1. When can I apply for admission to Berkeley Engineering?

The annual UC system application period is November 1-30 each year for admission for the following fall semester. Learn more about the application process at http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions.

2. Will I be admitted?

The answer depends on the quality of the applicant pool and the number of spaces available in the major to which you apply. Both of these items vary from year-to-year which makes it impossible to predict admission.

3. How does Berkeley decide whom to admit?

The campus selects its freshman class through a comprehensive review of your academic performance as measured primarily by the college preparatory, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IBHL), honors and transferable college courses completed beyond the UC minimum, and the level of achievement in those courses; weighted, uncapped UC GPA and pattern of grades over time;  Standardized Test scores; honors and awards which reflect extraordinary, sustained intellectual or creative achievement; sustained participation in rigorous academic enrichment and outreach programs; and the planned twelfth grade courses. In addition, the review includes an examination of the likely contributions to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; qualities such as leadership, motivation, concern for others and for the community; and non-academic achievements in the performing arts or athletics, employment or leadership. Applicants to Berkeley Engineering are also expected to demonstrate interest in the major to which they are applying since we receive far more applications than we can admit. Consequently, to gain admission to Berkeley, you need to present an academic profile much stronger than that represented by the minimum admission requirements below. It is important to note that no single attribute or characteristic guarantees the admission of any applicant to Berkeley. For more information on applying, refer to the Freshmen Flyer at http://students.berkeley.edu/files/Admissions/12626_4.Freshmen(3).pdf. 

4. What Standardized tests should I take?

Freshmen must take the ACT Assessment plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test.  Engineering applicants are also strongly encouraged to take the SAT Subject Test in Math Level 2 and a SAT Subject Test in science (Biology E.M, Chemistry or Physics) in order to be as competitive as possible. 

5. How much math should I take in high school?  

Although a minimum of three years of college preparatory math is required, we strongly recommend completing four years. Since engineering admission is very competitive, applicants must do more than the minimum, particularly in math and science. Exceeding minimum requirements and doing well in these subjects will prepare new students for the rigors of university work, especially in engineering.

6. Do I need to complete high school physics?

A minimum of two years of laboratory science is required for admission. We strongly recommend completing physics even if the minimum has been completed (the usual pattern is biology and chemistry). If admitted to Berkeley, new students must complete college-level physics as part of the lower division requirements for your engineering major. A high school physics background prepares for university-level physics.

7. Does Berkeley Engineering consider the alternate major on the admission application?

No. Berkeley Engineering does not consider the alternate major. However, other UCs may.

8. Can I change my major?

Applicants may change their college and/or major during the November application filing period only by contacting the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Relations with Schools no later than November 30. Once you’re admitted to Cal, you may only change your major by seeing your assigned academic adviser in Engineering Student Services and demonstrating how you will still be able to graduate in the same amount of time as the degree to which you were admitted.

9. What is the difference between the EECS Computer Science option in the College of Engineering and Computer Science major in Letters and Science?

The lower division requirements for the EECS Computer Science option offered in the College of Engineering emphasizes science and math and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Computer Science in the College of Letters and Science does not emphasize science and math and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree.

10. How long does it take to complete an engineering degree?

Our majors are designed to be completed in four years (eight semesters). Academic advising and our structured four-year plans assist students in graduating on time. See the four-year plans for all engineering majors in the College of Engineering Announcement: A Guide to Undergraduate and Graduate Study available at http://coe.berkeley.edu.

11. What support systems are available to new engineering freshmen?

All engineering students are assigned to an academic adviser and to a faculty adviser. In addition, students may also utilize engineering department advisers and peer advisers. Berkeley Engineering also offers a variety of services including tutoring through the Broadening Participation Initiative, which includes the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP) and the Women in Engineering Program (WEP), academic workshops, career planning advising and workshops, and counseling services. In addition, a mandatory New Student Orientation is held the day prior to the start of classes in August.

12. What AP tests should I take (or will I get credit for)?   

Berkeley Engineering gives AP credit for most AP tests. Depending on the test and score, students will get UC credit and/or engineering subject credit. More information can be found in the College of Engineering Undergraduate Handbook available at http://coe.berkeley.edu.

13. If I apply for the Fall and plan to take the SATs in the January after the application deadline, will you delay the review of my admission application until you receive the January scores?

It is crucial that applicants complete all tests no later than the December examination dates of the year in which they apply for admission.

14. If I am unable to attend the semester for which I am admitted, will you defer my admission? 

No. Admission to Berkeley Engineering is valid only for the term in which the applicant is admitted. Applicants who wish to attend Berkeley in a future term must reapply for admission and compete with other applicants who apply for the same term.

15. Do I have to major in Bioengineering or a biological science in L&S to get into medical school? 

There is no preferred major for medical school. While any undergraduate major is acceptable, the pre-medical requirements including chemistry, physics, general biology, and sometimes calculus, must be fulfilled. For more information, review the Career Center pre-med information at: https://career.berkeley.edu/Medical/Medical.stm 

16. When will I enroll in classes if admitted to Cal?

New students should plan to attend one of the two-day sessions of the Cal Summer Orientation (CalSO) program held in June. At CalSO students will meet with their assigned academic adviser to learn about requirements and to enroll in courses for their first semester. New students who do not attend CalSO will enroll in courses after the CalSO sessions are complete. Admitted students receive information about CalSO after they submit their Statement of Intent to Register.