Hi all,
So I need some advice on transferring smoothly to either UCI or UCLA. I’m planning to double major in Biology and film, and I just finished some of the Bio major prereqs as my first year in CC. Since there are no important prereqs for a film major other than general ed, should I be applying as a Bio major better or a film major? Obviously, pre med is much more competitive, but yea I was just wondering if it’s any different applying as the one or the other.
If you got accepted into UCLA as a Film major they may not allow you to add on a biology double major, because it’s such a competitive program and there’s precious little space in it. For example, if you’re a transfer who wants to do a life science major they say you have to be accepted AS that major, you can’t change once you’re there. I know you wouldn’t be switching majors, but you would be adding it onto yours and that might still apply to you.
I would check with the universities in question, shoot them an email for info or talk to a counselor (preferably a transfer counselor AT those universities, they visit CC’s a lot) and ask them. It’s more competitive to get accepted as a bio major than film due to the amount of people who apply, but it’s probably easier to add a film double major as a current bio major then vice versa. But that’s just my speculation.
EDIT: [Source]: https://www.admission.ucla.edu/prospect/adm_tr/lsmajors/life_sci.htm
see near the bottom at the * sign
UCLA is FAR more competitive for Film than Biology. The admit rate for Film transfers is 2%, vs. 20% Biology. There’s no chance of adding Film later- that’s on their website. While there may not be a lot of prerequisites for Film, the do require portfolios and such, so you may need to have done some actual work.
Speaking for UCLA, because I don’t know much about Irvine, you likely could not double major in those 2 things. They are in completely different schools within the university. Since you can’t add film later, you’d have to be accepted as Film, which only has a 2% admit rate. Last year 604 students applied, and 12 were accepted. If Film was your passion, then I’d say go for it- shoot for the moon. But it sounds like you’re ambivalent, so if being pre-med is where your passion really lies, then go the Bio route. It’s still very competitive, but with a 20% admit rate, your chances are better.
Yes, I stand corrected. Furthermore, check here: http://www.tft.ucla.edu/programs/film-tv-digital-media-department/undergraduate-degrees/ba-undergraduate-film/
“Note: The School of Theater, Film, and Television does NOT allow double majors.”
so, as @2016Candles suggested, I guess for UCLA you’re going to have to set your heart on either one or the other. Also bear in mind your portfolio won’t be actual films, they don’t accept any videotapes/films as part of their admissions process, it’s 3 essays (personal, critical, creative writing sample) and two letters of rec.
As for UCI, the only info I could find on their website is under the bio major: “Second majors or minors will not be approved unless the student can complete both the degree and double major (or minor) in a total of four (4) years at UCI 9for students entering UCI as freshmen) and three (3) years at UCI (for students transferring to UCI).”
So it would seem it’s possible to double major if you enter as a bio major, albeit, it would probably be very difficult to pull off and very difficult academically, with overloaded semesters of classes, etc. You might have to pass up the possibility of a chance at doing some research or internship for bio (or film) for the sake of the other, as well. For UCI, I would definitely talk to counselors and ask the dept’s how feasible it is if that is your desire.
Thank you @ananguiano and @2016Candles for your info. It’s such a bummer because I was really determined to pursue both at UCLA. I’ll contact UCI to straighten things out and ask if they do accept double majoring in these two. If not I guess I’ll have to pick between them… Which is kind of tough for me. Anyways, thanks again!