<p>Just wondering, is it <em>possible</em> to apply to Haas as a freshman?</p>
<p>Nowhere does it say you have to be a sophomore. It just says "Minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units."
Now, given 15 credits per semester for 4 semesters, that would add up to 60 units by the end of two years.</p>
<p>But if you add in AP credit, I would have 60 units by the end of freshman year. I'm wondering if AP credit counts. Nothing indicates it doesn't (especially since AP credit is used to indicate class standing for registration). I'm also likely to get the Econ and R&C pre-reqs knocked out with this AP credit.</p>
<p>Obviously, it might not be such a good idea, since you need time to develop good ECs, and the app is due November 30th. Plus, you can only apply once during your time at Berkeley.</p>
<p>You are correct: you can apply to Haas as a freshman, given that you have 60 units by the end of freshman year (including AP units) and given that you have completed all of the Haas pre-requisites by the end of your freshman year (which can be fulfilled by sufficient AP scores). The biggest hurdle in this route is the one you point out: you will be looked at, as an applicant, relative to other applicants with applications that have one more year’s worth of development. </p>
<p>If you are intent on applying to Haas as a freshman, you need to have a big impact as a freshman, especially in the fall before the app is due (you can always discuss your spring plans, but these are inherently less concrete given that they are anticipated rather than complete). I’d recommend aggressively pursuing several (explore a lot if you like, but settle on just a few) activities, anything from a combination of student clubs, jobs, internships, etc. They do not have to be related to business, but you do need to have a big impact and involve leadership. Also note that Haas will only be able to consider your fall GPA (rather than three full semesters), so this is crucial as well.</p>
<p>Ultimately, I’d say that this route is extremely risky. You can always apply as a freshman, and (if your priority is graduating as early as possible) just major in economics (since you’ll have already finished most of the pre-requisites for that major too), finish the upper-division requirements, and then graduate. However, if your priority is Haas, then you’re chances get a lot better if you wait to apply as a sophomore.</p>
<p>i’m just trying to picture a freshman socializing at large with already cliquey haas jr.s & sr.s</p>
<p>Also, if you are accepted and switch to the business major, you have four semesters to complete your degree. This means that a three year plan must be desirable, or at least acceptable, to you if you enter the business major after your first year.</p>
<p>To add to the previous comment, you need to complete all of your Haas requirements four semesters after you are accepted. So you could theoretically finish your Haas requirements in your sophomore and junior years and work toward a second major or a minor in your fourth year provided that you find a way to finish all of the appropriate pre-requisites for all majors and minors in time. That’s all relevant if you do decide to apply to Haas as a freshman.</p>
<p>Honestly, the only reason I would do this is if I want to graduate in 3 years; there’s no point in doing this if I want to graduate in 4 years. In that case, I would probably major in Business and get a minor in CS.</p>
<p>However, I’m actually thinking that my gap year plans might fit in with this.
I’m already considering doing community service during a gap year, through Americorps, or doing 2-3 internships over the course of a year.
I am aware Berkeley does not grant deferments (I have very high stats and I am confident I would be readmitted).
Do you think my gap year experiences will be considered if I apply as a freshman?</p>
<p>If you do plan to take a gap year like the one you described, that would not only count for your Haas app but would significantly benefit your chances of getting in (especially if what you do during that year includes some type of leadership and community service, either together or separately).</p>
<p>If you plan on graduating in 6 semesters (3 years), one option would be to take a CS class every semester and then have one semester with 2 CS classes (the minor appears to have 7 classes: 4 pre-reqs and 3 upper-division requirements) and then simultaneously complete the Haas-pre reqs in your first year and the other Haas requirements in your second and third years.</p>