<p>I'm applying to Berkeley for EECS and to UCLA, UCSD, and UCSB for CS for Fall 2013. I'm already taking 17 units this semester: discrete math, general chemistry w/ lab, data structures, and the third calculus based physics course w/ lab. I actually took data structures at a different community college last semester, but because it was so poorly taught and so crucial to my degree I felt that I should take it again with a respectable professor. My question is, should I add in an introductory electronics course w/ lab on top of what I'm already taking for a total of 21 units? I believe that taking it would make me more competitive for admission, and better prepare me for coursework at university. On the other hand, I don't want to die a fiery death due to schedule overload, as I'm also working part time 15-20 hours/week. What should I do?</p>
<p>edit: if it's relevant, I have a 3.9 GPA</p>
<p>I’d say you’ve got a pretty good shot, given your GPA and assuming pre-reqs are done.</p>
<p>If your top choice is Berkeley, you might not want an extra course. You’ll be required to get at least a 3.0 for spring semester (just for spring, NOT cumulative), and if you have all hard classes or bad professors or something, it can be stressful. I don’t recall the other school’s terms and conditions, but I think most just require passing grades and at least a 3.0 overall, which is much easier to meet.</p>
<p>Assuming you’ll be fine with the GPA side of things, that still sounds like a pretty full schedule. I wouldn’t add the extra class unless it articulates as something (not just partial credit).</p>
<p>As far as being helpful after transferring, that really depends on the teacher you get at CC… I took circuits before transferring (have to take it again, because it turned into EE100 and not EE40) and had a terrible professor. I honestly wish I hadn’t taken it, I learned nothing and am now terrified of circuits. That said, I may be a bit biased. :P</p>
<p>perhaps you should try for the first two weeks, and drop it with the full refund if you cannot do it.</p>