Frequently-Asked Questions
Q. What are my chances of getting in?
A. The answer depends upon the quality of the applicant pool and the number of spaces available in the program. Unlike the selection process in the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering admits BY MAJOR. Your choice of major plays a significant role in selection.
Q. How does Berkeley decide whom to admit?
A. The campus selects its freshman class through an assessment that includes a comprehensive review of your academic performance as measured primarily by the college preparatory, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IBHL), honors and transferable college courses you have completed beyond the UC minimum, and your level of achievement in those courses; your weighted, uncapped UC grade-point average and pattern of grades over time; and your Standardized Test scores (see Question 4 below).Other factors considered in this assessment include: scores on AP or IBHL exams; honors and awards which reflect extraordinary, sustained intellectual or creative achievement; your sustained participation in rigorous academic enrichment and outreach programs; and your planned twelfth grade courses. Qualification for UC Eligibility in the Local Context will also be considered. In addition, the review includes an examination of your likely contributions to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; qualities such as leadership, motivation, concern for others and for the community; and non-academic achievements in the performing arts or athletics, employment or leadership. Demonstrated interest in the major is also an important consideration for applicants to the professional schools and colleges, especially the College of Engineering . All achievement — both academic and personal — is considered in the context of your educational circumstances, with an emphasis on the opportunities or challenges presented to you and your response to them. It is important to note that no single attribute or characteristic guarantees the admission of any applicant to Berkeley . The Berkeley campus receives far more freshman applications than it can admit. Consequently, to gain admission to Berkeley , you need to present an academic profile much stronger than that represented by the minimum admission requirements below.
Q. What are the most difficult majors to gain admission in Engineering?
A. EECS, Bioengineering and Engineering Undeclared are very popular and very competitive to gain admission.
Q. What Standardized Tests should I take?
A. Beginning Fall 2006, freshmen must take either the ACT Assessment plus Writing or the new SAT Reasoning Test. In addition, two SAT Subject Tests are required in two different subject areas. Engineering applicants are strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2 and a SAT Subject Test in science (Biology E.M, Chemistry or Physics).
Q. How much math should I take in high school?
A. Although a minimum of 3 years of college preparatory math is required, we strongly recommend that you complete 4 years. Since engineering admission is very competitive, you must do more than the minimum, particularly in math and science. Exceeding minimum requirements and doing well in these subjects will prepare you for the rigors of university work.
Q. Do I need to complete high school physics?
A. A minimum of 2 years of laboratory science is required for admission. We strongly recommend that you complete physics even if you have already completed the minimum (the usual pattern is biology and chemistry). If admitted to Berkeley , you must complete college-level physics as part of the lower division requirements for your engineering major. A high school physics background can prepare you for university-level physics.
Q. Can I change my major?
A. As an applicant to a fall term, it is possible to change your college and or major during the November application filing period ONLY. You should write to the admissions office at Berkeley in November but no later than November 30. Any requests submitted after the deadline will not be honored. You are expected to continue in the major to which you were first admitted.
If you are currently an engineering student and wish to change your major, you should discuss petitioning for a change of major with your Student Affairs Adviser. Requests for changes must be approved by the department and the Associate Dean.
If you are in another college on the Berkeley campus, you will need to apply for a change of college. The deadline is always February 15th for admission to the following fall semester. You may apply during your freshmen or sophomore year. Changes after the sophomore year are usually not considered. The College of Engineering as well as the department to which you are applying reviews your petition, taking into account your academic preparation, grade point average in lower division course work, grades in certain courses and the personal statement. Q. Does the College of Engineering consider the alternate major on the admission application?
A. The College of Engineering at Berkeley does not consider you for an alternate major. However, if you apply to other UCs, you may be considered for alternate majors at those campuses.
Q. What is the difference between the EECS Computer Science option in the College of Engineering and Computer Science major in Letters and Science?
A. The lower division requirements for the EECS Computer Science option offered in the College of Engineering emphasize science and math and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Computer Science in the College of Letters and Science does not emphasize science and math and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. However, with the help of a Faculty Adviser, similar upper division coursework can be taken in either program.
Q. Do I really have to graduate in 8 semesters?
A. Yes, our program is one that we feel our students should be able to complete in 8 semesters. Advising is designed to help the student stay on track. If necessary, with approval from the dean, an additional semester may be granted. Students who need additional time due to illness, work or learning disabilities need to meet with the dean about additional time. We keep to this time limit because of the impacted nature of the College of Engineering . For every student that stays an additional semester, someone else will not be able to be admitted.
Q. What support systems are available to new engineering freshmen?
A. We have the Buddy Program (new students are assigned a continuing student buddy), alumni mentorship program, tutoring, peer advising, academic workshops, career planning advising and counseling services.
Q. What AP tests should I take (or will I get credit for)?
A. The College of Engineering gives AP credit for most AP tests. Depending on the test and score, students will get UC credit and/or College of Engineering subject credit.
Q. I am an applicant for the Fall and I plan to take the SATs in the January after the application deadline. Will you delay the review of my admission application until you receive the January scores?
A. It is crucial that you complete all tests no later than the December examination dates of the year in which you file your admission application.
Q.If I am unable to attend the semester for which I am admitted, will Berkeley defer my admission to a later term?
A. No. Admission is valid only for the term in which you are admitted. If you wish to attend Berkeley in a future term, you must reapply without an admission guarantee. You will compete with all applicants who apply for the same term.
Q. Do I have to major in Bioengineering or a biological science in L&S to get into medical school?
A. Simply, the answer is no. There is no preferred major for medical school. While any undergraduate major is acceptable, the pre-medical requirements (chemistry, physics, general biology, and sometimes calculus) must be fulfilled. The most important criteria for admission to medical school are preparatory course work and a high GPA.
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