<p>It’s very possible. The admissions people/anyone-you-will-talk-that’s-not-a-student-who-has-gone-through-the-process-or-the-random-person(s)-who(m)-actually-run-the-exceptional-admission-process… will likely give you nonsense or the vague, safe answer of “it’s really hard and not likely although I have no backing or the knowledge of how the process actually works”. </p>
<p>If you’re smart or at least diligent enough to pull above a 3.3 I would go for it.</p>
<p>Here’s a the link to the “Exceptional Admissions” page: [url=<a href=“http://biology.ucsd.edu/undergrad/exadmit.html]exadmit[/url”>http://biology.ucsd.edu/undergrad/exadmit.html]exadmit[/url</a>]</p>
<p>and here’s a bit of information people miss: </p>
<p>"Note: Students who meet the criteria for Exceptional Admission will be given priority to the requested biology major. SPACE PERMITTING, students WHO DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA may also be considered for admission to the requested biology major. "</p>
<p>My advice (I went through the process of switching into the Bio department along with many other students)
-Apply at every open window the Bio department announces (even if you haven’t completed the requirements!!!</p>
<p>-Maintain a decent GPA (an exuberantly high GPA is NOT required, people were admitted from GPA’s ranging from 3.4 and up, I haven’t met anyone lower, but I wouldn’t rule that out).</p>
<p>Scan through some old posts about the Impacted Bio major or the Exceptional admissions if you need more information. </p>
<p>Don’t be disheartened by what people will say. It’s definitely possible.</p>