So I applied to UCSD for bioengineering but got in for statistics. This school has always been my dream school, especially for this major. Do any of you believe that it would be worth trying to get into my first choice major? How would you go about doing this?
Bioengineering is an impacted major. This means that unlike most majors where you can switch in by clicking a button, continuing students have to apply the fall quarter of their second year for acceptance to the major. This process is usually fairly competitive, and is based solely on applicants’ UCSD GPA in the required prerequisite courses. Some get in; several don’t.
I noticed on another thread you indicated an interest in neuroscience; you can switch to this major easily, then apply to Bioengineering and still have neuroscience as a fallback.
Information on the impacted major status of bioengineering: https://be.ucsd.edu/undergraduate_majors
There is no way to “appeal” the decision. You can only apply to the major as a sophomore after having completed the required prerequisites first, and students are admitted on a competitive basis. It’s certainly worth trying if you do come to UCSD, but if you are considering whether to go to another school where you did get into the bioengineering major, I would recommend going to that school, unless you feel you would be happy at UCSD if you didn’t get into the bioengineering major.
Thanks for your answers @groverrohan and @baktrax. Though neuroscience seems like an interesting major, I have my heart set on BioE. I wrote a draft of my letter and am going to send it in tomorrow. What could it hurt? Wish me luck 