How difficult would it be to graduate in 3 years? I am in the college of letter and sciences and intend to declare computer science.
It’s sure doable, especially if you have a lot of AP credits. But it’s a lot of hard work, especially if you want to maintain high GPA and/or to do research.
My D did. She graduated EECS in 3 years with 3.8 GPA + 2 years research. She virtually put her life on hold during those 3 years.
I think lots of UCB students do summer sessions and summer abroad work to both make it easier during the regular academic year or to graduate on time.
If you feel confident enough to have all of your AP credits applied, sure, apply them towards accelerating your time there. D is taking math 1A and 1B over (even though she got A’s and 5’s in HS) because paranoid. She got an A in 1A and is on track to do the same for 1B, but she says she definitely learned stuff she didn’t know (or was a bit weak in).
I think you can graduate on time if you are very careful about planning out your 4 years and are flexible with the class times you are willing to take. I do get the appeal of taking classes in summer to give yourself a bit more breathing room during the normal academic year.
To give some more background, I have taken 12 AP Tests that in total yield (50/1.5 = 33.3) credits according to http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/ap-credits/
Does this mean I only need to take 14-15 credits a semester to graduate in 3 years to fulfill the 120 credit requirement? Or am I misunderstanding something?
It’s not just the number of credits - they also have to match precisely your general education requirement and major pre-reqs.
Be aware that many find it difficult to graduate in four years.
Why do you want to graduate in three years?
My daughter had a friend who graduated in 3 years, including a semester abroad. My son (graduating next month with Economics and a minor in Public Policy) could have easily graduated in 3 years, but is having such a great time wanted to stay for the fourth year.
You have various requirements. Your major requirements, general ed requirements, etc… You can talk to someone from your major at Cal Day or Orientation and they can tell you, for your specific situation, whether it is a viable option.
Somewhat more do-able for CS as there are fewer required courses.
Taking 5 courses in addition to the usual 4 in a semester and maybe a summer school or two should easily speed things up. Definitely skip any classes if applicable using AP credits.