Hi guys. Do you guys think that I can transfer to UC Berkeley as chemical engineering major without taking Ochem in my community college? I notice that in assist it is not required, but I was just wondering if I will be competitive enough without taking the sequence. For UCLA, I understand that OChem is required, but what if I omit it? What do you think my chances are? Please help me. I am desperately want to know if there is someone who didn’t take OChem at community college and manage to transfer to either UC berkeley or UCLA. Thanks!
For Berkeley, http://web1.assist.org/web-assist/report.do?agreement=aa&reportPath=REPORT_2&reportScript=Rep2.pl&event=19&dir=1&sia=BERKELEY&ria=UCB&ia=BERKELEY&oia=UCB&aay=14-15&ay=14-15&dora=CHM+ENG indicates that organic chemistry is not required to transfer, but completing organic chemistry at your CC and scoring in the 75th percentile of the ACS organic chemistry exam will fulfill the upper division organic chemistry requirement for the major. Note that Berkeley chemical engineering is likely to take more than four semesters after transfer if you have many missing prerequisites. It is best to complete as many requirements as possible at the lower cost community college before transfer.
For UCLA, http://web1.assist.org/web-assist/report.do?agreement=aa&reportPath=REPORT_2&reportScript=Rep2.pl&event=19&dir=1&sia=SMCC&ria=UCLA&ia=SMCC&oia=UCLA&aay=14-15&ay=14-15&dora=CHEM+ENG indicates that organic chemistry is required if available.
For Berkely I would I only suggest taking ochem before transfer if you have a professor with a reputation of teaching a rigorous and challenging ochem sequence so you know it will prepare you for the exam. I would additionally suggest talking to said professor about your intent to take the exam and test the waters of how helpful they will be. I had one professor who actually writes questions for the ACS exam, used old ACS exam questions to teach the class, and would help students prepare for it during office hours (free tutor!). This is the ideal type of
situation. You also need to be sure you have time to study for the exam and money to take it. Completing this would make you more competitive for Berkely I believe.
For UCLA, you need it. Plain and simple. Even if you did get in without it, which I don’t think anyone does, you would then have to take it there where it will be harder and you be starting 3 classes behind. This could easily add up to a third year required after transfer. You will have enough classes to sludge through without worrying about ochem too.
hey thanks for replying! but will I be less competitive in admission for berkeley if i don’t take just the last ochem (ochem 2)?
The most competitive student will always be the one with the most completed pre-requisites, best grades, good EC’s, and demonstrated interest in their major.
I’m not saying you won’t get in if you take this or that. I’m dating the more you take, the better your chances. You’ll be eligible for admission without the ochem. You’ll be more competitive with it. You have to complete both part 1 and 2 to take the ACS exam that covers both and counts for sequence credit at Berkeley.
*dating =saying