Well UC apps are rolling in, and I’ve done pretty well.
I’ve been accepted for Mechanical Engineering for UCM, UCD, UCSD, UCI, UCSC but yesterday I was waitlisted at UCLA (one of my top schools) for a Business Eco Major. I chose C&S for UCB and UCLA because I surfed this site so much and I got very low self-confidence to get into these two college’s engineering schools so I opted for something in L&S. I really did want to get into engineering there tho. Now I feel absolutely feel horrible being waitlisted while the rest of my closer classmates “the smart folks” got in. Im happy for them but I feel distraught for myself.
Now looking back I would have rather been flat out rejected by UCLA & UCB for engineering… While UCB and Stanford decisions are still to come, this waitlist has affected me quite a bit. I encourage you incoming seniors to apply without a care in the world for what you want, because what Im feeling of regret I have right now is more horrible than rejection.
I remember a couple years ago sitting at the computer deciding what my D should select as a major for UCLA. We went back to the “majors” page just before submitting the app and stared. Should we pick CS or another “easier” engineering major. What the heck, should she just apply for history?! An older sibling walked in and we asked, what should she do? With out a pause he said, “Go big or go home.” She hit submit for CS. So I totally understand what you are saying. (Incase you wonder, she got in but didn’t go there.)
I am not advocating this, but there are kids that play the “major game” and get in to the school they want, so I can certainly see both sides. That can work in the private or public school were moving around is easy, but generally backfires at the UCs where it is harder to move. There are plenty of kids that graduate from there in a major they never intended. Also, even if it can work at certain schools, if your app doesn’t match your major choice, it really really shows. Kids don’t realize how easy it is to spot a “major player.” If my CS daughter had picked history for example, she may not have got in cause of the mismatch within her app.
If you had selected engineering and not got in, you may be posting today to tell people to pick a major that will get you in. No doubt that playing the “major game” can be tricky. Business Eco sounds easier than engineering, but at UCLA you are competing with every L&S major, so you certainly need to stand out among the almost 70,000 applying to L&S. But then the engineering school’s acceptance rate is much lower, in 2016 it was 12%, with CS in engineering even less than that, around 6-8%. Neither are easier, both are hard, so perhaps your advice to be true to yourself is best, so you have no regrets. We all have a few of these, ask Frank Sinatra (you can google him).
UCLA and UCB are in their own league and thousands get denied that get into every other UC engineering program. Just accept that UCLA is virtually a crap shoot for everyone. I am sorry and I know it is frustrating that you won’t know how it would have played out, but hey, fingers crossed for UCB. They say that while some get into both, many times, kids just get into one - might be you! You are super smart and have great choices and will likely have others. UCLA is a stinger for many - especially the 4.5 kids they don’t have room for. This will pass when you realize you are going to another great school. Wait for it, it will come.