S25 is applying to UCR for MatE. He has good stats 4.24UC GPA, 27 A-G classes, 12 AP/DE/Honors, and solid ECs. Up until about 6 months ago, he had planned to major in Poli Sci so all of his hs course choices have been with that in mind. However, now that he wants to apply for an engineering major, I’m guessing the lack of rigor in science and math will hurt his chances of being accepted. The only upper level science classes he has taken are APES and DE oceanography. Highest level of math is Honors Pre Calc. Would it make sense for him to explain in the additional comments section why he didn’t take AP Bio, Chem, Calc etc?
Is his highest math precalculus because of middle school math placement?
Will he complete chemistry and physics (not necessarily AP) by high school graduation?
For UCR specifically, as long as he has up to Pre-calculus and has taken a Chemistry and Physics course, I believe there is no need for an explanation.
Materials Engineering admit rate was 73% with the College of Engineering UC Capped weighted admit range of 3.95-4.24 so his UC GPA is at the 75th percentile.
If he is applying to some of the top/more competitive UC’s, then his lack of Science rigor could be a factor.
I don’t think you can explain it away. You made choices. The classes you took are the classes you took.
Personally I’d look down if you tried to explain it away.
You’ll have no issues getting into great engineering programs - UC or otherwise.
What would he write if he were to try to explain?
Look at how he describes himself in his A&A and PIQ. Maybe use PIQ 2 (problem solving/innovative thinking) and/or PIQ 6 (academic subject and how your interest in the subject influenced choice of major and/or future career) to share why he wants to go into engineering. Focus on the positive.
Not all engineering majors become engineers. Some pursue policy and law. My understanding is that there is a big need for lawyers who have a background in science and CS.
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75% don’t in fact based on studies.
I don’t think there is anything to explain. Kids change mind all the time. FYI, S24 did not take any AP Science class, only AP Calculus AB in Senior year and had about same UC Capped GPA. He got accepted to UCR for Mech Eng and he is now attending UCD for Aero Eng coming off waitlist. Is your S25 applying to other UC and CSU? CPP, SDSU, UCD are all good target options for him. Good Luck.
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Yes, pre calc is the highest due to middle school math placement. He will graduate with 4 years math.
He has completed college prep physics, chem, bio and currently in APES.
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So there’s no issue.
In the end, you have the classes you have - they don’t “waive” because you didn’t take it.
50% of engineering students drop out or change majors…so he may or may not finish in the major.
But he will have ample opportunity - both in state and out of state if he wants.
But there is nothing to “explain” away.
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Thanks so much for the reply. I’ve been lurking on here for awhile and I have learned so much from your replies on other threads. You have helped a lot of people!
Yes, realize he will be less competitive at the other UCs. He had originally wanted to apply undeclared to the others but doesn’t love any of the other campuses enough to take the risk of not being able to switch. Feel like UCR would be his best chance as far as UCs go. He is applying more widely to CSUs and a few out of states. Would prefer to stay in CA though.
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Personally I’d look down if you tried to explain it away.
This is why I asked the question. Was worried it would look weird instead of helping.
Not really sure what he planned to write. Had not got that far.
He’s finished 4 PIQs already and I think he did a good job presenting a lot of his unique qualities. He could swap one out and answer 6, but may come across a little weird writing about a love of chemistry and then not choosing to take AP Chem or Physics. I’ll discuss with him, but I’m guessing he’s done.
And you are right! There is a big need for patent lawyers.
Yes, he’s applying to SDSU, SJSU, CPP, CPSLO, and CSULB. He’d be happy to attend any of these.
Congrats to your son! Hope he is enjoying his first year.
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Does not look like there is anything to explain. It should be obvious that his math sequence was determined years ago, and he has taken the needed sciences. So he should be ready to start in an engineering curriculum in college.
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If he is done, just focus on refining things. Don’t write a new PIQ.
There is a need for engineers who are skilled communicators. Besides patent law, look at the Berkeley Law program for Energy & Environment. MIT offers a masters in Technology and Policy. Penn State has a masters in Engineering, Law and Policy. CMU and NEU all offer masters in engineering + public policy.
Having seemingly disparate interests can sometimes work to one’s advantage.
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SJSU and CPP are more transparent about their prior year thresholds for each major (of course, the thresholds can change each year, since they are determined competitively).
https://www.cpp.edu/admissions/freshmen/freshman-student-profile.shtml
GPA for CSU is calculated as described at GPA Calculator | CSU . It should be the same as the UC weighted capped GPA if the student has not taken any college courses while in high school.
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However, the OP’s student is a significantly stronger student in high school (4.24 UC weighted-capped GPA is probably from about a 3.9 unweighted GPA) than the average frosh engineering major across all universities, so the risk of attrition due to not being able to handle the workload and rigor is likely less than for the average student.
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Then your S25 will be fine. All the CSUs he applied have good engineering programs. Out of the list, S24 got accepted to CPP and SDSU.
S24 is enjoying his time in UCD so far. He joined bike club and F1 race car club. He was never a party person, so the peaceful college town vibe perfectly fit him. 
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I hope so - for every kid - but we don’t know as the student hasn’t yet had the math rigor.
And some drop out of the major because they decide they don’t enjoy it after all.
The point really being - there’s nothing here. The student has a record. It can’t nor should it be explained away. It’s the same record a zillion other students have.
The OP started with - they avoided STEM as they were pursuing poli sci. Or as they said - “so all of his hs course choices have been with that in mind.”
Reading through the thread, I’m not sure that was an accurate statement as they seem to have met all the requirements for either major.
There may have been some choice in science, but the science taken is not inadequate. Math sequence was set in middle school, so no choice there.