I applied to UCB as a psychology major and am confident enough in my application that I feel i’ll get in. That said, over the course of the past few semesters, I’ve come to realize I really enjoy mathematics (woo, diff q) and dislike psych. I was wondering if, after transferring, I could switch majors into the Computer Science BA (the one within the L&S, not the engineering CS). Pre-req wise I’ve done all the math necessary and none of the CS, but apparently that is normal since ASSIST recognizes that not many CCs have transferable courses for their intro CS. Has anyone done this? Is this in bad form? I’d really appreciate any feedback.
If CS is impacted (and I think it is) this will not happen.
But why count your chicks before they hatch?
I like to plan ahead; I have my structure set for if I don’t get in this semester, working on what I’ll do if I am accepted.
So impacted switches are impossible? How about adding an impacted major as a second major?
You would only have a chance to switch majors if the one you are switching to is not impacted (meaning, selective at other campuses). If it is not impacted you can usually do it as long as pre-reqs met. Each UC has its own protocol.
The only exception to getting into an impacted after transfer that I have seen is if you are admitted into a department that has multiple majors - they do seem to let you switch to an impacted after you get into a non-impacted in the same dept. I can’t guarantee that would happen, but I have been told that by some advisors (UCLA English and others) and some students have done it, or been told they could do it after they get in. For instance getting into Amer Lit at UCLA (non-selective), you could in theory transfer over to English major (selective). Not saying it would work, but theoretically possible.
I’m not sure about CS, but I know psych at UCB would not allow a switch or adding a double major.
Minoring may be possible.
You cannot add impacted as a second on any campus, as far as I know.
BTW, planning ahead is fine.
One other point: since you don’t seem to have an over-riding love/obsession with math (I’m only guessing this as it was not your first major choice), be sure to realize that at UCB there are so many math prodigies, even top tier math brainiacs have a rude awakening in that (or related) depts. So make sure it’s really really really what you want if you make the jump.
Read here about L&S CS: http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/csugrad/
Note that a 3.0 GPA in the prerequisite courses is needed to declare L&S CS.
If you are near any CC that offers a course articulated to CS 61A (Laney), 61B (some), and/or 61C (Diablo Valley), it may be a good idea to take those courses.
Of related majors, math, applied math, and cognitive science are not impacted. Statistics is impacted, requiring at least a 3.2 GPA in the math prerequisites and a B- or better in Statistics 134 or 135. ORMS is also impacted, requiring a 3.2 in its prerequisites.
Yup, you can totally do that. You would just need to take 4 CS courses (you can even declare early if you only have a 3.4 with one course left). Since applying to any L&S major just gets you into the college of L&S and not into the major, it honestly doesn’t matter what major you apply for, once you get in (except regarding your essay/ECs). I just transferred in last semester and declared as CS with pretty much the same classes finished coming in (applied as CS major though). Feel free to ask me any questions.