The University of California college application is officially online! As you scroll through the app, you may be wondering how to handle that little check-box for selecting a major. With so many options available, the choice can seem overwhelming. As a follow-up to our previous discussion series about the UC system, we’ve also compiled a list of resources. For those of you wondering what you need to know when choosing a major at a UC, read on!
It’s a good idea to start thinking about your interests early. But you don’t rush to declare just for the sake of putting something down! Give yourself plenty of time to fully consider the options. Do your research and talk to advisors. And don’t stress too much: the major you choose first may not be the one you end up graduating with. And the major you graduate with won’t dictate your entire career path. Most importantly, pursue the field that you are most passionate about studying.
The 8 Tips for Choosing a Major at a UC School
Choosing a major within the University of California system is a significant decision. With an abundance of programs and specializations, it’s essential to approach this choice thoughtfully. Below are some strategic tips to guide you in selecting a major that aligns with both your interests and career aspirations.
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1. Explore Your Interests and Strengths
Understanding your own interests and strengths is a critical first step. Reflect on subjects you’ve consistently enjoyed or excelled in, whether they’re science, arts, or humanities. UC schools offer a comprehensive range of programs, so you’ll likely find a major that resonates with your passions. Consider how certain subjects make you feel and if you can envision pursuing them in a professional context.
Additionally, take note of any specific skills or abilities you may have, as these can also indicate a potential major. If you’re strong in analytical thinking, research-focused majors like psychology or biology could be a great fit. By matching your strengths to possible fields, you can identify majors that will allow you to thrive academically and professionally.
2. Research Campus-Specific Programs
Each UC campus is known for unique academic strengths and focuses. For example, UC Berkeley is highly regarded for its STEM programs and social sciences, while UC Santa Barbara is recognized for environmental studies and marine biology. Identifying which campuses specialize in fields that interest you can help you make a more informed decision.
Look into each campus's course offerings, faculty expertise, and any research initiatives within your areas of interest. UC websites and academic departments often provide program details that outline the curriculum, opportunities for hands-on learning, and even job placement statistics. This research will help you align your choice of major with a UC campus that excels in that area, maximizing your access to resources and expertise.
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3. Take Advantage of UC Resources
The UC system provides a wealth of resources to help students make informed decisions about their majors. Many campuses offer major exploration workshops, career counseling, and online tools that guide students through self-assessment exercises to identify potential fields of study. Academic advisors are also available to help discuss options and provide feedback on which majors align with your interests.
Furthermore, UC campuses sometimes host events like “majors fairs” or department open houses, where you can speak with faculty and current students about different fields. These resources provide valuable insights into the realities of each major, helping you understand what coursework, research, and career paths each option might involve.
4. Consider Your Career Goals
While interests are essential, it’s also important to think about your long-term career goals. Some majors offer more direct career paths, while others, like liberal arts, provide flexibility across industries. If you have a clear career in mind, researching which majors best support that path can help narrow your options. UC schools often provide career counseling specific to each major, outlining potential roles and industries for graduates.
If you’re unsure about a specific career, consider versatile majors that apply to various fields, such as psychology, business, or communications. These areas provide a solid foundation for a range of careers, allowing you to adjust your focus later on. Ultimately, aligning your major with possible career paths will set you up for success both academically and professionally.
5. Test the Waters with Introductory Courses
Most UC campuses allow students to explore introductory courses in different fields before declaring a major, giving students a chance to experience the subject matter firsthand. Taking foundational courses is an excellent way to evaluate whether a major’s content aligns with your interests and learning style. This strategy also enables you to explore new subjects you may not have considered.
Additionally, introductory courses provide insights into the teaching styles and rigor of each department. Experiencing these elements early on can confirm whether a field is right for you or if you’d prefer a different academic path. Exploring electives in fields that catch your interest is a valuable way to refine your options before fully committing.
6. Seek Out Mentorship and Alumni Insights
Connecting with mentors, advisors, or alumni can offer invaluable perspective on choosing a major. UC campuses have extensive networks of faculty, advisors, and alumni, many of whom are eager to share their experiences and insights. Meeting with an academic advisor can help clarify requirements and expectations, while alumni can provide real-world context about life post-graduation in specific fields.
Alumni are particularly valuable for understanding the potential job market and the daily realities of various professions. By speaking with people who have successfully navigated your areas of interest, you can gain a clearer picture of the paths available and whether they align with your vision for the future. This network can be instrumental in guiding you toward an informed choice.
7. Stay Open to Interdisciplinary Studies
UC schools encourage interdisciplinary learning, which means students can often combine fields to create a personalized academic path. If you have interests in two different areas, such as environmental science and political science, you may have the option to pursue a double major or a major-minor combination. This approach allows you to broaden your expertise and increase your marketability in various fields.
Interdisciplinary studies also encourage innovative thinking by combining insights from multiple fields. Programs like UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design or UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability offer integrated approaches, enabling students to approach their studies from unique perspectives. Pursuing an interdisciplinary path can be an excellent option for students with multiple passions.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Change Your Mind
Finally, it’s essential to know that your first choice doesn’t have to be your last. UC schools provide pathways for students to change their majors if they realize their initial choice isn’t the best fit. Changing majors is quite common, especially in the first two years of study, when students are exploring introductory courses and discovering new interests.
If you decide to switch majors, academic advisors are there to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition. Staying flexible and open to change can ultimately lead you to a major that truly aligns with your goals and strengths. Remember, choosing a major is a journey, and UC schools are designed to support you every step of the way.
Admission chances
Many students worry about how choosing a major can impact their admission chances. If that’s you, read through this post for a good primer. Transfers may need to do a little more legwork; many discussions of selecting your major during college admissions are not inclusive of the transfer student perspective. In some cases, the process is more or less the same as for freshman admits.
However, the major selection for certain UCs can sometimes impact transfer acceptance chances. The UC system has an extremely comprehensive database on this for transfer students here! If you’re a statistics person, investigate that database for a concrete numerical picture about how it all stacks up.
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Back-up majors
Also keep in mind that some UC campuses allow you to pick more than one major (like UC San Diego). You should know that the difference between first and second choice selection doesn’t matter for admissions chances.
That’s why they allow you to pick more than one! So select the one you WANT the most as your first choice. However, if you do designate a capped or impacted major first, UCSD recommends making your second choice of major a non-capped one, for your own benefit. (Wondering what a capped major is? You’re not alone. Read this.)
For campuses that only allow you to designate one major on your application, still think it through. It’s a good idea to think about what your second and third choices might be, just in case.
Further thoughts
That covers the main logistical considerations. But again, I strongly advice that you see the specific UC website and major for in-depth information. Links to each UC campus and information on their individual majors can be found here.
As a start for items to research, you can check out the campus websites! When you do, confirm the most up-to-date information on available majors. Merced, Riverside, and Santa Cruz are closing some majors, so the list may change by the time you apply.
Lastly, here’s some fun fast data on 2019 admissions for UC campuses! This data is specific to freshmen. And here is a comprehensive, reflective report for 2018.
Take-aways
The take-home message should be that usually, your choice of major within the same college doesn’t matter, and exceptions to this are few and far between. Check with your Empowerly counselor to make sure you don’t fall into one of those cases.
There is a lot of information on the individual UC websites to make your major selection a transparent process. Nobody is trying to hide anything in the hopes that you’ll fall into a trap and pick a major that might reduce your chances of admission by 0.1%.
Don’t waste your stress on major selection, save it for writing the personal statements!
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FAQ’s
What is the hardest major to get into UC?
The hardest majors to get into at UC schools are often in highly competitive fields like computer science, engineering, and business, especially at campuses like UC Berkeley and UCLA. These programs have a high demand but limited spots, so they require strong academic records and impressive application materials. If you’re aiming for one of these majors, make sure to showcase your skills and passion!
What is the most popular major in UC?
The most popular majors across the UC system are generally in the fields of psychology, biology, and business. Psychology is particularly popular at campuses like UCLA and UC San Diego, where students are drawn to the wide range of career paths it offers. The UC schools also have strong programs in the sciences and business, making these top choices for many students.
What is the 9% UC rule?
The "9% UC rule" guarantees UC admission to California students who rank in the top 9% of their high school class or the statewide pool of applicants. If you meet this top 9% threshold but don’t get into your UC campus of choice, you’ll still receive an offer to attend another UC school with available space. It’s a great way to support top-performing students from across the state!
Additional Resources
College Application Help: 15 Tips to Help You Succeed provides practical advice for navigating the college application process, from organizing documents to crafting a compelling personal statement. This guide can be especially useful for students aiming for selective majors.
If you’re exploring art-related majors, it’s worth reviewing The Best Art Schools in the US for insights into top programs and resources, helping you make an informed choice if you’re drawn to creative fields.
Students often wonder about their chances based on GPA. For those with a 3.5 GPA, What Colleges can I get into with a 3.5 GPA? provides a helpful overview of schools where your GPA aligns with admissions expectations, including UC schools with varying acceptance rates.
