Peer advisors are trained junior & senior majors who volunteer their time to complement the staff advising services by sharing their knowledge of and experience with lower division requirements and upper division classes, experience with student groups on campus, preparation for life beyond the B.A., and use of various campus resources.
Meet with a peer advisor:
- In-person (VLSB 3060) or virtually over Zoom. Schedule an appointment at https://bit.ly/MCBpaws24-25 or drop by during available times.
- Email or chat at mcbpaws@berkeley.edu.
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Instagram: @mcbpaws
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcbpaws/
Preferred Pronouns: she/her
Majors & Minors: MCB-GGED; English
Research: Lin He (MCB): We study the functional importance of the non-coding genome in development and disease.
Activities: Atrium, AMSA, Meor Berkeley
Post Graduate Plans: Gap year, then MD/PhD program
Major Classes Taken: MCB C100A
Hi everyone! I'm Sarah, a junior double majoring in MCB and English. I love being in the MCB major because I get to explore a wide variety of subjects I'm interested in, whether this be biochemistry, genetics, or whatever my research mentor is up to! I've also enjoyed learning about new biological techniques and principles through my research position, and hope to use that experience in medical and graduate school. With my double major, I can give you advice on anything ranging from enrollment to best study techniques to writing a paper. I've found a wonderful community amongst my peers, faculty, and advisors with MCB, and can't wait to meet you.
MCB Peer Advising Application
How can I become an MCB Peer Advisor?
The application to be a peer advisor for the 2024-2025 school year is closed. You can talk to staff advisor Zac (ibusso@berkeley.edu) for more information about applying to the program.
Information for 2024-2025 Applications
We encourage interested students to review our info session from 2021 on YouTube and review the slides with common questions from past peers (note some of the dates, deadlines, etc. from past materials may no longer be relevant). Mandatory weekly meetings will be Thursdays 10-11am during Fall 2024.
Summer Application Timeline
| Jul 25, 2024 | Applications Due, by 8am |
| Jul 29-Aug 2, 2024 | Interviews |
| Aug 5, 2024 | Notifications Sent |
| Aug 7, 2024 | Deadline to Accept, by 12pm |
| Aug 27, 2024 | In-person Training, 8am-1pm |
What we look for in an MCB Peer Advisor:
Beyond a passion for the MCB major and an interest in helping your fellow students, we look for people who are unique, both academically and as a person. Things that can help make an outstanding peer advisor include, but are not limited to: research experience, participation in the honors program, overcoming personal and/or academic adversity, tutoring, participation in clubs on campus, or the transfer student experience. Ultimately, what we want to see on your application is what makes you stand out as a student AND as a person!
Requirements at time of application:
- Be declared in MCB at the time of application, or be eligible to declare by fall semester.
- Have completed at least one semester at Cal.
- Be in good academic standing with the major and the university.
- Able to volunteer at least three shifts (1 hour each) and attend one 1-hour meeting per week.
- Willing to commit to volunteering as a peer advisor for at least two semesters.
* Please note that peer advisor positions are unpaid. MCB peer advisors earn academic credit for their work.