I’m currently a high school senior who was previously accepted to UCLA (linguistics and computer science), UC Berkeley (Data science), and UC Davis (computer science). I was originally committed to UCLA until my parents changed their minds about letting me attend school far because of uncertainty over this pandemic. By that time, it had been too late for me to SIR to UC Berkeley and UC Davis so I petitioned and UC Davis agreed to take me back.
I know that UC Davis is still a great school and majoring in computer science there would not hurt me at all and that I should be open to UC Davis. However, I still feel very bitter about passing up opportunities like Berkeley and LA because of a pandemic. Community college is not an option for me because I am at a good spot in a highly impacted major at UC Davis so I cannot risk that chance. I also know that UC Berkeley does not participate in TAG. Furthermore, I want to go to college to get away from home, coming from a verbally abusive household. That was originally my reason for being so hellbent on UCLA until I reconsidered the costs and my parents disapproved of the decision. Now I’m looking into transferring from UC Davis to UC Berkeley when I am in my sophomore year. I know that the UC system prioritizes CC transfers so my chances are slim but I still want to give it my best shot. I will try to be open to UC Davis and when the time comes, not making the cut wouldn’t hurt me in any way.
What I know:
- The prerequisites for data science at UC Berkeley are similar to computer science. However, a data science major does not exist at UC Davis which would in a way give me a reason to transfer. I’m also on the edge about computer science now and truly believe that data science is more right for me. I am not simply choosing DS because I think it would be easier to get into than CS. Berkeley is also about an hour closer to home which hopefully by that time, I would be mature enough to return home.
- I know that I must have at least 90 quarter units by the time I apply and not over 120 units. I must have all my GEs done so that I can apply for a UC letter of reciprocity. I must maintain a high GPA.
Some questions:
- I’m a little disdained by the fact that there are so many more UCSC–>UCB transfers than there are UCD–>UCB. Is there anyone who has transferred out of UCD can speak to me and give me advice? If not, I would love to speak to anyone that has transferred from any UC into UCB.
- I know this application is a completely separate process but is it worth mentioning that I was originally admitted? I could also talk about how I first believed that I would be going to UC Berkeley with major imposter syndrome which would be detrimental on my mental health but now realize that I want to strive in a more competitive environment with more data science resources?
- Should I take some classes at a community college or look into a cross-enrollment program?
- Should I speak to advisors at Berkeley once the campus is open again? Or try to make connections in the data science department? I know the admissions process is very arbitrary which is how I got into UCB with a 1340 SAT score in the first place.
- Should I re-use/revamp my college essays since they got me admitted through the waitlist the first time?
Thank you!