The practice of applying to an easy major to get in, then switching to a harder one

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>For example, applying to a liberal arts major to easily get into UCB, and once there change to a much harder school like College of Engineering's EECS. </p>

<p>Is this method practiced usually? Is it even possible? (this question applies to all universities also , top tier or not, not just UCB)</p>

<p>Also, how would changing your major work exactly? Do you go into a office and just fill out paperwork and you get your new major? </p>

<p>Thanks CC for clarifying about this method</p>

2

<p>It’s practical and many people do it, but it’s not easy.</p>

<p>The thing is, if you’re switching into a very competitive and impacted major such as EECS, you’re going to have to go through an approval process, and it’s like applying all over again.</p>

<p>For example, for EECS, I think you even need to submit an essay with your application to switch colleges.</p>

<p>If you’re switching to a major because you’re really passionate about it, give it your best shot. However, if you applied to an easier major and don’t quite have the skill, you might not be able to successfully make the switch.</p>

3

<p>If you want to switch within, say, L&S, it’s really easy because you aren’t even stuck in a certain major until you declare as a sophomore or junior.</p>

<p>However, to transfer into the College of Engineering from L&S is much more difficult because you have to do a [change</a> of college application](<a href=“http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/admissions/change-of-college]change”>http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/prospective-students/admissions/change-of-college). A few things to keep in mind:

  • 3.2 technical GPA requirement for EECS, which isn’t exactly a cakewalk
  • You need to be reasonably “on track” for an EECS degree
  • You need to wait at least 2 semesters before applying
  • You need to have taken specific classes by the time you apply, which for EECS are Math 1A+B, Physics 7A, and CS 61A. Of these, Math 1B, Physics 7A, and CS61A are pretty tough (B/B- average)</p>

<p>I would say that going from liberal arts to engineering is rare because of how difficult it is to do. The reverse is far more common. In my opinion, it’s much easier applying to Berkeley as an engineer then transferring to the CoE once you’re here. </p>

<p>It’s not impossible, and actually pretty easy if you start at Berkeley (assuming you’re a freshman) with the mindset that you’ll be transferring to CoE.</p>

4

<p>Of course, someone in L&S undeclared who intent on studying mainly CS (as opposed to EE) may as well just declare L&S CS, which is no longer capped, rather than try to change into EECS.</p>

<p>There is also ORMS as an L&S alternative to IEOR, but ORMS is capped, so that one has to apply to declare it.</p>

5

<p>Ah it gives me some sort of relief that you can change into impacted majors after getting in, just in case you don’t get in while applying as a freshmen to EECS…</p>

<p>…but that brings up another quick question. If you Cal rejects you initially when you apply as a competitive Engineering major, can they accept you as the easier L&S college? I’m not exactly sure where to find this info…So thank you for the informative responses.</p>

6

<p>No they don’t.</p>

7

<p>Switching into EECS is not that bad if you realize that if they don’t let you switch to EECS, it’s probably because your grades in the lower division classes weren’t decent (B or better) in the first place.</p>

8

<p>Hmm, so even with a 15-20% acceptance rate to EECS as a freshmen applicant, do you guys still think that direct approach is easier than applying undeclared, being accepted, then switching by applying to EECS?</p>

9

<p>

</p>

<p>It depends on:</p>

<p>a. Whether you want to study mainly EE with as little CS as possible.
b. Whether EECS is significantly harder to get into then L&S for freshman admission.
c. Whether your high school record falls into the range that would make you a likely admit for L&S but unlikely for EECS.</p>

10

<p>this issue was raised in ROHP. the host professor fr CoE said that while it is possible, IT IS NOT EASY AT ALL. in fact, his explanations imply that IT IS DIFFICULT to transfer to CoE. but again, it’s possible.</p>

<p>the host’s explanations are mainly those of post #3 above, plus more.</p>

11

<p>Basically, if you want to switch to EECS, you should be taking EECS courses (duh!). So you should take physics, math, and CS courses your first year. If you don’t do well (B/B+ or better), than they may not let you switch, which is probably a good thing because if you’re getting B-'s or worse in these classes, life will only get much harder for you from what I’ve heard.</p>

12

<p>Is it easy to switch from bioengineering to EECS ??</p>

13

<p>Just out of curiosity, what’s EECS?</p>

14

<p>Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences.</p>