<p>My brother is applying to Berkeley for computer science. He wants to do EECS but is scared he might not get in. Based on the following stats, should he apply EECS or Letters and Sciences?</p>
<p>2400 SAT</p>
<p>800 Bio, 800 Math 2, 770 US History</p>
<p>AP Biology - 5
AP US History - 5</p>
<p>GPA: 3.92 UW, 4.5 W</p>
<p>State: Cal
Sex: M</p>
<p>EC's:</p>
<p>Science Center Volunteer
Computer Programmer
Hospital Volunteer
Classical Piano, 10 years
Instrumental Music/ Marching Band
Chorus</p>
<p>Awards:
School Math Highest Score
National Merit Finalist
President's Service Award
National Math Competition Finalist
Several MUN awards</p>
<p>That is a very big jump in W-GPA for having only taken two AP classes. Lack of rigor maybe? Well, the SAT score probably covers that anyhow. </p>
<p>My default answer is to go for EECS if that’s what he wants. Why turn your 1st year of college into a 5th year of high school worrying about your GPA and how you look compared to your classmates?</p>
<p>I think it really depends on what he wants to study. If he thinks he might want the EE option, then EECS. It keeps his options open, plus he has the grades, test scores and ECs to be competitive for EECS. </p>
<p>If he’s sure he only wants CS, then he’s <em>nearly</em> guaranteed of getting admitted to L&S.
Even with his qualifications, EECS is not a lock for anybody (except for celebrities, athletes, big donors, etc). </p>
<p>Is Cal his #1 choice? If he’d be happy going to one of his other college choices, then apply to EECS. If Cal is the be-all-end-all and he doesn’t want to risk not getting in, then I’d recommend L&S CS.</p>