<p>One is in engineering and one is in L&S.
To be completely honest, I have not really been introduced to the differences between anything, and not really counseled on this, so I'm not really sure what I want to do or major in. Research eventually...</p>
<p>Anyways, I'm not sure which one to apply to. I've been told that engineering is harder to get into. So should I just apply to biochemistry then, and if I get in try to switch later? I mean, I might want to major in physics too, which is also is L&S. So I would hate to be denied admission just because I put down a major that is in engineering. But I would also hate to want to change into engineering later and be denied as well.</p>
<p>If you apply L&S, and work towards a Physics and MCB Major, you’ll basically be working towards the BioEngineering degree. So what I suggest is apply L&S, and switch into BioE while taking requirements for both majors and apply to BioE if your grades are good.</p>
<p>I think I’m interested in bioengineering things. But I don’t want to limit myself, which is why I don’t want to major in bioengineering. </p>
<p>I have been considering a biophysics major, but Berkeley doesn’t seem to offer one for undergrad. (they do for grad). Why is this? Would biophysics be a better option, or am I really just lost?</p>
<p>edit: okay I will apply to MCB then.
would I apply to Molecular and Cell Biology, or do I chose between Molecular biology and Cell Biology</p>
<p>Exactly what do you mean you limit yourself by doing bioengineering? Whatever major you choose, the opportunity is limitless, especially if you are an engineering program.</p>
<p>Well, I’ve read a few things about bioengineering majors having problems, being so specialized and everything.
Basically, it might be hard to compete with non-bioengineering majors in fields outside of bioengineering. And I want to do be able to do things besides bioengineering if the opportunity I want to and the opportunity arises.</p>
<p>Go to L&S. Most people end up switching their majors anyway and that’s relatively painless if you are in L&S. However, if you are in the CoE and end up not doing well you’ll be stuck there, unable to switch to something much easier. </p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you’ll definitely switch you major but statistically speaking it’s very possible. Also, if you end up doing well you can still transfer into the Engineering department if you want to.</p>
<p>“Well, I’ve read a few things about bioengineering majors having problems, being so specialized and everything.”</p>
<p>It’s quite the opposite, but you got it right in the rest of your post. I’m not a Bioengineer, but from what I understand, the current Bioengineer undergrad program makes you a jack of all trades but a master of none. As a result, the non-premed bioengineers tend to switch to EECS/MechE/ChemE. The jobs that bioengineers apply for are usually better suited for chemical, mechanical, or electrical engineers.</p>
<p>Bioengineers and Bio majors have nearly identical lower-division courses as prerequisites (Bio 1A/L, Chem 1A/3A, and so on…) so I guess you could figure yourself out as you study here.</p>
<p>And believe me, you’ll find that it is good to specialize yourself in college…</p>