Should I change my intended major?

Applying to College
1

I am quite concerned about my chances of getting accepted into a school with a chemical engineering major. Since it’s engineering I know that it is more competitive, but I don’t know if it is more convenient to apply to something else and then transfer. I am applying to most of the UC’s schools except Santa Barbara and Merced, my stats are the following,
Objective:
[] SAT I (breakdown): 1130. 530M, & 600 RW (Will be taking again on Nov. 5)
[] SAT II: I plan on taking Physics and Math II in December
[li] UC GPA: 4.05[/li]

  • I am also a mexican female, but I know that UC's don't consider ethnicity. My EC's are focused on the S.T.E.M. field including two internships directly related to chemical engineering and more than 200 hours tutoring science and math. My main concern is that my test scores are not as good as they could be, I have faced harsh circumstances through my high school career but I don't know how unique they are because I know I am not the only one, I will also graduate with more than 20 credits of community college classes. At this moment I am really confused on what to do, I don't know if I should take the risk of applying right now, or try to transfer later while in college. Thank you for your opinions!
2
  1. If Engineering is your first choice, you definitely want to apply for the major at the UC's since switching into Engineering may prove to be problematic and no guarantees later down the road.
  2. Do you plan to retake your SAT or try the ACT? You have until December. Also have you taken any SAT subject tests like Math 2 and another Science? Doing well on the Math 2 may offset your lower SAT 1 Math score.
  3. Your GPA is on target for UCM/UCR/UCSC and possible UCI, so you have a decent chance at some of the UC's.
  4. Are you planning to apply to some Cal States, which would be solid Matches for you such as SDSU/CSULB/CPP?

You do not have to go to a UC for a great education.

Good Luck.

3

SDSU does not have chemical engineering, but SJSU does.

4

@Gumbymom I’ll take them in december, and yes I have applied to Long Beach, CPP, and SJSU. I will just put chemical engineering because I don’t want to have to wait more to learn what I really like right now. I just feel insecure about the csu’s because the people that surround me look down upon them, even though I’d be happy to attend one.