@MikeSauce I did a tour at Haas with SPMP a couple weeks back and current students were talking about a summer session specifically for new admits to Haas, but even more specifically for transfer students. You do two classes, one that’s a quantitive class and the other that is more of a discussion. I think it’s just the two classes offered, so you don’t get to jump in and start taking core classes … for this program at least.
Both students I talked to highly recommended them as they give new admits more familiarity with the campus, with how things works, what classes are like, etc., and it gave them a leg up on other students. They said the quantitive class was someone difficult but the other class was super easy and really fun. I can’t find anything about it online but I’m sure more information will be available to admits.
@MikeSauce I would actually recommend not taking summer classes to most people, in less you feel like you need those units to graduate on time. I know you’re probably eager to get started, but I think there’s something to be said for taking a deep breath and relaxing before getting started. You don’t want to begin the fall term at Berkeley already exhausted from a fast paced summer class. You will get worn out half way through the term.
That is unless you’re one of those people who never gets tired of school, then by all means get started.
I would take the summer off to do a cool internship, but I couldn’t handle just hanging out at home for 3 months, plus I would like to study abroad so the less units I have to worry about the better. I will make sure and remember those Haas classes that Brian mentioned as they sound more geared towards the whole transition process. Thanks for your input everyone
I would recommend TAP to any lurkers out there, as they pay for tuition and books, provided you already have a good track record at your CC.
As an L&S CS major, I have to take CS61A, 61C, and 70? before I declare my major. Would it be recommended to take a summer class in order to get a head start in this situation? I am fearful of accidentally getting a B- and possibly being kicked out.
Somewhat on that note, are you using Post-9/11? I only have 10 months of benefits left, which should cover a year. MAYBE a year and a semester, depending now how the months actually line up. I didn’t plan very well … considering applying for Voc Rehab though.
TAP would only pay for a summer visit, not a full time enrollment. Post 9/11 will pay you through the end of the semester even if your benefit runs out half way through, 10 months would probably carry you to your second semester as a senior, provided you dont take summer classes. Voc rehab will pay you at the 9/11 rate provided you have at least 1 day of 9/11 left. If you exhaust your 9/11 then voc rehab only pays like 1/4 of the BAH you would get in the Berkeley/Oakland area.
Im using CH30 for 36 months then cashing in on an additional 12 months of 9/11, Ill end up having like 5 months extra, but it might come in handy later on for voc rehab, who knows. Ill be losing about half the BAH if I get into UCB since Montgomery pays a flat rate, but the extra time of 9/11 more than makes up for it.
@csmajortom If you can handle it, then take 61A during the summer. It will be quickly paced, definitely - but then you could take 61C and 70 your first semester, and you’ll be able to declare. I’ve heard that taking 61C and 70 at the same time can be brutal, so you’ll probably want to take a minimal amount of units.
61A during the summer, from the impressions I’ve gotten, should be manageable. Taking the 8 week or 10 week session would likely make it a bit easier. If possible, take just that one class - that way, you can dedicate all of your time to it.
At least, this is what I’d do if I were in your shoes.
@goldencub
Do freshman take the 61 series? I was wondering because I’ve heard horror stories about the difficulty of the class, but I’m wondering if that’s only because a lot of freshman are programming for the first time in that class.
@csmajortom I hear that 61A is the most manageable one, and it gets increasingly difficult from there. CS10, I think, offers an introduction to coding in general.
I don’t think there are any prerequisites for the 61 series - I don’t know if freshmen take it.
The grading is bound to be more lenient over the summer, anyway.
The program is intended to assist CC students get experience at UCB so no you would not get a free ride after already being accepted. You could probably still squeeze in this upcoming summer tho, applications are in the Spring so talk to your TAP counselor then.
Major- Business
GPA-3.77
Major GPA-3.77, (Will end around 3.7-3.8)
Preqreqs completed by end of spring 2016
IGETC completed
Associates degree in business
EC’s- Studied abroad in Spain for one semester
Worked full time as a customer service employee at LOWES
Work part time as a bank teller at US BANK
Do financial advising for my brother, parents, and some close friends
Active investor
Although not related to my major, I am also a certified Trainer
100+ hours community Service
Essay
I feel that my essay is pretty strong. I wrote about the struggles of my father and how his sense of motivation to succeed is instilled in me and then described the challenges I have overcame to get to where I am at now.
I probably can add more, but just cannot think of it at the moment, Just took my final for calc and I’m pretty sure I just lost my A in the class, So now I’m worried as to my chances at getting into UCB or UCLA.
@CoreyL Your GPA is a little below the average GPA for transfer students last year, but not by much (3.84 versus your 3.7-3.8), but it’s well within the middle 80% GPA range of 3.55-4.0.
I’d think you’d have a decent shot as long as your essays were really good and they really made you stand out … but it’s really hard to say. ECs could have been stronger is the only thing that really sticks out to me.
@CoreyL I think if your personal statements are good you have a great chance If there aren’t a lot of space available in the school business is in your gpa might hold you back? But really ucb admitted anywhere between 3.66-4.0s last year!
@CoreyL They definitely do. If anything, working in retail reflects well upon you. You certainly have a demonstrated interest/passion for business. However, Haas is just incredibly competitive - no one can really say for sure if you’ll get in or not, but applicants with 3.9+'s often get rejected.
Also, Haas doesn’t accept IGETC. You have to fulfill the Haas specific requirements to even be considered for admission.
You’re bound to get into some good business program, however - I hope you applied to UCI, UCLA, etc.?
@CoreyL “Its hard to be in clubs etc when working full time. I hope they take thay into consideration”
They do, but you have to keep in consideration that you’ll be applying against people with equal or better grades, with more ECs, while managing to work full time, etc. The competition is tough and there aren’t really many spots to go around for transfers. As goldencub said, it’s really hard to say who will and won’t get in, especially when really qualified applicants are denied each year.
Don’t get down about it though. April is too far away to get hung up on all this now. Just remember that people with stats below yours will get in and people with stats above yours will get rejected … so it’s impossible to say what will happen.
Yes i applied to ucla, uci, ucsb, and ucsd. I have completed all the prereqs for all schools, I just included the IGETC thing for some extra information regarding what I have completed. Do they account for the courses I take in Spring towards my GPA or only the Fall course, since their decisions on whether or not I am accepted come out in April? I wish I could convey my knowledge of finance through the essay but I couldn’t. I have been studying all aspects of finance for years now cause i thoroughly enjoy it and I feel that I am all ready a step ahead of many students applying for UCB. If only UCB knew that
