<p>Then for that alternative major, you still have to fulfill all the major req. also?? Is it ok if you didn't finish it, since it wasn't your intended major??</p>
<p>UCLAri, what do you think of me applying as a biochem first, alternately a biology major?</p>
<p>someone last year said that UCLA doesn't consider u for alt major unless u're in TAP</p>
<p>Kevintech,</p>
<p>Bio is impacted, biochem is also impacted. Try again.</p>
<p>highschoolda,</p>
<p>You are correct.</p>
<p>Kevintech - just choose one between bio and biochem, and then make your alternate major something unimpacted and relatively non-threatening. Stay away from polisci, econ, psych, english, and the bios. Maybe do anthro or something, like UCLAri's girlfriend who got accepted under anthro as her alternate major. </p>
<p>But as highschoolda said, to be able to apply with an alternate major, you must be in TAP (you mentioned you were completing honors this semester; I'm not sure if you meant TAP). If you are in TAP, you have a strong chance of getting in; apparently UCLA has priority slots for TAP students, and coupled with the privilege of applying with an alternate major, you should be fine. But even if you're not in TAP, I suggest that you apply anyway. You may feel like your 3.4 is not that competitive for bio/biochem, but you never know with these adcoms. Let me put that in perspective: I was accepted to UCLA Biochem without TAP or any honors with a 3.54 GPA as of the end of fall04. And that was from a 4.0 during application (until end of summer04). I had initially thought that my disastrously downward grade trend would screw me, but I got in. So go ahead and apply. :)</p>
<p>biochemist, thanks for the thorough and info-filled reply. yes i am in TAP, and i will finsih it by spring semester. It will be difficult to be admitted as an anthro major because i dont have any anthro classes. i'm set on applying as a life science major and hope my 3.4 gpa, [shooting for 3.6 by end of fall05] will sneak me in. i'm in alpha gamma sigma [statewide honor society], and on the dean's honor roll with a 20 hour/week job and volunteering at the hospital. i plan to turn in kickass essays. </p>
<p>do you think these will help my weak gpa?</p>
<p>also, if i happen to be rejected, i plan to finish the physics series along with biochem. do you think my chanes will be increased?</p>
<p>All those ECs will make you a strong applicant, don't worry. I personally don't think a 3.4 is "too low" for any of the science majors, whether impacted or not, especially if your grade trend is upward. The story is different with power majors like engg, though, but as bio majors we're lucky in that our majors are competitive but not, you know, suicidal. So I really think you have a decent chance. </p>
<p>Also, in terms of research, from what I understand UCLA is better than USC. So in a choice between UCLA and USC, I would pick UCLA. It's cheaper, too. :) But I think Cal is the way to go (sorry, can't resist) ;) Anyway I have reason to believe that UCLA has edged out Berkeley in terms of research anyway, and even if it hasn't, UCLA is definitely among the leaders in biology today. But I digress... yeah, you'll be fine. LOL! :D</p>
<p>Oh... about physics... I really have no clue. I'm sure completing the physics series will increase your chances one way or another... But by then your GPA would hopefully be a lot higher than it is now, right? :) Don't worry too much - just get the As you need this semester, write those kickass essays, and just hope for the best. No, it doesn't sound easy. Haha. But really, you'll be fine.</p>
<p>yeah a counselor told my that either having a year of ochem or a year of physics would help. obviously, having both completed would help you a lot more. so instead of the physics, i've chosen to do ochem, and possibly physics in the summer. but thanks for your response, i'll be hoping for the best this fall.</p>
<p>Hey Biochemist, nice to c u stop by.
How is Berk treating u?</p>
<p>haybaxt, you ARE INSANE. Your chances are EXTREMELY GOOD. For you to be going crazy about one credit/nocredit class is hillarious.</p>
<p>Highschoolda, all is good here. I've already missed three of my biochem classes. Thank God for blacklightning notes :p Yeah, I've been really bad. I'm still in CCC mode, which isn't good. I just hope I don't get the asskicking that I richly deserve. Gah.</p>
<p>Let me know how your application is doing! :)</p>
<p>
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I just hope I don't get the asskicking that I richly deserve.
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</p>
<p>haha. I am sure u'll do fine. I am happy u're happy w/ ur college choice.</p>
<p>I am doing ok too. I am in Ochem class where i am the only non persian guy lol. But i am actually trying to survive this semester. I am taking Ochem, Bio, Geol, History. Joined two clubs, Prehealth, Chem club (club ICC Rep). Going to be volunteering at UCLA's hospital pharmacy 4 hrs a week. Oh yeah also studying to take my pharm tech license. </p>
<p>I have never taken on anything quite like that. My bio class starts in a week and my volunteering gig starts in a month, UC essays in 2 weeks. I am not worried yet, but i am going to be soon. :(</p>
<p>highschool - how did you get the ucla pharmacy volunteer gig?</p>
<p>friend of mine set it up for me. I have to commit to doing it for 4hrs a week for a year w/ 2 weeks break. </p>
<p>Why do u ask?</p>
<p>i've been looking for volunteer work in a pharmacy for a while now. and i would love to volunteer at ucla...are there any openings?</p>
<p>Are those personal statements that important or it is just a formality????</p>
<p>Heyyyy, you're going to GCC? I live very close to it...</p>
<p>They transfer quite a number of people annualy to UCLA (though PCC is #2 in Cali for that, which is where I go currently). </p>
<p>What high school did you go to? Maybe I know you somehow...</p>
<p>Hoover high school</p>
<p>Ahhh, I went to Clark Magnet High School from Toll heh.</p>