmed to me by both CC and UCLA honors faculty and you can find out more if you google "ucla transfer alternate". I don't have specific links bc most of the information is in powerpoint form (which they make available to educators). But you can find those and read them.</p>
<p>Pellman or anyone else who is willing to answer?</p>
<p>1) what is the Regent Invite (is that a scholarship)?
2) when people say "done by the time of application," does that mean that you're taking that classes in the fall (when you're applying to Cal)? I assume that it was, so for all the classes that I've taken and am taking right now, I'd put "done by the time of application." I've finished three Political Sciece prerequisite class and all igetc last year except for art history. I'm taking two Poli Sci classes right now, as well as an art history class for igetc.</p>