So the uc application deadlines are approaching and I’m still not sure what I want to major in. I’ve always been interested in engineering but I realize that I have slim chances of getting in since I did bad on the subject tests (cancelled my scores) and my sat isn’t good ( 1210 640 math 570 reading/language). Ive been looking into other easier stem majors for the sole purpose of not wanting to get denied from the uc schools but in reality none of them hold my interest like engineering does.
My question is if I should risk applying to the UCs as an engineering major? I’ve had college in my plans my whole life and last thing I want to do is not get into any ucs because of the major I chose (not applying to merced or san diego)but I also realize that this is my future and I don’t want to be stuck with something I don’t like.
Do all ucs that allow secondary major choices look at your secondary choice if you’ve been denied from your first choice?( I heard applying to college of letters and science would be a good secondary option but I’m not sure if its common to accept someone after they’ve been denied by say the engineering department)
My stats:
4.2 college weighted gpa( had 4.5 junior year but didn’t take hard math related classes. only math related classes were precalc and chem)
1210 sat
ECs: not much just 2 sports and taking care of my grandparents everday for about 2 hours
I’m mexican american if that helps anything
Raised by a single parent
Low income
If you are interested in pursuing Engineering, then you should consider putting that as your 1st choice major. Engineering is very competitive at the UC’s so switching later may be difficult.
What is your UC GPA? What is your HS course rigor? What other science courses have you taken?
A rigorous Senior course load does help. You have a competitive GPA. Your SAT score is a bit low but since UC’s are GPA focused you have a chance. Write some good essays and it could help.
I would target UC Merced.Riverside, Santa Cruz and Irvine. You might want to include some Cal states as backups. Some UC’s do consider your alternate major so include one. Also it is easier to switch from a competitive major to a less competitive major than the other way around.
In the end it is up to you what is important: getting into a UC or your preferred major. A UC is not a “golden ticket”. You can be successful any where if you put your mind to it.
BTW: Cal publics banned affirmative action so race does not help. If you want to play the card, look at private schools.
UCSC offers BME, EE, CS and CE so do not take all information posted as gospel especially from HS posters like @philbegas.
All UC’s offer Engineering majors but not all specialities are offered at every campus.