Switching to CS or Engineering majors

ucbalumnus
Tue, 18 Jun 2019 14:41:29 +0000

Lebronislit:

I am an incoming senior in high school and I will probably be applying as undeclared major.

I was wondering how hard is it generally to switch into computer science or engineering.

I will be applying to the the UCs, and the Ivy League tier schools, and the Cal States.

In general, you should apply to the major you want, rather than try to “back door” your way in. If the major is more competitive for frosh admission, that is because it is “full”, so changing into it will not be automatic.

Here are some examples:

UCB L&S CS: https://eecs.berkeley.edu/academics/undergraduate/cs-ba/faq#cs_1
UCB EECS: https://eecs.berkeley.edu/resources/undergrads/eecs/cal-transfers
UCLA CS: https://www.seasoasa.ucla.edu/change-of-major/
UCSD CS: https://cse.ucsd.edu/undergraduate/cse-capped-major-status
UCSB CS: https://www.cs.ucsb.edu/education/undergrad/admissions
UCD CS: https://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/cs/change-of-major/
UCD CSE: https://www.cs.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate/cse/change-of-major/
UCI CS: https://www.ics.uci.edu/ugrad/policies/Change_of_Major.php
UCSC CS: https://registrar.ucsc.edu/catalog/programs-courses/program-statements/cmps.html
UCR CS: https://student.engr.ucr.edu/policies/major-changes
UCM CS: https://engr-advising.ucmerced.edu/policies/declaration-major
CPSLO CS: https://eadvise.calpoly.edu/change-majors-from-outside-to-csc-se-or-cpe/
SJSU CS: http://www.sjsu.edu/cs/practicalities/major-change/