<p>I'm applying for transfer to UC Berkeley and the first prompt asks you to describe the development of interest in your chosen major.</p>
<p>In part of the essay I talk about microcontrollers, and about the very first robot I made with it. My friend said he felt that it was too technical, but how much can I assume the readers to know about my chosen major?</p>
<p>In a pamphlet for UC Berkeley Transfer Admission that I have, it clearly states that: </p>
<p>"Except for the applicants to College of Letters and Science, which are reviewed for demonstrated interest in the major by Admissions staff, person statements are reviewed by each College's staff."</p>
<p>Can I safely assume that my essay reader will know about fundamental applications of my major such as what I mentioned?</p>
<p>I’ll be honest in saying that I don’t know the answer to this question, and, if somebody replies to the contrary of my advice, take what they say. With that said, I believe it is always better to play it somewhat safe rather than sorry in the college admissions game. With that in mind, assume the reader knows hardly anything about the topic. Of course, if the essay reader does happen to know a lot about said topic, then, at worst, you will be briefly explaining things they already know. However, if you get too technical and get a reader who knows next to nothing about the topic, the worst that can happen is that they will have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Thus, I think it is far safer to assume that the reader does not know about your given subject area.</p>