One of the few, but arguably biggest, downfalls to being accepted into UCSB centers around the curse that is the pre-major status. For those of you who aren’t familiar, pre-major standing pertains to those hoping to enter a major that is already impacted. This means that aside from being accepted into the school, students are expected to prove themselves further. Oh, how we wish we chose a more obscure major, because the anticipation is killer! Here are all the agonies we experience:
1. Plummet of confidence
Of course, we all went in with a relatively high level of confidence. We all thought: no problem, I got into the school, what’s stopping me from getting into the major? But then a new wave of thoughts begin to hit: What if I don’t get in? Once these words bubble up in your brain, the pressure gets real.
2. Stress sets in
When you get down to your last pre-major course and the time comes to meet with counselors, fill out switch of major forms, and attend switch-of-major workshops, you really begin to second guess yourself.
3. Anxiety begins to spike
As the quarter presses on, and you get deeper into your last few classes, the pressure can start to throw you off. The content seems as though it’s getting more and more confusing. You start to second guess your own abilities. It all seems to be extremely overwhelming all of a sudden.
4. Panic!
Your grades may not be turning out the way you so desperately hoped they would. The stakes are high when it comes time to take the life-or-death final. The anticipation of those final grades, which will determine your status in the major, causes a serious panic.
5. Relief or Stages of Grief
There isn’t anything quite like the joy of pure accomplishment that comes with making into your major! However, on the other end of the spectrum, the sheer disappointment that comes from failing to get in feels like a swift sword to the chest. Not getting into the major truly requires the five stages of grief:
Denial- It can’t be true. I know there must be a mistake somewhere.
Anger– It’s all that idiot T.A’s fault! How could that jerk do this me?!
Bargaining-*Emails T.A, Professor, Undergraduate Advisor, the dean*
Depression– *Stays in bed for an entire week*
Acceptance– I didn’t make it, but it’s okay. It wasn’t meant for me.
Remember, your major does not define you. Also, if you didn’t make the major there is still a possibility of appealing. Keep in mind that most majors are relatively general, there is probably a similar major that can be applied to the same career path you had in mind. Failing to get into the major actually forces you to re-evaluate your path and encourages you to re-investigate what it is that you really want to get out of college. Finally, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the campus resources available to help like the career center or CAPS!
But… a huge congratulations to you if you do get in!
*all gifs courtesy of giphy.com