I’m considering applying to UCLA, but I noticed that they only offer a computer science major through the engineering school. I absolutely love CS, and I am very good at it, but I’m kind of odd in that I’m not a math/engineering kid at all (I’m not into physics, etc.). My stats and ECs are not very math/science oriented (besides all my CS ECs), and I know my chances would be much better if I apply to the college of Letters and Sciences.
Do I have any options? Is it possible to apply undeclared, and then transfer to the CS major if I get in? If so, is that an easy process, or a difficult process that is not worth the time and effort?
If you cannot get into UCLA’s CS program as a direct admit, do not count on transferring into later from Undeclared. It can be done but very difficult.
http://www.seasoasa.ucla.edu/ls-to-engineering/#preparatory-courses
Even, CS majors in the College of L&S at other schools (UCB/UCD) are not easy admits or easy transfers.
I agree with Gumbymom. You definitely want a direct admit to your program.
I would like to suggest that you might enjoy doing a BS in Computer Science at UCSD better. My S1 at UCSD liked the fact that he only had to take two physics classes, and he could have substituted chemistry or biology if he had wanted to. I think his program requires fewer math courses than the other UCs. Many of his friends are taking jobs at Facebook, Google, etc.
As you know, because it is in Engineering, the UCLA program requires more math and physics courses.
As for getting accepted to UCLA CS, if you have a high GPA and test scores, you might be ok. S2 was able to get into UCLA CS with only Honors Physics and Calculus AB, I think because he had a high GPA and test scores and a lot of CS hobby activities. I have the impression from reading CC posts (might not be representative) that most people applying have AP Physics and BC Calculus and beyond, but apparently it is not absolutely necessary.
@Gumbymom @BunnyBlue Thank you for your input. I am applying to UCSD, but I’m still iffy on UCLA, UCB, and USC. I’m also an out of state student and I’m not sure how that would play out vs in state. Another thing that I’m worried about for UC schools is that for comp sci most of them strongly recommend a physics/Chem/bio SAT subject test. I haven’t taken one and don’t plan on doing so. I only have Math II and us history. At this point, would it even be worth it to apply?
What about finances? UC’s give little to no financial aid to OOS students so expect to pay around $60K/year. USC would be a better option since they can give good FA. Subject tests are not required but the majority of competitive applicants will have the recommended subject tests.
@Gumbymom I will be able to pay the tuition. How much will not having the subject tests hurt me? In UCSD and UCLA
Having the subject tests with good scores could definitely help, but it will not be a vital factor in your admission decisions. Like I stated in my above post, most competitive applicants will have the subject tests so if these schools are your top choices, you should do everything you can to make yourself one of those competitive applicants. The majority of the applicants will also have the 3 major sciences on their HS transcript: Biology/Chemistry and Physics along with Calculus.
OP:
They have Computer Science and Linguistics at Letters and Science.
@Gumbymom There is almost a 100% chance you will not get admitted to UCLA engineering without subject tests. They are a very important part in the engineering admit methodology which is different than L&S. Almost every single applicant has taken them. Not taking them isn’t a guaranteed no but when more than the available space is taking them it really is a tall mountain to climb.
@10slife: What about low income applicants or International applicants that may not have access or the opportunities to take these tests? I am sure there are exceptions but I agree that to be competitive you need to take them.