<p>Hi, I would like some input on whether or not I should even attempt to transfer to the College of Engineering.</p>
<p>Some info about me:
- I have completed one semester in the Fall Program for Freshman and one semester as an official Berkeley student.
- I am Undeclared and I still don't really know what I want to do, but I like the idea of Engineering (mainly Mechanical or Civil).<br>
- I am in L&S, but I just don't see anything in L&S that I want to pursue. I want to steer clear of humanities subjects.
- I was attempting to force myself to be a Computer Science major so I don't end up jobless, but I really don't like programming or computers in general.
- I enjoy math and physics, but I am not naturally talented at it. My technical GPA is a 2.8 (terrible, I know). I have only taken a few math classes that count as pre-reqs.
- I know that you need to complete all the technical pre-reqs with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and then apply for a Change of College. I hear that applying for a Change of College is more competitive than applying to the College of Engineering as a freshman or transfer applicant. </p>
<p>Should I even attempt to transfer? What should I do? Are there alternative majors within L&S I should look into instead?</p>
<p>Thanks for your help!</p>
<p><a href=“Change of college - Berkeley Engineering”>http://coe.berkeley.edu/students/current-undergraduates/change-of-college</a> describes the procedure.</p>
<p>Remember that engineering is based on math and physics.</p>
<p>If you do not mind the idea of working in finance or actuarial areas using math and statistics, you may want to consider applied math or statistics (however, the statistics major requires a 3.2 GPA in math prerequisites and a B- or higher in Statistics 134 or 135 to declare).</p>
<p>Last year (as a freshman), I went and talked to the Mechanical Engineering advisor as an L&S student and asked about the process to transfer. She told me that for ME at least, as long as you have above that 3.0, you usually are able to transfer in. Not sure about Civil Engineering. So you should absolutely go for it! I would recommend talking with the Civil Engineering and Mechanical Engineering advisors first and trying to find the optimal time to request the transfer. </p>
<p>Hey, we sound similar.</p>
<p>I also came to Berkeley as undeclared L&S because I didn’t know what engineering is about. Once I came here and realized engineering is an application of math and physics, I liked the idea of it and narrowed down to between mechanical and civil. I ended up choosing mechanical engineering and now I’m graduated and all that, but I took numerous civil engineering courses for fun and really enjoyed those too. I went a little further and took some architecture course that was a hybrid of design class and structural engineering (which you could say it’s both civil and mechanical), and I have to say that class made me a better engineer since I realized it’s not all about numbers and making sense.</p>
<p>To answer you, wait a bit until you improve your overall GPA. I think the most important requirements are taking the classes so you can graduate in time, getting at least an average of B in all classes, and a convincing essay why you want to be in College of Engineering. As long as you have a clear determination of what you like to do, then the competition doesn’t really matter.</p>
<p>As for alternatives, I think the first one to consider is Geographical Information Systems (GIS) which can be found at <a href=“http://gis.berkeley.edu/”>http://gis.berkeley.edu/</a>. It is about analyzing various types of geographical data and it’s like statistics with geography flavor. It is one of the hottest trends in industry that needs a lot of skilled GIS workers - if you need a job right away after school, then this is it. It is like majoring in CS in the 80’s and I think it is the next big thing to come. Berkeley has a very good intro to GIS class called Geog C188 and any majors are welcome.</p>
<p>Besides Statistics or Economics or Operation Research that everyone seems to know that uses a lot of math, I also want to add Earth Planetary Science (EPS) and the Architecture department which also use plenty of math if you want it to be and they are all excellent alternatives to engineering.</p>
<p>Just know what topics sound interesting and we can talk more about it from there.</p>
<p>Thank you for your input!</p>
<p>nenolam - How early into your freshman year did you request the transfer? What was your intended major before transferring?</p>
<p>UpMagic - How many semesters did you complete before you officially transferred? Also, I read on the website that they only look at pre-req GPA, not overall GPA. Is this not the case? Do they pay more attention to your overall GPA? Would a major in Physics also be a good alternative? Why did you choose mechanical over civil?</p>
<p>2 semesters. But this doesn’t really matter since it’s more about having a decent GPA and showing how determined you are. The criteria is simple; suppose you’re the person going through the application, then do you think the applicant has what it takes to do in College of Engineering and graduate on time? If there is an upward trend in your GPA after each semester, you bet that’s a very positive impression. When they see your transcript, all the courses you’ve taken and the grades will be listed - they will try to see how you did in your technical courses, so you can say both overall GPA and technical GPA will be considered.</p>
<p>Sure, physics is a totally legitimate alternative. I know they take some equivalent courses that ME and EE majors also go through, except their problem sets and exams are much more advanced. Plus doing quantum mechanics and other courses gave me an impression that you just gotta be smart to do physics, and I respect them a lot for doing things the hard way.</p>
<p>I chose mechanical over civil because I like cars. Civil was really attractive because the professors do care about teaching and student welfare. You can say I like the material I learn in ME, but as far as classroom/learning experience is concerned, CivE has got to be the best in Berkeley.</p>
<p>You can’t officially request a transfer until you complete two full semesters at Berkeley. After taking a MechE courseload first semester I decided to stay and L&S and abandon engineering life; so I ended up not transferring. Ironically enough, I now plan on majoring in Econ.</p>