<p>some frequently asked questions they provided</p>
<p>The Transfer Selection Process</p>
<p>We realize that many students will be disappointed to learn that they have not been offered admission to UC Berkeley. Unfortunately, the extraordinary size and strength of our applicant pool this year meant that many highly qualified candidates were denied admission. We hope the following information responds to some of the questions you may have regarding our admission decisions and is helpful in understanding our transfer admission selection process.</p>
<p>Why was I denied admission when I felt that I was a very strong applicant?
Due to the highly competitive nature of our transfer applicant pool, hundreds of students who had excellent academic and personal credentials were denied admission to Berkeley for fall. For fall 2009, Berkeley received more than 13,000 transfer applications for about 3,200 admission spaces, resulting in an admission rate of only 26%.</p>
<p>The College or academic division to which you applied may also have affected your chances for admission. For example, the admission rate for majors in the Social Sciences division of the College of Letters and Science is 20%; for the Haas School of Business it is 7%; and for the College of Engineering it is 23%.</p>
<p>What are the selection requirements for transfer students?
Priority is given to applicants who will have completed at least 60 (90 quarter units), but no more than 80 transferable semester units (120 quarter units) that satisfy College or major requirements. Most programs do not offer admission to students with more than 80 UC-transferable semester units. Exception: If all course work was completed at a community college, this unit limitation does not apply. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic performance and preparation, including completion of major prerequisites and general breadth requirements.</p>
<p>How were transfer admission decisions made?
Applications were reviewed by more than 100 readers which included experienced admission/outreach officers, student affairs staff and faculty from the various Colleges. These readers assessed the applications based on the strength of the academic record, including the pattern of grades earned over time. All academic and personal information, including extracurricular accomplishments, employment and personal qualities, was taken into consideration. Because we recognize that Berkeley applicants vary in their academic and personal circumstances, the review took into account the context of each student’s opportunities and challenges and the way he or she responded to them. Personal qualities of leadership or motivation, likely contribution to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus, and demonstrated interest in the major area of study were also considered. However, completion of preparatory course work and academic performance were given the most weight in the transfer selection process.</p>
<p>Is any group of applicants given preference in the selection process?
Yes. As a publicly funded state institution, the University specifies in its policies that admission preference is given to students who are residents of California, and our eligibility and selection guidelines vary accordingly for residents and non-residents. However, Berkeley does recognize the contribution of a geographically diverse student population; approximately 10 percent of our entering class is comprised of non-California U.S. residents and international students. Factors other than residency status, such as ethnicity, gender and race, are not taken into consideration in the selection process. </p>
<p>I never received a letter in the mail. Should I be getting one?
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions did not send paper letters to students who were denied admission for fall. Because the overwhelming majority of our applicants prefer to learn of their admission decision electronically, we post decisions on our secure applicant website, myBerkeleyApplication.</p>
<p>Can I appeal my admission decision?
We strongly discourage letters of appeal unless you can provide significant new information for us to consider. Our transfer selection process involves a careful review and it is very unlikely that we will choose to reverse our original decision. If you do have significant new information to present and decide to appeal our admission decision, please submit your request in writing, postmarked by May 15. Include your UC application ID number in your letter and submit it with all accompanying materials in a single envelope. We do not accept appeals by telephone, fax or email. Log onto myBerkeleyApplication for your appeal decision. Decisions on appeals may not be issued until after June 15. Advise us of any change in your email address in case we need to contact you during the appeal process. Even if you choose to appeal, we recommend that you do not delay accepting an admission offer from another college or university.</p>
