I’m currently a first year at Cal studying Chemical Engineering. I realized a little too late that I hate it, and I REALLY want to explore other avenues.
I looked into Haas and noticed that I met most of the pre-req requirements for math and reading. I just have to take Stats, Econ and UGBA. My main worry is that ChemE recked my GPA. I survived my first semester with a 3.0 (Big deal for CoC students), but I’m struggling this semester. I know that GPA is a huge deal for Haas, but will they take into consideration the caliber of classes I was taking?
(Also, had a horrible prof for Math 1A and got a C+. I’m taking 53 over the summer to try to make up for it.)
I’m involved with a few clubs on campus, have had an internship since I graduated from high school and hold a steady job during the school year. If I take the rest of the pre-reqs and ace them, get involved in a few more clubs and write some killer essays, will I have a chance?
I’m kicking myself for learning the hard way that I hate science at Cal, but I can’t go back and I want to do something I’m going to enjoy.
hey i’m taking 53 over the summer too! (online)
but i mean most haas kids aren’t too bright and if you’re admitted to chemE you must be pretty smart. I mean seriously i heard them complain about how hard it is to use excel for analyzing basic data near haas.
with that said you’re gonna want to hit a 3.8 for a solid chance at haas.
if anything you can always go applied math which is better prospective wise for your future and you’ll be smarter for it. if you look at the average salary on the career page, haas kids are still ranging 63k ish, nothing too impressive.
at the end of the day, a ugrad degree in business isn’t really important (rather an MBA is)
I’d spend my time in ugrad learning a valuable skill that can be used if shit hits the fan (STEM is always in demand)
finally, yes you do have a chance if you ace everything with A’s the rest of your time before you apply.
Thank you both! Luckily, my internship ends with me working there after I graduate, so I’m not worried about the job aspect. I could really care less about the money at this point. Most of my ChemE friends are only in it for the money, but I won’t be successful in a field that I can’t stand learning about. I’m very aware that upper div classes are generally considered to be better, but I’m not willing to sacrifice my happiness for the next three years.
I’ll look into getting a minor in applied math so that I can bring a technical aspect to whatever field of social science/business I choose.
best of luck
keep in mind should you choose to do haas they have a MFE (masters in finance engineering) or something thats heavily math based and would likely serve you well