Advising In Your Unit
Other Advising Services
Colleges
Will I get into the class if I am on the waitlist?
First of all, it is important to be familiar with the two types of waiting lists. The first is automatic wait-list. This is when your "number", as listed in Tele-Bears, on the waitlist indicates your priority. When you are on an automatic waitlist, Tele-Bears will enroll you automatically when all the people before you on the list drop the class. The second is the manual wait-list. This waitlist is usually controlled by the professor or the department, and this number can be tricky. You are subject to waiting for your number to be enrolled as well, but there's a catch: people who need the class more than you do are prioritized, even if their number is later than yours. For example, graduating seniors who need the class for a breadth and have a higher number than you will get enrolled first.
Once you understand the nature of waiting lists, then you can pursue enrollment in the class accordingly. Talk to your professor/GSI and explain why you need to be in the class. Attend sections during the first 3 weeks to avoid being dropped from the list, and to receive updated enrollment information. Remember that many people over enroll in classes during the first few weeks and drop classes afterwards, so there is always a chance you can get in. However, remember that smaller classes like the R1A-R1B classes tend to fill up faster with people who need the requirement. These classes are more difficult to get into if you have a higher number.
The important thing to remember is that waitlists are not the end of the world. Be attentive, be insistent, and your chances will be much improved.
What classes should I take if I need more units?
There are many options for those who need those extra units to meet the college minimum. The solution depends on how many units you need. If you need more than 1-2 units, try looking at the online schedule for another class. What's one interesting 3-unit class you've always wanted to take?
Another popular option for students is the Democratic Education at Cal (Decal) program. Decal classes are usually 1-2 units and taken for P/NP. They are taught/led by students and cater to a variety of interests, from subjects like sign language, Chinese dance, and even The Simpsons.
You can also consider taking a seminar, if they are still available. Enrollment in these classes is generally restricted to freshmen and sometimes sophomores.
Another option is finding volunteer work or work for units. Many resources on campus offer units in exchange for work. The Student Learning Center in Cesar Chavez offers units to students who tutor. Also, the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program offers units for chosen assistants as well. In addition, it is possible to visit Stiles Hall to obtain information about volunteering for units.
There are many ways to satisfy the unit requirement, and if you keep your eyes and options open, you shouldn't have too much difficulty. Good luck!
Where do I check if I am on the waitlist?
If you are on the waiting list for a class, you can use Tele-bears or Info-bears to check your status on the wait list. Since Tele-bears shuts down after the adjustment period (4th week of instruction), Info-bears is a better choice for checking the waitlist. Note, however, that there are two types of wait lists: Manual and Automatic. Automatic waiting lists are processed overnight by Tele-bears on designated dates throughout the enrollment period. Students on automatic waiting lists are enrolled sequentially, provided there is space available. Manual waiting lists are processed directly online by the instructor or department. Students are selectively chosen for enrollment, with enrollment criteria determined by the instructor or department. Remember that enrollment MAY NOT necessarily reflect the sequential order of students on the waiting list. It is your responsibility to find out what type of waiting list your class has.
How can I switch discussion sections?
During the adjustment period, you may switch discussion sections by using Tele-bears. Beginning Fall 2005, L&S students will no longer be able to make changes by petition or at their major department. You must use Tele-BEARS to make any changes to your schedule. If you have a simultaneous degree in Engineering or Chemistry, consult your adviser in that school for information on how to make a change after the third week.
How can I sign up for a decal / when is the decal list be posted/ how many decal units can I take?
To sign up for a decal, contact the coordinator in charge. Usually the coordinator's email address is given with the description of the course on the website, www.decal.org. As soon as you are seriously interested in taking a decal, contact the coordinator ASAP. Decals are small classes. In order to guarantee your spot in the class, you must contact the coordinator who will give you a Course Control Number (CCN) that will allow you to officially enroll via Tele-bears. If you have enrollment issues that cannot be addressed by the coordinator, feel free to e-mail decalprogram@hotmail.com.
The decal list is continuously being updated, generally starting on the first week of the semester up to the third week. Classes do not start until the second or third week of classes. You should check www.decal.org since the class list will be updated daily.
Decals are 98/99/198/199 courses (Special Study Courses). You can only take up to four units of these courses in one semester. Additionally, decals are taken on a P/NP basis. If you are in the College of Letters & Science, only 1/3 of your total units can be taken P/NP.
What is an adjunct course?
The Student Learning Center (SLC), conveniently located at the Cesar Chavez Center on Lower Sproul Plaza, offers 1 or 2 unit adjunct courses for some classes on campus. For Fall 2003, these classes are Anthropology 3, Economics 1, Education 40AC, Math 1A, Math 16A, Math 32, Sociology 3, and Statistics 2. These courses, taken on a P/NP basis, are to be taken concurrently with the corresponding lecture course. The adjunct courses use lecture readings and discussions to develop critical reading, writing, and exam taking strategies. In addition, the adjunct courses will teach problem-solving techniques.
To sign up for an adjunct course, simply attend the first day of the class to gain the instructor's approval. The instructor will issue a Course Entry Code that is necessary when enrolling through Tele-Bears. Any student missing the first adjunct class should attend the next meeting and request admission from the instructor. After the third week of classes, only students referred by an advisor, faculty, or a staff member will be considered for admission. However, if the class is full, even with a referral, late admission is not possible.
What is the fee to drop?
There is a $10 fee (per course) if you drop a class after the second week of instruction.
Can I volunteer for units?
Sure! There are several programs that offer units for volunteer work. The most common one is Cal Corps. Opportunities can be found at the following web address: http://students.berkeley.edu/calcorps/units.html Also different clubs on campus have opportunities to volunteer for units, so check with them as well.
Are there any public speaking courses at Cal?
There used to be a Rhetoric 30 course that emphasized oral argument, but this course has not been offered in quite a long time. Mary Slakey, an advisor in the College of Letters and Science, recommends Business 100 (UGBA 100) for students how are interested in public speaking. This course emphasizes speaking in front of audiences. Also, if you are really looking for a public speaking course, a community college course may be a good alternative. Another good way of improving your public speaking skills is to join a student group on campus that emphasizes addressing large audiences. The Berkeley Model United Nations team teaches its members how to debate other students under pressure and a time limit. The Cal Forensics Team is considered one of the very best in the nation, and joining their organization, whether as a competing member or a volunteer, will help your speaking skills as well.
What is the deadline to drop courses?
The deadline to drop a course is the Friday of the eighth week of instruction.
How do I use the petition to change class schedule?
Beginning Fall 2005, L&S students will no longer be able to make changes by petition or at their major department. You must use Tele-BEARS to make any changes to your schedule. If you have a simultaneous degree in Engineering or Chemistry, consult your adviser in that school for information on how to make a change after the third week.
What is the point of taking a class pass no pass?
Taking a class with the grading option P/NP allows you to enjoy the subject matter without having to worry about grades. As long as you get the letter grade equivalent of a C-, you will pass the course. Use this option to take classes to challenge yourself, explore personal interests with no academic pressure, and take classes in areas where you do not necessarily excel. Most majors do not allow major requirements to be taken P/NP. For this reason, P/NP should not be seen as a fall back plan for a poor letter grade. Alternatively, if you are doing really well in a class you are taking P/NP, consider changing the grading option to Letter Grade before the end of the 10th week of classes to strengthen your GPA.
How many courses are allowed to overlap with simultaneous degrees?
You may overlap a total of two upper division courses when you are trying to obtain a double major or a simultaneous degree. Please see the L&S FAQ about simultaneous degrees.
How do I declare my major?
The first thing you have to do is pick up and fill out a Petition to Declare a Major. When you can declare your major has a lot to do with the specific major you are declaring. You must first see what the pre-requisite courses are for your intended major. After you have completed those requirements, you can usually declare. But before you can turn it in you have to get a major advisor from you department to sign it. Each department has its own procedures for reviewing requests for admission to the major: some require an application, an essay, a certain grade point average, or a personal interview with a major adviser. All departments require that you bring a copy of transcripts of transferable course work from other institutions.
Declare in five easy steps
See the L&S FAQ for more information.
How do I drop a class?
The deadline to drop a course is the Friday of the 2nd week of instruction for certain courses Those courses are Architecture 100A-100B; Biology 1B; Arabic 1A and Persian 1B in Near Eastern Studies; Physics 7A-7B, 8A-8B; Sociology 3 and 3 AC, and Spanish 1 and 2 (for Fall 2005).. For all other courses, it is the Friday of the 5th week of instruction. See the L&S drop FAQ.
You must drop your class via Telebears. Beginning Fall 2005, L&S students will no longer be able to make changes by petition or at their major department. You must use Tele-BEARS to make any changes to your schedule. If you have a simultaneous degree in Engineering or Chemistry, consult your adviser in that school for information on how to make a change after the third week.
For adding a course after the 3rd week there will be a $5 fee per course. For dropping a course after the 2nd week there will be a $10 fee per course.
Remember - do not assume that you will be dropped from a class if you do not attend!
How long can grading options still be changed?
You can change the grading option for a class up until Friday of the 8th week of instruction. Before the Tele-BEARS Adjustment period ends, you can log on to Tele-BEARS and change a grading option. In general, the Tele-BEARS Adjustment Period ends on the Friday of the third week of classes. After it ends, you will need to obtain a "Petition to Change Class Schedule" at the Office of the Registrar (in the hallway outside 120 Sproul Hall) or at http://registrar.berkeley.edu/GeneralInfo/elecforms.html. There is no fee for changing the grading option for a class.
What Math Class should I take?
When deciding what math class to take, the first thing you should do is look at what the prerequisites are for the majors that interest you. If a major that you are interested in requires that you take the 1 series, then that is what you should take. If none of your potential majors require the 1 series, then you should probably take the 16 series. There is no reason to take the 1 series if the 16 series will suffice. Some students think that taking the 1 series would be better because it is harder than the 16 series, but you should take the one that you can excel in. An A in the 16 series looks better than a C in the 1 series. Also, if you are thinking of going to graduate school, graduate schools do not know that the 1 series is harder than the 16 series; they may even think that the 16 series is tougher than the 1 series because it is a higher number. The bottom line is take the math class that you know that you can do the best in. They also offer a Math placement exam, which could help you better determine which math class you should be taking. Starting Fall 2003, the placement exam will only be administered online. It can be accessed anytime at http://tcc.math.berkeley.edu
Where do I buy Blue Books?
You can buy Blue Books from any of the bookstores on or around campus.
Where is the SLC?
The Student Learning Center is located in the Cesar Chavez Center on Lower Sproul Plaza.
How do I fulfill L&S Requirements?
L&S Requirements (May be met by IGETC or UC Reciprocity for transfer students)
Guidelines for Seven-Course Breadth
What are the pros and cons of taking a class pass no pass?
One of the great things about taking a class P/NP is that it does not affect your GPA. This takes the pressure off you to get an A (or whatever) in the class. Effectively, the idea of taking a course P/NP allows you to gain exposure to classes in disciplines that you normally would not take.
The cons of this system are not as obvious. You can only take one third of your total units at Berkeley P/NP, so taking more of them now will force you to take more classes for a letter grade later on. If you are taking the class as a prerequisite for Graduate school, it might not look as good as if you were to take the class for a grade. Also, taking any Major requirements P/NP, if a letter grade option is offered, is usually not allowed.
Currently, the last day to change your grading option is Friday of the 10th week of instruction. There is no fee involved when you change your grading option. However, if you are on academic probation, you do not have the option to take a class P/NP.
Can freshmen go on EAP?
While most EAP programs are geared towards juniors and seniors, there are a limited number of EAP programs that are available to sophomores. If you are a freshman, but will have sophomore standing (30 units or more), you can potentially go on an EAP program in the second semester of your freshman year. The deadline to apply for spring programs is usually in October. More information is available on the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad website: http://ias.berkeley.edu/bpsa/ or visit the EAP office at 160 Stephens Hall.
Can I double major and study abroad?
With careful planning, it is very possible to double major and study abroad. College and major requirements can be fulfilled by classes taken abroad. To determine if a class you plan to take abroad will satisfy a major requirement, consult with your major department. To determine if a course you plan to take abroad will satisfy a college requirement, bring a description of the course to 113 Campbell Hall and ask to speak to an evaluator. The best thing to do is talk to your major advisors about your plans to study abroad. They can help you plan your remaining years at Cal, and you can get a sense of whether or not you can fit EAP into your schedule plans. Also it is highly recommended that double majors see a Letters & Science adviser to discuss their plans.
Do you need a major Advisor if you are undeclared?
Undeclared students are not required to have major Advisors, but it is in a student's interest to get into contact with the advisors of the majors he/she is interested in. Getting in touch with your potential major's Advisor can help you decide if you truly want to major in that department. A major Advisor can also give you tips on classes. If an undeclared student has general questions not specific to a major, the student should go to the College of Letters & Science office located in 113 Campbell Hall. There a student can speak to a College Adviser.
Where can I find scholarships?
Scholarships can be found using both campus and external resources. On campus, you can try searching "scholarships" in the search section on the UC Berkeley home page. Several good links will show up. The most comprehensive place for scholarships on campus is Scholarship Connection which is www.scholarship.berkeley.edu. This site lists both external and internal scholarships and features an excellent search function that can help you find scholarships with criteria most specific to you. Additional scholarships can be found if you take the time to search on the web. A good place to start is www.fastweb.com. Many scholarship databases can be found just by doing a search in any search engine. When applying for scholarships, keep in mind you don't necessarily need a great GPA, one letter of recommendation, essay or personal statement can be used for multiple scholarships, and when applying for prestigious scholarships, it never hurts to aim for the stars. Remember, scholarships are a great way to earn quick money and can be listed as an award, a great boost to any resume.
Will financial aid cover summer school costs?
Summer aid is given to UCB students who received aid for the academic year before that summer and are taking at least half-time units. The student must also have attended UCB in either fall or spring the academic year before and not have been on the degree list to graduate the spring preceding that summer. If you are entering the fall following that summer, you are not eligible. To check eligibility visit: www.summeraid.berkeley.edu. However, his site will generate your Offer Letter only once. Therefore, it is important to make sure you finalize your summer schedule before accepting your offer. The site does let you try different course combinations to find your best estimate. In order to receive aid, you must finalize enrollment by July 29 and request the Offer Letter by August 2. Also note: Work study for the following year may be used during the summer beginning June 1st.
When does summer TeleBEARS start? (see above)
Summer TeleBEARS starts in late February or early March; the exact start date varies from year to year.
Can I do research if I am not a science major?
Of course! The Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP) creates opportunities for Berkeley undergraduates of any major to work with faculty in a variety of disciplines that range anywhere from Anthropology to Social Welfare or Women's Studies. Participation in research is not limited to science majors. Check out research.berkeley.edu
Where can I get help writing a resume?
The Career Center is an excellent resource for writing a resume. Visit the Career Center Website at career.berkeley.edu for tips on steps to developing a resume, sending resumes, resume components, sample resumes, and tips on how to write cover letters. You can also just drop in at the Career Center located at 2111 Bancroft Way and they can help you with your resume there.
Is Haas only for business majors?
All undergraduate Haas courses are accessible to all undergraduates, regardless of major. However, sometimes it is rather difficult to get into certain Haas courses because of limited seats available to non-majors. Business majors usually have priority enrollment, so I suggest enrolling in Haas courses during Phase I of Tele-BEARS if you are not in the major. Although sometimes Haas may seem like an exclusive community, do not feel intimidated if you are not a business major. Most of the resources at the business school are accessible to everyone.
I have no plans yet - What scheduling suggestions do you have for me?
When looking for classes to take, you should always keep in mind fulfilling your general education requirements. The L&S website has a breadth search engine that helps you pick a class to fulfill your breadths that follow your schedule. I recommend devoting only half of your schedule to fulfilling your requirements and the other half to exploring what major you might want to pursue or taking major prerequisites. To keep a balanced schedule, you should also have one or two "fun" classes that you take just because they are interesting. These classes include decals, seminars, and hobby classes. You can also check www.calfacts.org for some class/professor reviews and advice on what classes to take. For classes in a major you are interested in, I recommend going to a meeting of the major club (e.g. for Political Science, you could go to a meeting of the Undergraduate Political Science Association) to ask officers and members for help with scheduling. Many of these clubs hold peer advising nights that offer advice on what classes to take for next semester.
What is the max number of units you can take for summer school?
The maximum number of units allowed per session is 10. Berkeley students are encouraged to consult their college or major advisers before exceeding the unit limit. Visiting students who wish to take more than 10 units should consult the Summer Sessions office (or an international registration center) before registering.
Where can I go to get help with my 4 yr plan and a double major?
If you are in the College of Letters and Science, go to 113
Campbell Hall to meet with an advisor or email questions to
KpasaLnS@berkeley.edu
Call 642-1483 on Thursday morning to make an appointment.
The advising office is open all year, Monday through Friday,
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., except during University holidays.
If you're not in L&S, contact an advisor at one of the
following locations:
What's a quiet library to study at?
VLSB library, Doe, Main Stacks, and any library for that matter.
Where can I find tutoring and homework help?
There are many places you can get extra help. First of all, in our very own residence halls, tutoring is available free of charge in the following subjects: writing, physics, math, chemistry, and economics/statistics. Time and subject availability vary from unit to unit, but to find a schedule go to the our tutoring page.
Another option is the Student Learning Center. The Student Learning Center is open to all registered students at the University at no charge. The Center offers individual and group tutorial sessions in a number of lower and upper division courses in the following areas: Business Administration, Writing, Economics, Math, Science (biological and physical), Social Science, and Statistics. The center also offers adjunct courses which are linked to lecture courses and use the required readings and assignments to develop critical reading, writing, quantitative problem solving, and exam taking strategies. They are located on lower Sproul at the Cesar Chavez Student Center.
There are still other possibilities. For example to get help in math you could try the Professional Development Program which offers extra help in beginning calculus for unit credit. For more information check out this link: http://education.berkeley.edu/pdp/
For additional tutoring information you can ask the advisers within the department you seek assistance in.
What are the requirements to study abroad?
Requirements vary from program to program, but almost any student can find a program that will work for them. The study abroad program run through the University of California is the Education Abroad Program (EAP). To participate in EAP you must be a fulltime UC Berkeley undergraduate or graduate student. Most programs require that you have at least junior standing (56 units) before departure, but as EAP expands, they now offer several short-term programs that allow participation from students with at least 30 units. Also, seniors are always welcome to apply as long as you are willing to take a full academic course load while abroad. For many programs, you need a 3.0 GPA, but some work with a 2.5. You also don't need a foreign language for most programs, even if English is not the language of the host country. Almost everyone can fit study abroad into his or her undergraduate years. It is an extremely valuable experience that will help you to be highly sought after for graduate school and your future career. Only 2% of American undergraduates actually get around to studying abroad (while 70% express interest in it) so try to be one of those special few!
When do you find out from URAP that you get in or not?
URAP faculty mentors may choose to post a list on their office door or to send an e-mail indicating that you have (or have not) been selected for the position (or invited for an interview). See the "offices" list to find out which contact method your prospective mentor has chosen. If your mentor will post a list, you should check the faculty door at least once a day, beginning Friday after applications are due. If your mentor will e-mail, please check your e-mail messages everyday.
How do I check if community college courses satisfy breadth?
The best way to check if community college courses satisfy breadth requirements is to look on the website assist.org. After entering in whichever community college course and UC Berkeley as your other college, you can find out what requirement your class satisfied. In addition, you can also find a list of all the breadth requirements, and which courses offered at that community college satisfy a particular breadth.
What happens if I get an F?
If you receive an F in a course, you can simply retake the course for a letter grade. While the F will still show up on your transcript, it will not be calculated into your GPA. Only the new grade you receive will be counted. You may repeat any class in this manner if you receive below a D+, and you may only repeat up to 12 units of coursework. After that, you do not receive units and the grade does not count, however it does show up on your transcript. While failing a course is not the end of your academic life at Cal, it is important to find resources and tutors who can assist you in improving your academics.
Some favorite science professors
Can you un-delcare a double major?
You can drop one of the majors from an officially declared double major by submitting to the College office a Request to Change from a Double Major to a Single Major petition. However, once you do, all the rules and restrictions for a single major apply. For example, as a student with a single major, you must abide by the 130 unit ceiling rule. Consult the L&S College Advisers for more help at 113 Campbell Hall (call 642-1483).
How do I get an appointment with a career center advisor?
Career Center counselors are available to assist students with any aspect of their planning, job search, or graduate/professional school preparation and application. They are available to meet with you by appointment or on a "drop-in" basis. To make an appointment, call (510) 642-1716 or come to the Career Center. Drop-in appointments are available Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 4:00pm. The Career Center is located at 2111 Bancroft Way.
What are some cool classes to take?
Can Freshmen get internships?
There are plenty of internships accessible to freshmen! As long as you keep an open eye and constantly search for an internship, you are likely to find an opportunity. A good place to start is the Career Center. There are various ways for you to find an internship. The Cal Jobs Listing allows students to search for internships and jobs through listings. Internship Fairs are also offered throughout the school year. Students can even be creative and create their own internships by writing a proposal and sending it to companies! The Cal Internship Program coordinates a wide variety of opportunities for Berkeley students to explore careers during their time at Cal and is offered through the Career Center.
A research internship is a great way to learn more about your own professional field or any other fields in which you may be interested in. A great way to start is the website research.berkeley.edu. It is a comprehensive gateway that links you to programs that involve research internships. A very prestigious and well-known research program is the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP). It allows students to pick and work with professors who are doing research in their field of interest by applying to work on those projects. Another way to find a research internship is to visit the Career Center, which is located on 2111 Bancroft Way. It is open Monday through Friday from 9AM-5PM, with drop-in hours for 10-15 minute appointments from 1PM-4PM from Monday to Friday.
Another helpful resource is to ask a professor in your field of interest who you know or who you think might be able to help you find an internship. That professor may have an internship for you, or he/she may be able to have an 'insider' perspective in getting you one. The professor can ask some colleagues for a position for you or maybe direct you to some other resources. A good friend of mine this year was able to find a research internship at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab just by seeking advice from a professor. He was able to direct her to other professors who were looking fo assistants but did not post an official project. She e-mailed one particular researcher, received the position, and was able to get paid a great wage at a fun job - all while everybody else gave up in looking for a research internship. It is important that you are persistent and thoughtful in your search for an internship as well as patient. The right research position will come to you as long as you continue to want it and look for one.
The process of finding an On Campus Internship is very similar to finding a research internship. On campus internships vary from student-group internships (Interning in the ASUC Senate or with Cal Corps) to institute internships (Interning as an assistant at the Institute of Industrial Relations). All of them can be found by directly contacting a group or department you are interested in. They will usually have vital information about how to receive an internship with them or a related group. A WORD OF THE WISE: Always start your internship search as early as possible! People who apply early are usually thought of as people with initiative and people who are really interested in the department, student-group, etc. You can find the group you are interested in by looking in the Campus Directory, on the Berkeley website (www.berkeley.edu) or in the Student Directory.
There are also many local, state, and national government internships available to us. The Cal in Berkeley program allows students to shadow local politicians during the school year. The Cal in Sacramento program is a summer program that provides housing for you while you intern for a government or non-profit agency in Sacramento. The Cal in the Capital program is an amazing program that allows students to intern in Washington D.C. for the summer to gain experience and knowledge about what happens in the federal government.
Here are some useful websites for finding internships
Start early and do not procrastinate. It is best to start your internship search the semester before your desired placement. Some summer internships programs have deadlines as early as November and December. Network and talk to people in your field of interest (professors, advisors, peers). Check out URAP (the Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program) which allows students the opportunity to work with Berkeley faculty on their research projects. Or you can check out the Career Center which offers valuable tips on how to go about finding an internship. The Career Center sponsers Career/Internship fairs during the semester which highlights internships and summer opportunities in specific fields. The Career Center website also has links to various internet resources/websites such as CalJobs, Cal Internship Directory, Cal on Campus. Further expand your internship search by referring to other resources such as newspapers and newsletters, student organizations, community service/volunteer groups, off-site job fairs, hometown contacts, etc. The Career Center webiste has a good online powerpoint presentation on how to go about looking for an internship.
What classes can I take at other UCs?
There are many classes you can take at other UC campuses during the summer. Obviously, you may not enroll at more than one campus during the school year. Students are allowed to fulfill the Reading and Composition requirement at other community colleges and UCs as well as breadth courses. Students are also allowed to take certain upper division coursework at other UCs. Keep in mind, however, that the other campuses are on a quarter system, which means that you might have to take numerous upper division courses to have it equal one upper division course credit at UC Berkeley. There are restrictions to these rules, and it is always best to check with your department advisor before taking courses at another UC campus.
What is the maximum units one can sign up for during Phase I?
A whopping 10.5! That's 10 units of anything, plus .5 of a Physical Education activity course.
How do I know if my summer school course transfers?
You should take the following steps to ensure that you will receive credit for courses completed at another college.
How do I withdraw from summer school?
which you are enrolled after instruction in one or more of your classes has begun. Students can withdraw through Summer TeleBEARS. Anyone who is unable to withdraw through Summer TeleBEARS for any reason should file a Student Record Change Form. Bring the completed form to 22 Wheeler Hall for processing or fax/mail it to the Summer Sessions Office. The date of your withdrawal from Summer Sessions will affect the amount of refund you receive. Withdraw by Friday of the first week of instruction to receive a refund. After the withdrawal process is completed, your UC Berkeley transcript will say 'Withdrew via petition, Summer, 2004 (or the current year). This transcript entry cannot be removed.
Can I stay after 130 units with a single major?
If you plan to stay at Berkeley for eight or fewer semesters (graduating in four years), not counting summer sessions, then the maximum units limit does not apply and you may continue after 130 units. If you stay in college more than eight semesters, you may not continue beyond the semester in which you complete more than 130 units. Note that AP units do not count towards the 130 units limit, unless you wish to do so. If you need to begin your last semester with more than 130 units, first, contact the College and see an adviser to be sure that you have a unit problem. Then, see a College Assistant Dean, with a carefully planned program endorsed by your major adviser, and discuss your options for continued enrollment and graduation.
What are some easy upper division classes?
It really varies for each person. You can check out any course recommendation/review website and see what people are saying. Do not be afraid to take an upper division class outside your major, especially if it's in a department that you are mildly interested in. Also don't forget that you can take some De-cals and seminars for upper division credit too.
Do you need to take Math 53 before Math 54?
No. Math 53 (Multivariable Calculus) and Math 54 (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations) are not dependent upon each other at all. In fact, some majors require 54 as a prerequisite but not 53. As far as difficulty, it depends. 53 is more of doing Calculus in 3 dimensions. 54 tends to be more abstract and proof-oriented.
How do I plan my courses after deciding to become pre-med?
Once you decide you want to be pre-med, you should decide when you want to take your MCAT. The MCATs are offered once in April and again in August of each year. When you should take the test depends on factors such as how soon you want to start medical school after graduation from Cal and if you want to study abroad. In order to take the test, you should take two semesters of calculus, two semesters of physics, two semesters of general biology, one semester of physical chemistry and two semesters of organic chemsitry. These are also classes that are required for medical school admission. Some medical schools will require classes in addition to these, most commonly one more semester of physical chemistry, and statistics. The most common courses that are taken by Cal pre-med students to fulfill these requirements are: Math 1A/B or 16A/B, Physics 8A/B or 7A/B, Biology 1A/B, Chem 1A, Chem 3A/B or 112A/B. The MCAT also tests Verbal Reasoning and requires a writing sample. Taking reading and writing orientated classes will help you with this.
What is the difference between Stat 20 and Stat 21?
Stat 20 is more math based, and is intended for students with a math background. Stat 21 is Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business. This class is required for application to the Business Administration major. In order to decide which class to take, check your major requirements. If you intend to take the class for interest only, either one will give you a good introduction to statistics.
How do I know if my summer school course transfers?
Students who have completed coursework at a Junior College will only receive credit for the courses that are UC Transferable. Students can use Assist to determine which courses will be accepted by the university.
Where can I study in the Residence Halls?
Each Residence Hall has rooms available for study, including lounges and all-purpose rooms. In addition, most units have classrooms available for residents in the Academic Services Center (ASC). Check with the ASC staff for information about room reservations.
The Centers
Peer Advising
Tutoring
Faculty Programs