What are the specific transfer requirements for the College of Engineering at UC Berkeley? I'm in my second year at a community college and trying to plan ahead for a transfer. Any insights into must-have courses or other tips?
For students trying to transfer into UC Berkeley's College of Engineering, a good starting point is maintaining outstanding academic performance. The average GPA for admitted transfer students is rather high—usually in the 3.8-3.9 range for the College of Engineering.
Coursework-wise, the College of Engineering requires that you complete the following four courses with a grade of B or better before you transfer:
1. Two years of college-level calculus similar to Math1A-1B and 53-54 at UC Berkeley.
2. A year of calculus-based physics equivalent to Physics 7A-7B-7C at Berkeley.
3. A single-variable calculus course.
4. A multi-variable calculus and linear algebra course.
California community college students can check Assist.org to see which specific community college classes are equivalent to the required UC Berkeley courses. If you're not coming from a California community college, you can refer to Berkeley's course catalogs and syllabi.
Do note that the above prerequisites are simply the basics to be eligible to apply. The more major-specific courses and General Education/Breadth coursework you can complete beforehand, the more competitive your application will be. Remember, the College of Engineering is quite competitive, so you should aim to surpass these minimum requirements to increase your chances.
You will need to write four UC personal insight questions, one of which should convincingly argue why you want to study engineering, and display an awareness of what studying engineering entails. Tailor your responses to UC Berkeley's engineering programs, and be specific about why you're drawn to their programs over others.
In addition, demonstrated interest is not a factor in admission decisions. Therefore, attending online events or visiting the campus will not directly aid your application. Instead, use these opportunities to learn more about the programs at UC Berkeley's College of Engineering, which you can then reference in your essays.
Bear in mind that while it won't necessarily make or break your application, involvement in extracurricular activities related to your major is definitely beneficial. Whether it's a part-time job, an internship, participation in student organizations, or volunteering, anything that highlights your dedication to your chosen major can help give you an edge.
Lastly, it's important to be aware that the UC system does not accept letters of recommendation from most applicants. Therefore, it's crucial to present your best self within your application and personal insight responses, as those are the main components considered in the decision process.
Don't forget to submit your application during the application filing period from October 1 to November 30. Good luck with the transfer process!
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