My first major is Computer Science, but I ended up in my alternative major of Undeclared Physical Science. I’m wondering what you study in that major and can you declare your major as computer science later? Or can you transfer into computer science? This is crucial because I’m deciding between UCSD and UCI, the latter of which actually enrolled me in Computer Science and Engineering. Thank you!
Anyone?
That doesn’t mean anything, it’s just another way of saying undeclared. Getting into CS is a lottery here, so unless you want to literally gamble your future, go with UCI.
Here is the new policy for switching into the CS major. If you have a direct admit into CS at another school, seriously consider attending there.
https://cse.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/admissions/capped-major-status
So it seems like all you need to do is complete the required courses and then apply to Computer Science. So there is a chance that I don’t get in after all? If I’d like to transfer to UCLA or UC Berkeley after 2 years, it’s better to attend UCI?
You complete the CS requirements and then are placed into a lottery for a spot, so no guarantee.
If you want to transfer to UCLA or UCB, going the community college route and getting TAP certified might be a better option than doing a UC to UC transfer. What is wrong with UCI? Their CS department is well respected. UCLA/UCB might have the name/prestige and could get you into the door of some good employers, but in the end it will be up to you show them what skill set you can bring to any job. Coming out of UCI with a CS degree will still give you the chance at many of the same opportunities.
Agreed with previous post. CSE at the town hall expects the number of people to apply to the lottery to more than double, since people were self-selecting out, with current GPA cutoff. So what you have is over 400 people, trying for a lottery that will only give 100ish people total slots to the major each year. Not only that you’re only allowed to apply to the lottery 2 times.
A CC to UC transfer would be easier than UC to UC because current 4 year university students are given “less” priority since they’re already in a 4 year and officials want to admit 2 year CC students first.
Great! Thank you!
Thank you very much!
@JosephZheng You can study mathematics, physics , chemistry or biochemistry as a UCSD undeclared physical science major.
So math might work and take a minor in CS perhaps, but CS may not allow an actual minor and you may be shut out of CS classes with the crowding at UCSD. Some else may know if you can get into classes without being a CS major.
It seems you may be better off at Irvine, but depends on your career goals, and whether physics or mathematics suits you. Lots of physics and math majors end up working in CS anyway. There was a story that Google prefers physics majors to CS majors, at times. Wall Street loves physics majors.
I am not so sure CS is the best major, but it sure is popular. If you learn programming skills, it may not matter what you major it, and math and physics will teach you to problem solve.