Switching major in UCSD?

<p>Hi, i want to know if UCSD allows you to change majors once you get in. My grades aren't top notch (like a 3.5gpa (i know this for sure) weighted 3.3 unweighted (i think)) With these grades i don't think i can even get into SD but i gotta take my act to see what i'll get. I'm even worried i'll get rejected from irvine but i have a lot of extra curriculars and volunteering. I'm going to major in computer engineering (don't know which part yet) but i heard it's very hard to get into those schools with an engineering major so i was thinking of going in as something that's less competitive and then switching. Do you guys know if they let you switch majors?
Is it always guaranteed or is it a slim chance for me to switch?
Thanks.</p>

<p>they let you change majors :]</p>

<p>Thanks, first straight answer of the day :D</p>

<p>They let you change majors UNLESS it's an impacted major you're trying to change into. </p>

<p>Current</a> Students: Impacted Majors</p>

<p>with "undeclared" as a major for some freshmen, of course they'd have to let you change it!</p>

<p>hmm snapz didn't know that ucsandiego915
thanks for the knowledge
do you guys also happen to know if your chances of getting into an engineering is harder than other majors?
Do tehy look for specific grades or anything? or are they just comparing you with the other computer engineer applicants?</p>

<p>Jaesango:</p>

<p>Unless it has changed recently, yes, it's harder to get into engineering than most other majors. They first review you for acceptance to UCSD then the Jacobs school of engineering does a second review to a higher level. Expect a focus on math. It's also more difficult to switch majors into engineering than out of it (which isn't a problem).</p>

<p>By "difficult"do you mean nearly impossible?
What steps would i need to take?</p>

<p>No - it's not impossible to be accepted to or to switch into. It's just that they have a higher cut than the general UCSD admission for admission to it as a freshman. To transfer in, check with the department up front before deciding on UCSD (do it now if you're interested) to see their requirements. It generally would mean maintaining a high GPA but possibly also taking certain courses while doing so. </p>

<p>Don't count on switching in though since if you choose UCSD with the plan to switch majors later because you weren't accepted to the engineering school up front versus going to another UC or elsewhere straight into their CE/CS program, you might be disappointed later if you end up not being able to switch in.</p>

<p>Assuming you're still in HS, do well in math and try to do well in the math sections of the SAT/ACT and AP.</p>

<p>So then when i'm fillling in my college application would i be able to put an alternative major?
So for instance, my first choice would be computer engineer and second let's say....music(just an example). Would they check me for both majors? Would i be able to get into one of the majors but not the other and still be able to attend UCSD?</p>

<p>Thanks for all your help, i really appreciate it.</p>

<p>It's very easy to switch majors. In fact, you can do it online. It's only difficult to switch into bioengineering and computer science/engineering, which are impacted.</p>

<p>
[quote]
So then when i'm fillling in my college application would i be able to put an alternative major?

[/quote]

Yes, except for UCB. When you fill out the form you can indicate the major and alternate major and then indicate which UC campuses you're applying to. Include a variety if you want so you can hopefully have broader choices. There's nothing wrong with a CS/CE degree from any of the UC campuses.</p>

<p>Different campuses handle the applications differently. For example, (unless things have changed) if you apply to UCSD as CE major, which means you're applying to the professional school of the Jacobs School of Engineering, first UCSD determines whether to accept you then the app is sent to Jacobs for a second review. It would be possible to get first accepted by UCSD but then rejected by Jacobs in which case you can still attend UCSD - just not Jacobs. I believe if you apply to the UCLA Samueli school of engineering and are rejected then that's it - you're rejected from UCLA. The app form doesn't allow the designation of an alternate major at UCB. The other UCs may have different criteria. </p>

<p>fyi - from the UCSD admissions site -

[quote]
Note: Applicants to the Jacobs School of Engineering or those considering the biological or physical sciences are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test: Math Level 2 and a science test (biology E/M, chemistry, or physics) that is closely related to the applicant's intended major.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>ok thanks for that info
now i just hope i can bump my sat and act scores</p>