Deciding Between UC Berkeley's Applied Mathematics Major

Yo, what's up? So, I've developed a keen interest in Applied Mathematics recently, and UC Berkeley is on my list. Can anyone shed some light on their program? How competitive is it to get in? What's the coursework like?

Hey there! UC Berkeley's Applied Mathematics major is known to be intensive but rewarding, covering a broad range of mathematical methods and their applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and economics. It falls under the College of Letters and Sciences so students get a blend of both technical knowledge in math and flexibility in choosing electives in liberal arts. Getting into UC Berkeley as a whole is competitive. It has an acceptance rate in the lower double digits. That said, acceptance rates vary by major and Applied Math is no exception to the competitiveness of UC Berkeley. It's hard to give an exact acceptance rate for the Applied Mathematics major, as Berkeley doesn't explicitly release those numbers. Coursework-wise, you'll begin with lower division courses that cover fundamental math, such as Calculus and Linear Algebra, before moving onto upper division courses like Differential Equations and Statistics. There will be a strong emphasis on the development of problem-solving skills, logical argument, and mathematical modeling. Many students have commented that the upper division courses can be rigorous and challenging, but the faculty are exemplars in their field and there's plenty of academic support available if needed. Like any competitive major, achieving good grades, particularly in math-related coursework, will be important for admission. Involvement in math-related extracurricular activities would also support your application. Because the UC system is test-blind, SAT or ACT scores won't be considered in admissions decisions so it's even more important to showcase your academic strengths and passion for mathematics elsewhere in your application. Best of luck with your college application process!