<p>So I know we don't need recs. So it would be a bad idea to send them right?
Do we still need transcripts? counselor rec? the faq is not very helpful.</p>
<p>Also, I was wondering how important the essays are. I am not prepared to spend a ton of time writing it, since the application deadline is so early and I'm busy for the next two weeks. And what of the scholarships, should I select as many as could possibly apply to me? </p>
<p>Finally, what's the difference between CS in engineering and CS in the "letters and science" college?</p>
<p>Don’t send recs. Any type of rec. They won’t read them. You send your transcript if they accept you. The grades on the application are self-reported, and if you’re accepted, they’ll verify with your official transcript.</p>
<p>I’d say essays are pretty important. Don’t put them aside thinking they aren’t. I recommend putting in a decent effort, because it will be obvious between two essays who put more effort into it and cared more. The essays are the only thing that allows them to ‘see the real you’. It’s the only thing that isn’t a number.</p>
<p>CS in Engineering is Electrical Engineering/Computer Science - where you’ll get a B.S. in EECS. In L&S, its just purely Computer Science, and you’ll get a B.A. in CS. I doubt employers will care which you have, since CS from Berkeley is prestigious enough. </p>
<p>The main difference is curriculum: in CS in L&S, you take more “breadth” courses and in Engineering, you focus more on physics and engineering. But both curricula have the exact same CS track. It’s just what you do besides CS that’s different.</p>
<p>For your last question about CS & EECS, follow what dococtopi says, it sounds right (especially since I’m not in either major).</p>
<p>For your other questions, recommendations are useless for applying to Cal, but they may be useful once you’re here for applying for scholarships and things of that nature. Like jbtheeunknown said, transcripts don’t need to be sent until after you get accepted.</p>
<p>& essays are I believe one of the, if not the most, important part of your application. I would put as much time possible into them with revision after revision until you feel comfortable with the state they’re in to send in. They are what make you unique and at least better-than-good essays I believe are needed to get in, regardless of other statistics or feats. As for scholarships, I think you’re referring to the boxes to check off in the app about what you apply under? Just check off whatever applies to you. You might get something out of it, you might not. I really don’t know if it really does anything to benefit the student.</p>