<p>So I'm considering applying to Berkeley in the Fall and I heard there were new guidelines for the incoming freshmen of 2012 and amongst them it stated that it's required that applicants have one full year of "arts" (e.g. painting, drawing, ceramics, etc). If i didn't take any of those classes while in high school will my application be penalized or, even worse, discarded? ?! I really need to know and any help is appreciated !! :)</p>
<p>Actually, the 1 year of art requirement has been around for a while (at least, it was required this past application cycle). Anyhow, it’s one of the a-g requirements for the UCs (including Cal), if I remember correctly, and is therefore required for admission. I don’t think they even consider your application if you don’t have one of the requirements fulfilled. A solution to your dilemma would be to take an art class your senior year (this upcoming school year) at either your high school (if you have space in your schedule) or at a local community college. I personally didn’t have schedule space, so I just took it during the summer at a CC, which Berkeley is totally fine with. Good luck!</p>
<p>Edit: Yep, it’s required. If you go to the link below and scroll down a bit there’s more information on it.
<a href=“http://catalog.berkeley.edu/undergrad/admission.html#minimum[/url]”>http://catalog.berkeley.edu/undergrad/admission.html#minimum</a></p>
<p>Yes, I’m an out-of-stater and will be going to Cal this Fall 
Because the requirements (I think, correct me please if I’m wrong) are fulfilled in California high schools, I was very careful in reading the requirements because I went to high school in the Midwest.
A year of art was required and I only found out about this while signing up for classes for senior year (and, aside from the fact that I hadn’t even fulfilled it yet, I sucked at art). Then I found an awesome alternative! 
It doesn’t have to be a legit visual or performing art class like drawing or theatre. I think a good alternative for people who suck at art would be Art History. My school offered an AP Art History class, I took it, and I guess I fulfilled the requirement cuz I got accepted, lol</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>thnx you all so much !! i still have my senior scheduling coming up so i think i’ll squeeze it into my senior year schedule !! :]</p>