<p>So I'm just wondering what my chances are to get into a UC, specifically Berkeley. I'm applying to CSU's as well but Berkeley is my "reach" school. I'm applying to UCSD and UCI also.</p>
<p>I'm an undergrad student at a CC planning to transfer Fall 2014. I switched my major from Bio to English and my GPA right now is a 3.16 : ( Extracurricular activities only include membership in our school's honor society and some volunteering. I know my chances are EXTREMELY slim but I'm wondering just how slim. I'm in my 4th and last year before I transfer finishing pre-reqs for English. I'm doing well in my English classes and if I get straight A's in both semesters the highest GPA I can get by Spring 2014 is approximately a 3.34. </p>
<p>I'm wondering what factors will come into play concerning applications that involve a change in major:</p>
<p>-Can my personal statement make a difference? In one essay I mentioned my change of interests and why I chose English over Biology</p>
<p>-My low GPA is mainly due to a couple of C's in my math and major classes for Bio. If my grades for English are better will they notice my progress?</p>
<p>-Is there a specific cutoff GPA for English majors? What's the lowest GPA they usually accept?</p>
<p>-Is English less impacted compared to other majors at Berkeley?</p>
<p>-What other things should I do to boost my chances of getting into a UC? </p>
<p>Answers to any/all of these questions and any transfer advice in general will be much appreciated! </p>
<p>Honestly, UCB is a big reach. Im not sure what their average admitted GPA for English majors is, but I would guess it is 3.7+. But it does not hurt to try…</p>
<p>The admissions staff will view your biology -> english major change as a ‘fall-back’ move, which is a fairly common occurrence. However, if you can make a compelling argument about struggling through biology and finding your true calling in English, it can help your cause. Your personal statement would have to be exceptionally strong.</p>
<p>English and most of the biology majors are contained within the same College of Letters and Sciences at Berkeley. That said, schools do care about having an even distribution across majors, so there’s a small chance it can affect your final decision (the life sciences are much bigger and more in-demand than the english department). </p>
<p>Regarding GPA cut-offs: no cut-offs, but you are significant below the accepted demographic’s average at the moment. It’s not a closed case, but you do need to ensure that all other aspects of your application are stellar. </p>
<p>Well, you need a 3.0 for them to review your application. I went to a Berkeley seminar at their campus and an admissions representative said that. Because you a have a 3.16 - you are not deemed as a “competitive applicant” so yes you do have a slim chance compared to those who will have higher GPA’s (3.5 and +)</p>
<p>I ended up getting a 4.0 for my Fall semester so it boosted my GPA to a slightly better 3.3.
I’m pretty sure my personal statement is what made up for my low GPA.
That’s still very low but I was shocked when I found out I got accepted.
Weird things can happen I guess</p>