Comstock's magazine 0919 - September 2019 | Page 65

ing and computer engineering for fall 2019; freshmen
enrollment targets for these two engineering majors was
fewer than 200. “When students wonder why their friend
got admitted and they didn’t, it is most likely that even
though they may have similar academics, their friend may
have applied in a different field of study, or they may have
more fully provided information and told their story in the
application,” says Hunter.
Hunter encourages students to consider all majors
and points out, for example, that nearly half of UC Davis
pre-med students are majoring in communications, psy-
chology, human development, English and languages.
“There are a lot of majors outside the ‘in’ ones that will get
students where they want to go,” she says. “And they may
not have as many applicants. We tell students to go for a
major they have a passion for, and they will excel. They can
also get minors.”
If unsure of their field of study, students also can apply
to one of six undeclared and exploratory programs, but not
as a loophole; applying undeclared or to a major that is less
selective in the hopes of easily transferring to a selective
major once on campus is not simple. There are academic
policies and criteria that applicants must meet in order to
be eligible to apply for an on-campus change of major. “We
encourage applicants to apply to a major in which they
would be satisfied in achieving their degree,” Hunter says.
Brian Henley, Sacramento State’s admissions and out-
reach director, also has practical advice for prospective
students and parents. “I think too frequently people see the
status of being admitted to elite institutions as the goal,” he
says. “Our goal here is to admit students who are going to
be successful and ensure those students have the resourc-
es they need to graduate. And I think that should be the end
goal of any of this process.”
Now in his second year at UC Santa Barbara, DeGeorge
has a different perspective on the college admission process.
Even though UCSB wasn’t originally high on his radar, it
turned out to be a good fit. “I definitely believe people end up
where they’re supposed to be because it’s been so perfect for
me,” he says. “I wound up seeing the results that I wanted to,
and I could not be happier.” n
Laurie Lauletta-Boshart is a contributing writer and ed-
itor for consumer publications, Fortune 500 companies,
small business and higher education. She has written for
Dwell, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, SI.com (Sports Il-
lustrated) and others. On Twitter @laurieboshart and at
www.wordplaycommunications.com.
Alternatives Pregnancy Center is a FREE non-pro�t
Women's Health Clinic licensed by the State of California.
916.880.4040
pgtest.org
PREGNANCY TESTS
ULTRASOUNDS
PRENATAL CARE (UP TO 25 WEEKS)
OB GYN/WELL-WOMAN VISITS
ABORTION PILL REVERSAL
STD TESTING AND TREATMENT
We have been dedicated to meeting the medical,
emotional, material, and spiritual needs of women for
over 36 years.
We provide over $1,000,000 of free services every year,
and we receive no government funding.
HIV TESTING AND REFERRALS
PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT
LACTATION CONSULTING
ADOPTION REFERRALS
PARENTING CLASSES
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
September 2019 | comstocksmag.com
65