I am thinking about applying to UC Berkeley, but I am not sure whether I should apply for the College of Chemistry or College of Engineering. I don’t want to be locked into chemistry if I get into the College of Chemistry, but I don’t wanted to be locked out of chemistry if I get into the college of engineering.
Is it possible to switch between the colleges? How likely is a switch if it is possible?
Is it possible to double-major across the two colleges?
Thanks!
It is possible to switch after enrolling, but it can be difficult and competitive, at least to the College of Engineering (it is not obvious how difficult it is to change into the College of Chemistry).
http://engineering.berkeley.edu/admissions/undergrad-admissions/change-college
http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/prospective-students/change-of-college
There are two joint majors, administered by the College of Chemistry (chemical + materials engineering and chemical + nuclear engineering). It is also possible to do simultaneous degrees across divisions, but you need to gain admission to both majors and fulfill all requirements of both majors, which can be difficult.
If your interest in the College of Chemistry is chemistry rather than chemical engineering, note that chemistry is also available in the College of Letters and Science, which is not that difficult to change into.
https://ls.berkeley.edu/advising/academic-progress/changing-status/change-college-ls