UC Berkeley-Transfer Admittance

Colleges & Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>I am currently in my second year at a California CC as an economics major. I am debating about whether to be a 2 year or 3 year transfer.
If I apply as a 2 year transfer student, I will need to take 22 units next semester (Spring 2012) and will have very low extracurriculars.
If I apply as a 3 year transfer student, I will have time to disperse my course work over the extra semesters and make room for extracurrics such as: Student council, peer mentoring, volunteering, club officer positions, and scholarships.</p>

<p>Here are my current statistics:
*GPA: 4.0 (no problem maintaining it).
*Extracurriculars: Treasurer of the Anthropology club (1 yr; 6 hrs/week), member of the Psychology and Asian Pacific American clubs (1 yr; 3 hrs/week ea.), member of the Puente club (1 yr; 2 hrs/week).
*Work Experience: Shipping/receiving clerk (8 mo.; 24 hrs/week).
*Awards/Honors: N/A at CC level.
*Volunteer Work: N/A at CC level.
*Personal Statement:
Essay #1-I wrote about how my childhood experiences helped me develop my strong interest in economics. Because of extreme family conflict and my neurological disabilities, I was placed in various mental and group home institutions, as well as a vocational high school for two years. In these institutions, I noticed the powerful role that socio-economic factors played in shaping the lives of those around me and placing them where they are today. I was dedicated to learning more about how this happens and how outcomes may be changed.
Essay #2-I wrote about my undying tenacity. Being diagnosed with every neurological disorder on the Tourrette's Syndrome spectrum, I must put forth much effort in order to function normally and achieve my goals. Despite my unfortunate circumstances, my tough childhood experiences have instilled the ability to never give up within me. As a result, I have strived to be the best student that I can be by devising ways to maximize my efficiency and excel in my studies, as well as become a role model for all of my peers. </p>

<p>With your subjective opinion, please tell me what you think my probability of admittance into UC Berkeley economics will be for both my 2 year and 3 year transfer plans. I understand that UC Berkeley economics is a highly competitive major, and I would appreciate honest opinions to help me make the best possible choice. Thank you so much.</p>

2

<p>save the time, money; don’t take the extra year at CC, write a killer personal statement</p>

3

<p>Extracurricular activities aren’t that important for transfers…it’s not like you’re applying as a freshman. Grades are more important for transfer applicants.</p>

4

<p>Your hardships are exactly what the admissions office wants to hear about. They’re suckers for sob stories.</p>

5

<p>How much math have you taken? If you plan to go to graduate school in economics, or work in a more quantitative area (e.g. actuarial), you may want to take multivariable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations (the equivalents of Math 53 and 54 at Berkeley), and choose the math-intensive intermediate courses (Economics 101A/101B instead of 100A/100B) once you get to Berkeley (note: multivariable calculus is a prerequisite for 101A).</p>

<p>[Preparation[/url</a>]</p>

<p>Note the general economics major information for transfer students:</p>

<p>[url=&lt;a href=“http://www.econ.berkeley.edu/econ/ugrad/prospect_transfer.shtml]Prospective”&gt;Incoming Transfer Students | Department of Economics]Prospective</a> Majors](<a href=“http://www.econ.berkeley.edu/econ/grad/preparation.shtml]Preparation[/url”>Preparation | Department of Economics)</p>

6

<p>If you want to go to graduate school for economics, forget majoring in econ . . . . it’s much better to major in math.</p>

7

<p>Thank you all for the support!</p>

<p>Yes, I’ve completely disregarded the President’s List Award; I will be sure to include it in my app! Thank you SO MUCH for the reminder!</p>

<p>I will be taking Calculus 2 next semester ( Math 101b) at CC. I definitely want to be more math-intensive, so I figure that it may be beneficial to stay the extra year and take Linear and Differential at 8 units, rather than both in one course at 4 units. The same outlook would apply to Multivariable; 5 units v.s. 4. My prospective careers are investment banking and professorship. </p>

<p>I hope to graduate with highest honors and obtain my M.S. and Ph.D from Cal or a prestigious private university, so I’m not certain of the math department’s difficulty and if it’s wise to transfer now and take care of Math 53 and 54 at Berkeley in order to graduate earlier.</p>