<p>Hi, everyone.</p>
<p>So, I am studying in a CC and would apply to Berkeley for EECS in 2013. I noticed that there is a section in the application that is "work experience." Due to my schedule, I might not get to do any computer-related job. Does that matter a lot?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I don’t know how much it affects decisions, but it’s definitely possible to get in with no work experience listed.</p>
<p>It really only matters if you have relevant work experience to your major. Also, it’s really only going to help you if you can expand upon it in your personal statement. I guess, if you have absolutely no ECs and you’re able to list something, even if it’s unrelated to your major, then it might look slighty better. But, the work experience section isn’t going to be something that’s going to have a big impact on their decision unless you really write about it. They want to see that you’ve had some experience that you’re really passionate about or that you’ve really learned something from that’s contributed to making you a stronger person or better student. Something that can’t really be evaluated just by looking to see that you worked “X” amount of hours a week in that section.</p>
<p>The same applies to the awards & activities and volunteer work sections. They want you to expand on these sections and your PS or they’re going to assume they weren’t that significant.</p>
<p>Contribute to open source, code your own game, etc., and it shouldn’t be a problem.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard it’s the least looked at section when applying to schools other than Haas. It might have some weight there, but it won’t affect your admission decision heavily.</p>
<p>This question has already been well-answered, but I thought I’d mention that I met with a UCB admissions officer and he seemed really lax about me including my work experience. He told me to include it, but he was more concerned with my grades and personal statement.</p>
<p>best,</p>
<p>drop</p>
<p>Thank everyone.</p>