Choosing an Alternate Major
For students applying to UCLA through the Transfer Alliance Program (TAP), the opportunity to choose an alternate major offers a strategic pathway to admission. Whether your first-choice major is highly competitive or you’re looking for more flexibility in your application, selecting an alternate major can be a key factor in strengthening your application to UCLA.
How does the alternate major work?
UCLA allows TAP students to select an alternate major when submitting their transfer application. If you are not admitted to your first-choice major, UCLA may consider your eligibility for the alternate major.
It’s important to note that while the alternate major offers flexibility, you must meet specific academic preparation and admission requirements for both your primary and alternate major. The alternate major doesn’t guarantee admission but acts as a second opportunity for acceptance in the case that you are not admitted to your first-choice major.
By selecting an alternate major that aligns with your academic strengths and interests, you give yourself a broader range of opportunities, ensuring that you’re still considered for a relevant field of study, even if your first choice is highly competitive.
How to Choose an Alternate Major
Choosing an alternate major requires thoughtful consideration and planning. If you are exploring majors, you can use the UCLA Find My Major assessment to get a sense of what may be a good fit for your interests and academic strengths.
Here are a few tips to help you select the right alternate major for your TAP application:
Assess Your Interests and Strengths
Choose a major that not only interests you but also complements your academic strengths. Think about the courses you’ve excelled in or the subjects that have always sparked your curiosity.
Review Major Prerequisites
Check the major preparation requirements for both your primary and alternate majors. Some majors have specific coursework prerequisites that must be completed before transferring, so selecting a second major with similar requirements may make it easier for you to meet both sets of qualifications.
Research Admission Competitiveness
Many of UCLA’s most applied to majors are also the most highly selective. While it’s tempting to choose a major that’s in high demand, there are over 140 majors for students to choose from. It might be worth exploring a less competitive major for your alternate major selection. You can still pursue your interests within the UCLA community and take advantage of interdisciplinary opportunities.
Consult with a Transfer Counselor
Your counselor is an excellent resource. Take the time to meet with them to speak about your transfer application and potential major interests. They can help you understand which alternate majors would be the best fit based on your academic background and transfer goals. Their guidance can help you make an informed decision.
Meeting Major Preparation Requirements
Make sure you meet the necessary major preparation requirements for both your primary and alternate major. Many UCLA majors require specific coursework to be completed prior to transfer. These courses often serve as prerequisites for upper-division courses within the major.
Be sure to track these requirements early on to ensure that you don’t miss any key classes.
Revisit your major preparation progress periodically, especially as you near the transfer application deadline. This ensures you’ve completed all necessary courses and gives you time to address any gaps in your academic plan. Check in with your academic advisor regularly with any questions.
Refer to UCLA’s admissions website for the most current information on both primary and alternate major preparation requirements.
UCLA’s Most Applied to Majors and Other Related Options
Some majors attract a large number of applicants and are highly competitive. If your first-choice major is one of these in-demand programs, choosing an alternate major that is less popular but still aligns closely with your interests could help you optimize the second chance at admissions offered by the alternate major opportunity with the TAP program.
Below are some of UCLA’s most applied-to majors, along with alternate major options that can help you broaden your application while staying true to your academic goals. You can find a full list of highly selective majors in the UCLA Transfer Admission Guide.
Psychology
Psychology is one of UCLA’s most popular majors, attracting students interested in understanding the human mind, behavior, and mental processes. If you’re passionate about psychology, similar majors to consider include cognitive science and linguistics.
Cognitive Science
This interdisciplinary field combines psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to study the mind and intelligence. Cognitive science provides a more technical approach to understanding cognition and behavior, making it a great alternative for students interested in both psychology and technology.
Linguistics
For students fascinated by how language shapes human thought and communication, linguistics offers a strong connection to psychology. Linguistics focuses on the structure, evolution and cognitive aspects of language, providing a different but complementary perspective on human behavior.
Political Science
Political Science is a popular choice for students passionate about government, policy and social issues. History and philosophy are two alternatives to consider.
History
A major in history offers a deep dive into the political, social and economic developments that have shaped societies over time. A background in history can provide additional context and enrich your understanding of contemporary political issues.
Philosophy
While political science focuses on the study of government, politics and public policy, philosophy delves into the theoretical and ethical questions that underpin these areas. Philosophy offers an intellectual foundation for understanding political systems, justice, rights and human behavior. Philosophical inquiry into ethics, political philosophy and social justice can complement the political science perspective, giving you a deeper understanding of the “why” behind political decisions and structures.
Communication
The communication major attracts students who want to explore media, persuasion and public discourse. Majors such as Comparative Literature and Linguistics can offer alternative pathways for those with an interest in language and cultural studies.
Comparative Literature
If you are interested in how communication operates across cultures and languages, Comparative Literature could be an excellent fit. This major allows students to study literature from a global perspective, providing critical insights into how language, media and culture intersect in different societies.
Linguistics
Like communication, linguistics explores language, but with a more scientific focus. Students in this field analyze the structure and function of language, as well as its cognitive and social aspects. Linguistics can provide a solid foundation for understanding how language impacts communication in both personal and mass media contexts.
Biology
While biology and other fields in the life sciences are highly selective, you still have the opportunity to add an appropriate alternate major. Other alternatives that may interest you are computational and systems biology.
Computational and Systems Biology
This interdisciplinary field combines biology, computer science, and mathematics to study biological systems. If you’re interested in how computational tools can be used to analyze biological data and model complex systems, this is a great alternative to traditional biology. It’s perfect for students who enjoy technology and data science in the context of biological research.
Broadening your perspective on which alternate majors are of interest to you can help enhance your transfer strategy while still allowing you to pursue your broader academic interests. Selecting an alternate major that aligns with your passions, even if it’s not your first choice, can open up a variety of pathways at UCLA and beyond.
Note: TAP does not guarantee admission. Each student’s academic journey is unique, for specific questions please consult with your community college counselor or visit the UCLA Admissions website for additional information on admissions-specific information.
