<p>Hi all. I've just started my second year of community college and I just have a few questions I'm hoping to get answered.</p>
<p>First of all, does anyone know if you are able to change your major after transferring to Berkeley as a Political Science major to something else? What about English?</p>
<p>Secondly, at the moment I have completed IGETC minus the lab requirement. I have gotten straight A's second semester and over the summer, but first semester I got a D in General Biology I (I started off as a Biology major, found out I was not cut out for it and my interests lay elsewhere) so I began to pursue a political science major. I have finished all pre-reqs for political science major at Berkeley and am working on finishing pre-reqs for the English major in case it would be easier to transfer as an English major, but I only have a 3.5 at the moment and I don't think that will get me in at all. I'm hoping I'll raise it by the end of this fall semester.</p>
<p>Basically, I'm planning on taking a lab science next semester, but I was wondering if not retaking this exact biology class for a better grade will impact me significantly when it comes to getting into Berkeley (as it's obviously not a class that affects my intended major)? Do they get to see fall grades before making a decision? How much do spring semester grades come into play, if I retook it second semester...? </p>
<p>Also, do they at all take into account SAT scores for transfer students? It says not to send them, though.</p>
<p>Yes (yes)
ok (slim chance but possible, write a killer essay)
Probably. yes. They will be counted like the others. Used to make sure you havn’t regressed, a part of the terms of admissions
No</p>
<p>Is there any reason to believe you would do better in the Biology class if you took it again than you did when you received a D? You have stated you are not cut out for Biology so taking the course again now, particularly when you are no longer interested in Biology, sounds like a good way to get another D or worse which would really put a dent in your GPA.</p>
<p>Well, which is YOUR passion more…Political Science or English? Berkeley has strong academic departments in both subjects so you should pick which you like writing ALOT about over which you think is easier. For educational value it all depends on what interests you more and where you want to attend graduate school. For economic and practical value, if you are a good writer, many employers would prefer an English BA. If you have already completed Intro to Politics, US Government, Comparative Politics, and International Relations then just minor in Poli Sci (12-18 units) with the classes you are more interested in. That way you have the flexibility of choice of more interesting poli sci electives. If you choose poli sci as a major you would take more theoretical econ classes plus history and law and/or business management classes. realize though that you would have to go all the way (PhD level) if you picked political science if want to make a decent living at it unless plan on becoming a career politician and start volunteering. I know top students that got a BA in Poli Sci from Berkeley and went back to community college for a more practical career track now their undergrad requirements are complete.
Don’t believe the naysayers, if you are or become a good writer, there is always well freelance work for English Majors. Even during the low periods of the business cycle English Majors actually do quite well, especially now with online media! </p>
<p>Second Question: Yes, most definitely retake Bio 101 again. You are granted a second chance and want to fix that on your transcript. Not only will it improve your GPA but you will be redeemed in the eyes of a higher education institution. I know talking about cells for a month straight is terribly boring but that is a fundamental UC transferable class even if not your major.
A 3.5 is acceptable to get into Cal and its more about you as a whole person than just your GPA. That is, they would even choose a person with a 3.0 over you if completed the same classes but did something outside the classroom. For example a competing potential English or Poli Sci major dedicating a year of service in student government or the school newspaper. How do I know this? I did a year of each and those peers I came to work with were the ones who got in even if had only an average GPA.
Your entire transcript matters and there is no getting around or hiding that, but no SAT scores don’t matter if you are a transfer student.</p>