<p>I am interested in applying for the coop not for next coming school year but for 2012-2013. Just trying to plan ahead here and want my questions answered. If I am applying for 2012-2013, when should I turn in my application in order to ensure that I will get my first preference? I am in EOP so that should give me a boost on the waitlist. However, I am interested in getting a spot in either Rochdale apartments or Fenwick Weaver apartments which tend to be popular. Does anyone know how likely I will get into either of these places when I am a new member. When should I apply to improve my chances of getting a spot? If I have someone who I would like to live with, how do we request each other as roommates? Does being in EOP also defer me from the $50 application deposit? The coop website does not address any of these questions so I was hoping one of the wise CC members can help. Thanks!</p>
<p>Apply as early as possible; within preference groups (co-op seniority points first, EOP and whatever else next, general applicants), earliest application gets checked first when spaces become available.</p>
<p>Generally, the apartments and smaller houses are hardest to get into.</p>
<p>Here is the [spring</a> status](<a href=“http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/component/content/article/25/882-spring-waiting-list-main]spring”>http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/component/content/article/25/882-spring-waiting-list-main). It appears that it is easier for new members to get into the bigger (and not as clean and more party prone) houses (Cloyne and CZ), all-female houses (Hoyt and Sherman), and the LGBT theme house (Oscar Wilde).</p>
<p>Note that if you are living someplace other than a residence hall with meal plan, you may want to consider a [meal</a> plan](<a href=“http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/meal-contracts]meal”>http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/meal-contracts) at a nearby BSC house. The 0.25 to 0.5 point from the meal plan will bump you ahead of lots of other applicants to the BSC.</p>
<p>So that means I can apply now if I am interested in getting a space for 2012-2013? It is not too early?</p>
<p>See section 7 of this FAQ:</p>
<p>[Before</a> You Apply](<a href=“http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/before-you-apply]Before”>http://berkeleystudentcooperative.org/before-you-apply)</p>
<p>I assume that is a yes? Not a very definite answer on that page…</p>
<p>It doesn’t tell me much about the application process or any dates? Can you be specific because I find the website very informative…</p>
<p>It says that application numbers are assigned chronologically, and applications are processed in application number order within each group (number of BSC points, EOP, etc.). So yes, apply as early as you can for the best chance of getting into the BSC or getting a house you desire more.</p>
<p>And here is the application: [Berkeley</a> Student Co-Op - Online Application](<a href=“http://bsc.coop/online_app/]Berkeley”>http://bsc.coop/online_app/)</p>
<p>There’s no such thing as applying too early in the co-op system, because the earlier you apply for a spot, the better chance you have. If you apply now, you should have a really good chance (I would believe) since you’re applying a year in advance and have EOP. However, the apartments have less space than the houses, so it probably would still be pretty competitive. Just apply as soon as possible to best position yourself for a spot there.</p>