Declaring Computer Science in L&S

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

Hello,

I applied for CS in the College of Letters & Sciences and did some research on the program and realized that if I got in, I would have to write essays, take prereqs, etc to declare Computer Science. Can any current Cal students tell me if this process is really difficult, or is it worth the risk of not getting my major?

Thanks.

2

As far as I know, you only need to get a 3.0 in your pre-req classes in order to declare. It might be a little competitive, as lower div CS requirements average around 2.7, but it’s very doable as long as you work hard. If you don’t get into the major, it’s probably a strong signal that you should pursue something else.

3

Does getting a 3.0 guarantee admission? Or does it just allow you to apply, and they select the top people from all those with 3.0 or higher? I can’t seem to find an official source on this, the official website is not clear.
For example the website says things like “The admissions committee looks favorably on students who challenge themselves” and “The CS 61 series and CS 70 (Discrete Math & Probability) are the courses most seriously considered for admission” as if it’s not as simple as 3.0 --> you’re in.

4

At this point, if you have a 3.0, you get in. That might change once it comes time for you to declare, since CS is so popular. It wasn’t capped when I started, and now they have a GPA requirement.

5

http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/education/degrees.shtml#ba
http://www.eecs.berkeley.edu/csugrad/#petitioning

6

@"light shining"‌ if the average GPA in lower div cs courses is 2.7 (if I understood that correctly), do most people who want to major in CS not make it?

7

@"light shining"‌

8

A lot of people will self-select themselves out. You will know whether CS is right for you after taking a few classes.

9

yes it does
you need a personal statement if you don’t hit the 3.0 cap
don’t forget it includes you math (math1a,1b,54)

10

But don`t you have to apply undeclared by default to L&S? How do you declare CS while applying itself?

11

All L&S frosh enter as undeclared. You can specify an intended major on the application, but it does not affect admission selectivity, and does not give you preference into that major later.

12

Then whats the use? @ucbalumnus

13

They wouldn’t want the only option to be ‘undeclared’
insofar as I know lots of college follow the model of not entering with a declared major. Rather they make you take courses towards themajor
eg: uchicago makes their students pick their majors as 2nd years i believe