<p>Recent Stanford reject here (: Turning over to the "dark side" lol</p>
<p>So I applied to Berkeley Chemistry College and will be pursuing a BS in Chemistry. I will have around 25-30 credits from AP courses and UC-transferable courses I took at a local community college. I can pretty much graduate in 3 years if I work hard enough but I was thinking of another option and wanted to see how possible this is. </p>
<p>I was then wondering, since I have all that free time, two things: </p>
<p>1) How many classes a semester do Cal students usually take?
2) How hard is the Physics Major, and would a potential Chem major be able to double major in Physics, and graduate in 4 years?</p>
<p>Actually, what you’re doing are simultaneous degrees, not a double major. Not much difference except that 1. you get two degrees, one BS Chemistry and one BA Physics, and 2. you have to complete breadth requirements for both colleges. CoC’s breadth requirements aren’t the problem, it’s L&S that may trip you up.</p>
<p>But, there are people who have done this and graduated with 3.5s. You can do this, just be prepared to have no social life :)</p>
<p>As for your first question… people usually take 16 units, I think, which is about 4 classes.</p>
<p>Hmm are the breadth requirements a lot? The ones for CoC seem to be…very few</p>
<p>Perhaps I should look into a less intense second degree then XD On the other hand I hear freshmen bathrooms are most excellent, so at least I can do my business in tranquility.</p>
<p>L&S also offers a chemistry degree. You can also complete the breadth requirements at CC.</p>
<p>Here is what I recommend. Figure out the minimum GPA you would be satisfied with and write it down somewhere. Plan your schedule as if you were going to double major. If you can keep your GPA above the number you have in mind, then go for the double major. If you fall below it, then choose between physics and chemistry and major in that.</p>
<p>I know a guy double majoring in Physics and Chemistry. He is probably the most academically motivated person I know though (he had 5’s on 16 AP tests coming in lol). You should definitely start off doing prerequisites for both majors though and make a decision after.</p>
<p>CoC breadth requirements are ridiculously few; once you finish R&C there’s not much left. But L&S breadth requirements are a pain in the ass. 7-course breadth could really get you down if you choose to let it.</p>
<p>But, like flutterfly and cavilier said, start out with prerequisites for both majors. They overlap quite a bit. For example, in your first semester, you could do Math 1B (or whatever your math placement is), Physics 7A, Chem 4A and an R&C course. Then see how you fare after that first semester.</p>
<p>how is cal “the dark side”? who would go to a college they thought was “the dark side”? if that’s how you feel about it, dont do the simul degree. just get in and out in 3 years and move on with your life.</p>
<p>Hey sheppard314. It’s definitely a possibility. Here’s what I recommend: wait until you’ve taken some classes to decide. You’ve 3-4 more years, and you don’t need to choose right now. Good luck!</p>