<p>When I applied to Berkeley I didnt know whether to apply under Biochem(Letters and Science)or Chemical Bio (College of Chem). My test scores arent the highest but my GPA is a 4.45 and i have taken some of the most difficult APs including all three science (Bio, Chem, Physics C) as well as taking AP Calc AB. Im really worried that since i decided to apply as chemical bio that I lowered my chances by applying to CoC instead CLS and i feel awful. Any insight please?</p>
<p>Is CoC significantly harder to get into than CLS? </p>
<p>I have a few friends in chemical biology in the College of Chemistry. They told me that CoC doesn’t have a significantly lower admit rate than L&S, but there are some differences in the admissions process. For example, according to the Freshman Admission flyer, “Demonstrated interest in the major and/or sustained academic achievement, particularly in math and science, is also an important consideration for applicants to the professional schools and colleges, especially the College of Engineering and the College of Chemistry.” (<a href=“http://students.berkeley.edu/files/Admissions/12626_4.Freshmen(3).pdf”>http://students.berkeley.edu/files/Admissions/12626_4.Freshmen(3).pdf</a>) Since all freshmen enter L&S as undeclared, demonstrated involvement in science is less important there than in CoC.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the reply. When it says “sustained academic achievement, particularly in math and science” will the fact that I have a triple AP science background help me. I am 1 out of 4 students who is battling with the ever so ominous Physics C course, does that lend any help to my application? And when you say involvement in science does that mean I will be rejected if i never had an internship at a lab or something related to that nature?</p>
<p>Well, your decision’s already out so hope it’s a good one! Sorry about the late reply.
To answer your question, your achievements are evaluated in context of your environment. “Sustained academic achievement” is, I think, intended to be vague, because it means different things for different people. It’s not necessary to have a lab internship (I didn’t have it and I’m in CoE; probably most people didn’t have it), but I interpret it to mean scientific accomplishments in various areas – academic, extracurricular, jobs/internships, etc. I didn’t really have a science/math job or internship until after I graduated from high school, but I had good academics and leadership positions in several STEM clubs for several years. I also discussed my interest in engineering in my essay and made sure that I knew what I was talking about by doing some research while I was writing. All it means is that they want to see people who have a demonstrated interest and consistently good record in preparatory subjects for their fields.
If you’re in and decide to come here, good luck at CoC, and come to Cal Day if at all possible!</p>
<p>The CoC would not lower your admission chances, because the CoC is not an impacted college, nor are it’s majors impacted. The reason for this is many people switch out of CoC because they do not do well in the Chem 4A-4B series.</p>
<p>As far as i am concerned, the Biochemistry major your mentioning is a tract that is apart of the MCB major, which although has similar focuses as chemical biology, is very different than chem bio, and this is something you should consider for yourself, if you are accepted.</p>