Computer Science (BA/BS) Admissions Questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Hi! So UC Berkeley is my current first choice and dream school for years now. The big campus feel at such an intellectual school in California sounds like heaven to me.
I want to enter Berkeley as a Computer Science and Economics major (hoping to work in business and technology). The Economics major is obviously placed within the College of Letters and Science, however the Computer Science major is offered in both the College of L&S and the College of Engineering as a B.A. and B.S. (respectively).
I am trying to figure out which program I should be applying to. I really want to have a rigorous and well rounded computer science education - will taking the BA path lead to an inferior education which will limit me from receiving top level hiring attention? I'm almost sure I wish to double major, however. Berkeley suggests that when double majoring, the BA degree offers a more flexible pathway for that. My main qualm about this is that I am still interested in a few other engineering options, such as Bio and Chemical. If I decide to apply for the BA degree then it may be hard to transfer to the College of Engineering in the future. This is all encompassed by the fact that the College of Engineering is by far more selective. In turn, applying to the College of L&S would increase my chances of admission.</p>

<p>Overall, I just need some advice on if I should apply for a Computer Science BS or BA, with these factors in mind:
- Double majoring w/ economics
- Education and prestige comparison between degrees
- Possibility of wanting to transfer to College of Engineering in the future
- and the College of L&S being less selective, increasing my chance for admission.</p>

<p>Also, I was wondering if I originally apply to the College of Engineering and am rejected, can I still be considered for the L&S degree or am I flat out rejected?</p>

<p>Thanks!!!</p>

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<p>Any help?</p>

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<p>How about a search!</p>

<p>These issues have been discussed 100 times, if not 200 times already.</p>

4

<p>If you’re doubling, go for L&S CS. It’s easier to double if they majors are in the same college. EECS and L&S CS students share many of the same classes, if you’re not interested in EE and you’re doing L&S breadth requirements anyways then it won’t make a difference which program you’re in.</p>

<p>If you’re not really sure about doubling and you’re seriously considering more techy majors, yes, it’s easier to change into another engineering major if you’re already in CoE. It’s also harder to get into Cal initially. And it’s possible to change into CoE from L&S, though the requirements for changing your major can be hard to meet. So, pick your poison. Apply to the college/major you think you’re most likely to end up in.</p>

<p>No, you cannot list an alternate major for Cal. Pick your favorite, if you’re rejected you’re rejected.</p>