UC Berkeley 2016 Transfer Thread

Any thoughts of how one W will affect transfer chances? On the note that the applicant has a 3.8-3.9 gpa, excellent ECs and stellar PS? I just dropped an honors seminar cause it crashes with my regular meetings

One W will have no affect.

Hey guys, quick opinion needed. As I’ve said before I’m going for EECS and have a 4.0 so far. Well my Calculus 3 professor is giving me a hard time and there’s a chance that I won’t get an A in the class because of the last midterm. Do you think it would be a bad idea to drop the class and take it in spring in addition to Differential Eqs.? That would put me at 11 units in Fall and 16 in Spring. Kind of a low number for fall. Thoughts? Or should I continue on and possible take a B in Calc 3 which would put my overall GPA at 3.9. Thank you.

Personally, I would stick with the B. This late in the game, they see the W, they’re going to think C or lower. Then you’ve added another req to last term, although it doesn’t look like you have much last semester.

@blsUCtransfer Calc 3 and Differential Eqs in the Spring isn’t the best idea. Shoot for the A, but a B isn’t going to destroy your chances. Making it 11 units for the Fall wouldn’t be ideal, in my opinion. I agree with lindy.

Quick reminder to everyone: the transfer center at Cal gives admissions information Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4, drop-in only. If you live somewhat near the area, I really recommend going and getting any questions you have sorted out with an admissions officer.

They only give advice on personal statements through the end of October, but I believe they continue to assist with other questions throughout November (although I could be wrong).

(c)ALSO: I don’t know if this information has been posted yet, but there will be a Berkeley Transfer Admissions Webinar on October 20th from 5:00-6:30 pacific time: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8090934803271839746

and

a Transfer Personal Statement Webinar on October 22nd from 5-6:30: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5038701519681864962

@goldencub I ended up going last week to the Transfer center and it was super helpful. I spoke to Curtis, how about you?

Also, thank you for those webinar links. I just signed up and look forward to them.

@jonuni94 Nice. I can’t remember the names of the people who I talked to, but they were all very helpful - cleared up my questions and also gave me some tips about the personal statement.

My daughter has gone there a couple times after transfer to make sure her first paper was aligning with the Berkeley model, etc. She also says they’re really helpful.

@goldencub @lindyk8 Definitely all really nice, approachable and knowledgable people in the Transfer center.

Hey @goldencub … I’ve been on this thread since the beginning but I’m not sure you’ve mentioned if you are applying anywhere else? Are you just applying to Berkeley or do you have any other schools in mind?

You have a pretty darn SOLID shot at Berkeley, especially by taking those classes at Cal through cross-enrollment, but just wondering?

@jonuni94 I’m only applying to Berkeley, UCLA, and UCI (with TAG). Berkeley is my first choice. I’ve only taken one class at Berkeley so far (wasn’t able to cross-enroll, but I may take a history class or something in the Spring). I’m only focusing on completing the prerequisites for Berkeley, but I’m pretty sure they overlap at the other schools.

Yeah, 3/3 prereqs will be completed for Berkeley (rare for a philosophy transfer), 3/4 for UCLA (the fourth isn’t offered anywhere), and 3/3 for UCI (not counting their other requirements, but I’m sure I’ll get in - TAG & 4.0, and nothing on assist is actually required).

I’m determined to attend UCB for undergrad, so I’m not particularly interested in applying to other schools. I’ll have that luxury when I apply for grad school.

@goldenclub I have to take Phil 40 Logic next semester and there’s only one class for it and its with an apparently terribly rated teacher according to RateMyProfessors.com and i’m kind of sad. I wish there were more philosophy classes available in the community colleges around here.

@boxandwhiskers Really? I was actually considering taking that (depending on whether or not I will be a taking cross-enrollment class at UCB). If he’s the same prof who I think it is, he’s pretty good, I’m taking him now.

@goldencub oh god dammit I meant Philosophy 10 through Peralta, Phil 40 is at CCSF. There’s only 2 classes and both have poorly rated professors. CCSF’s Spring class schedule isn’t up yet. What professor are you referring to?

@boxandwhiskers I messaged you. For the 2016 schedule, I just went off the 2015 Spring schedule (which seemed fairly aligned with the Fall 2015 schedule, so I assume the 2016 Spring schedule will be similar to the 2015 Spring schedule).

Hey guys, I had a question. I am applying to Haas this fall, and as I am revising my essay for prompt #1, I realized I never deliberately stated “I am going to major in Business Administration” as the admission officers clearly know already. Instead, I explained my future career goals and how business will be an asset to my future. Do you guys think that’s fine?

That’s totally fine @hardworker223. I might add to get the essence of one of the four defining principles into the prompt - not overt. Don’t use the actual phrase, but allude to one of them indirectly. Those definitions principles mean everything to Haas.

You’ll be writing more in depth about the defining principles in the supplemental.

@lindyk8 Thanks for the quick, diligent response. Since I am only applying to UC Berkeley and UC Davis (TAG Submitted - Econ), do you think it would be wise to showcase the defining principles in all three of my essays since Davis will probably not even look at my essays (without seeming like I am trying too hard)

Hmmm, I’m not sure if I would do it so overtly - not because of Davis, but so Haas doesn’t think you’re over-doing it. Maybe one of the prompts. In terms of how much you allude to it (direct or indirect), as long as it flows with your topic, it should be ok either way as long as it’s a light touch.

@goldencub yeah I totally feel what you mean about the determination for UCB. You got this!!