<p>Hey CC, I was wondering if it is possible for me to switch the school that I am applying for at Berkeley. Obviously my application was already submitted on November 30th. I have done some research on this, yet have found inconsistent information on the university's website. Here are some links: </p>
<p><a href="http://admissions.berkeley.edu/applicationfaqs#major">http://admissions.berkeley.edu/applicationfaqs#major</a></p>
<p><a href="https://students.berkeley.edu/myberkeley/myberkeleyapp.asp?todo=cms&id=88#6">https://students.berkeley.edu/myberkeley/myberkeleyapp.asp?todo=cms&id=88#6</a></p>
<p>So, website #1 says that I can, while #2 says that I can't. I haven't sent an email yet because I do not want to be wrong and then look bad in front of the admissions officers. Do any of you know the correct answer?</p>
<p>I was wondering the exact same thing! The UC admissions twitter posted that any changes made to a selected major should be emailed to them. But that was posted on December 2nd (or so), so I’m not sure if it is still possible. I sent them an e-mail on Thursday night and I haven’t heard back yet (they said it may take 2-5 business days to respond).</p>
<p>Did you find out yet?</p>
<p>Not yet, but I will post as soon as I find out! I should probably hear back by tonight… hopefully</p>
@flancakes- Have they emailed you back?
I was confused by the variance too, but I was able to chang my major after November 30. I shot Berkeley an email stating why. They took about a week, but replied okaying the major change. I did change in early December though.
The first link is for students that submitted their application but want to change their major before the Nov 30 deadline.
The second link is after the Nov 30 deadline. Sorry, but it is too late for Fall 2015 applicants to change their major. Once accepted, you can submit a request.
@Schmosby … I didn’t see your post before I responded. That’s really interesting. What major did you change from and to? What was the reason for the change (if it’s not too personal)? I didn’t think they allowed it at all (regardless of major or reason). It’s good to hear it can be done!
@mothergoldenbear I switched from architecture to civil engineering. I found out that subject tests weren’t required to apply (although highly recommended).
It’s risky from an applicant POV, but transferring into College of Engineering as an admit is a gamble so I preferred freshman admission odds. I just knew that if I couldn’t be an engineer at Cal, I’d rather get rejected and study engineering somewhere else.
@Schmosby … That was how my kids thought too so both applied to the major they wanted. Thanks for sharing and good luck to you! BTW, Cal’s architecture program is very difficult to get into, so it was probably a smart move. I don’t think it’s much easier to get into than CE. In fact, CE might be less competitive (<-- don’t quote me on this!).
@flancakes … Please update us on whether or not you are able to change majors. I hope it works out for you.
@james111 @mothergoldenbear - They haven’t e-mailed me back yet. I thought that my UC application might be able to show me whether if I was able to change majors or not, but since I wanted to change from Chemistry BS to Chemistry BA, the website doesn’t indicate the difference. It just says “Chemistry.” I wish I could offer more helpful information! When I do find out, I’ll be sure to share the news.
Should I try e-mailing them, asking if they got my request?
Note that Chemistry BA would be L&S undeclared for frosh admission purposes.
Changing to L&S after enrollment can be done without that much difficulty; see the rules listed in http://ls-advise.berkeley.edu/fp/ChangeOfCollegePacket.pdf .
You can compare the Chemistry BS (CoC) and Chemistry BA (L&S) majors at http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/student_info/undergrad_info/degree_programs/ .
If you want to keep the option of Chemical Engineering open, it is best to stay in the CoC.
Thank you @ucbalumn. I was unsure if I wanted to attend CoC and my original plan was to take a few chem courses and transfer later if I still wanted to go.
Also, I was able to change my major! I sent them an e-mail again asking them about the change, and they said it was processed. I e-mailed them on Dec 18th.
@flancakes Thanks for the update. That’s good info to know for future applicants. It’s nice that Berkeley isn’t being so rigid about it. I hope you hear more good news in the coming months!