Undeclared vs Declared vs Unpopular Major

Applying to College
1

<p>-UCB, UCLA, and UCSD-</p>

<p>Would it be easier to get into these schools if I was undeclared, declared (computer science), or applying as an unpopular major (women's studies, art history, ect.)?</p>

<p>If it is better to do an unpopular major, how easy would it be to switch to computer science at these schools?</p>

2

<p>Transferring into an impacted major is either impossible or very difficult.</p>

<p>Berkeley has two different CS programs – one via engineering, one via Letters & Sciences</p>

<p>UCLA has a computer science degree in the engineering school, and a linguistics/computer science major in letters and sciences. </p>

<p>If you want computer science, I would not try to enroll in a less selective major. Your chances of getting into CS later are low.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, I’ve been debating facing it head-on. Also, I’m a girl - would that make any difference? I heard there are little to no girls in CS classes…</p>

4

<p>It will help somewhat, but your stats would still need to be top notch.</p>

5

<p>The “unpopular major” gambit does not help the way people think.

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6

<p>Like the others said it depends on which department you want to be in. For example, at Berkeley the CS major in the engineering department is basically the most impacted major and it is very difficult to get into, however if that is your goal you basically MUST apply for it because if you get in on a different major it’s practically impossible to switch into engineering especially EECS. However, if you just want to be in the Letters & Science department, your major won’t matter at all because despite your application you technically won’t declare a major until after sophomore year. So in the end whichever you choose you honestly should just choose CS to begin with. </p>

7

<p>See mikemac’s post. You really can’t game the system. Apply to the major that’s important to you and certainly to the college that offers it. If you’re unsure apply “undecided”.Transferring form one college to another can be very difficult so you absolutely can’t depend on doing that.</p>