Admission as a Freshman
Students preparing for the major in chemistry or chemical engineering should include in their high school program: chemistry (one year); physics (one year); mathematics (four years, including trigonometry, intermediate algebra, and analytic geometry); and a foreign language (two years, preferably German, Russian, or French).
Advice for Prospective Freshmen
Before you apply, please take some time to learn about the programs we offer and make sure that the College of Chemistry is right for you!
Common Misconceptions
Myth #1:
When I apply to the Chemistry or Chemical Engineering major in the College of Chemistry, I am expressing my interest in that subject, but I will not declare a major until I've been at UC Berkeley for a few semesters.
FACT:
When you apply to the college of chemistry as either a Chemistry or a Chemical Engineering major, you are officially declaring your major! You will be required to enroll in courses that are appropriate for your major.
Myth #2:
I've heard that admission to UC Berkeley is really competitive, and that I can increase my chances of getting in by applying to the College of Chemistry in order to "get my foot in the door" at UC Berkeley, even though I really want to be in a different college.
FACT:
You should not apply to the College of Chemistry if you don't believe that our program is the right one for you. See myth #3 and myth #4 to find out how that strategy can backfire!
Myth #3:
If I change my mind about what I want to study after I apply to the College of Chemistry, I can switch to another major offered by a different college.
FACT:
You will be required to spend at least one semester in the College of Chemistry, and during that semester you must follow the course program for your major. (You may be able to switch thereafter, if you meet the requirements of the other college.)
Myth #4:
As a freshman in the College of Chemistry, I will be able to choose which courses I take.
FACT:
Your schedule will have room for electives in the humanities and social sciences, but you will be required to follow the basic program for your major, including courses in chemistry, mathematics, and physics.
Myth #5:
If I want to go to medical or dental school, I have to earn an undergraduate degree in Biology or Biochemistry.
FACT:
You can prepare for medical or dental school with a major in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Generally, medical and dental programs do not favor any particular undergraduate major. See the UC Berkeley Career Center Web site for more information on this subject.
Is the College of Chemistry Right for You?
Choosing your major is a big decision. If you are not sure what you want to study, you may prefer to apply to the College of Letters & Science, where you will have time to explore several different areas before declaring a major.
If, however, you have given this matter a lot of thought and you have a strong interest in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, the College of Chemistry is a good choice for you. Not only will you benefit from the small size of the College, which makes it possible for each student to receive personal guidance from a staff adviser and a faculty adviser, but you'll also be able to focus your efforts and attain real depth and breadth of knowledge in your field of study.
You can find out more about the College of Chemistry by contacting the College of Chemistry Freshman Adviser.
[content coordinated by Maura Daly]