So I’ve applied to most UCs under the psychology major, excluding Cal. I applied to a different social science major for Berkeley, a one where I already have the prereqs done for. But on the required question on the personal statements in the UC app, where it asks you for how you’ve completed your major prep, I talked about psychology since it encompassed most of the schools I applied to, and due to the word limit I didn’t have the space to even mention my major for Cal. I’m sure there are many people in the past that had to do something similar. How do you guys think Cal would look at this? To anyone in the past with a similar situation, how did it work out for you? I just think it might be a bit weird from a college’s perspective to read the personal statements and the student is talking about a different major than the one he applied to lol.
It didn’t happen to me but I’ve heard of others doing that and getting accepted to Cal or UCLA. Since the application is handled piecemeal it’s very likely the essay readers don’t even know what majors you put in the main application (or they aren’t paying it any attention).
@Ohm888 thanks for the info. Yeah I suspected it shouldn’t be that big of a deal. Hey btw, since you’re a transfer @ cal I thought I’d ask, how much time to they give you to graduate? From what I understand Cal is unique in that they give transfers a time limit to graduate
@ericbadmon I’m out — did it in two years. I think it’s pretty similar at UCLA and maybe all the UCs. From what I remember Cal gives you an extra semester if you double, and for one major the semester set-up is based on your unit count (omitting AP). Say you’re only taking 12 units a semester, your last semester is the one when number 120 kicks in even if it’s beyond the standard four semesters. And you can go over 120 in that final semester. So if you’re at 118 and then take 15 units your last semester, that’s ok. And if you still need a class or two but are over 120, you can take in summer. At least this is my understanding. I think UCLA does the same thing. But be sure to check.
I think it’s okay as long as your second major is related to psychology. If it’s something cal etc specific they’ll probably be understanding.
The only thing would be if your cal major is something like biz Econ and you don’t make any reference in your essay. But I think you should be good,
@OhWhatsHerName nah it sociology so it’s pretty similar I guess. I’ve heard of plenty other ppl who did the exact same thing as me, apply as psych everywhere else than soc for berkeley.
I have all the prereqs done (just two lol) with a strong GPA so hopefully they won’t mind it too much lol.