<p>I'm a senior in a high school so, of course, I'm working on college applications. However, I'm having a really hard time deciding which schools I should apply to.</p>
<p>As far as CSUs go, I'm considering Cal Poly Pomona and CSULB, because they offer chemical engineering as a major, but even then, I'm not sure if I want to major in chemical engineering. I really enjoy math and chemistry. I'm the top student in my AP chem class right now, and I have always liked and excelled at math. I did some searching in forums and saw that chemical engineering is recommended for people who like chemistry and math, but I am open to other recommendations.</p>
<p>As for UCs, I'm not sure which school to apply to if I choose to major in chemical engineering. I know Berkeley and Santa Barbara are ranked high for that major, but I don't know what other UCs offer chemical engineering. Also, I'm sure my chances of getting into Berkeley is very slim so I won't apply to that.</p>
<p>Do you have an recommendations for majors or schools I should apply to? Should I just apply as undeclared if I'm not 100% positive that chemical engineering is for me? Should I even factor in chemical engineering as a major when deciding which schools to apply to?</p>
<p>first of all, can you tell us about yourself: state of residency, unwtd GPA, SATIs, SATIIs, ECs, etc.?</p>
<p>UC and CSU choices for chemical engineering:</p>
<p>CPP, CSULB, SJSU, UCB, UCD, UCI, UCLA, UCR, UCSD, UCSB</p>
<p><a href=“http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx”>http://main.abet.org/aps/Accreditedprogramsearch.aspx</a></p>
<p>Never apply undeclared. Schools fill their classes based on programs/majors and specific fit for programs/majors. It’s better to apply for a major you may switch from later on than to apply undeclared. </p>
<p>If you think you’re a competitive candidate under Chemical Engineering, then that’s a good major to pick. Do you have backups? If you don’t think you’re competitive for the UCs that have chem eng, maybe find an alternative major that is carried at the UCs you have a shot at? (ditto CSUs) But you’ll have to hustle on the CSUs–deadline is next week, right? I would pick at least one super safety CSU and UC under a generic engineering degree, perhaps, so you have a safety school. Engineering, Math, Chemistry are all “basic” majors you could pick just for the purposes of applying. (in fact, have you considered a Chem major? I knew some Chem majors who now work as lab scientists and are v. happy).</p>
<p>Are you looking out of state as well? If you provide your stats, maybe people can help you come up with a list.</p>
<p>State of residency: California</p>
<p>Unweighted: 3.42
Weighted: 3.69
CSU & UC: 3.75</p>
<p>SAT I:
first time - 620 Reading, 700 Math, 520 Writing
second time - haven’t received scores yet
No SAT IIs
ACT: haven’t taken yet</p>
<p>I was on the school’s science team for a year and math team for 2 years.</p>
<p>@proudterrier I have considered majoring in Chem, but I’m not sure about the job opportunities. I’m still researching possible majors for my interests, so I am open to suggestions. I just found that chemical engineering is often recommended for some interested in chemistry and math.</p>
<ul>
<li>I am not looking out of state. I’m sure I want to stay in California.</li>
</ul>
<p>The two people I know who did Chemistry ended up getting advanced degrees in it and are now post-doc fellows at university research labs, but I think even with just a bachelor’s you can find jobs. Typically you end up going into research science or a corporate gig (ie: work for pharmaceutical companies, cosmetics companies, etc.). Teaching would also be an option–one can always parlay a BS in a field into a MA in education and then teach.</p>
<p>Chemical Engineering may be the best degree option–it does sound like a good fit.</p>