Newly Admitted Transfer Student FAQs

How can I get advising assistance?

Please see our Advising Services webpage for information on how to book an advising appointment. Advisors are available to meet over zoom and have limited availability for in person appointments. We prefer to limit phone and email advising for quick questions. For things such as the creation of full academic plans, we strongly prefer and recommend making an advising appointment. If you are out of state and absolutely cannot come to see us in person, feel free to book a zoom appointment! 

How do I register for classes and get my GBA hold released on CalCentral?

You will work though an online module through bcourses opening in the middle of June. This will give you information about how to register for classes in CalCentral. You will need to complete the MCB Advising Quiz to have your hold released. If this is completed by the deadline, your hold is guaranteed to be released before your registration opens. This quiz will be reviewed by an MCB advisor. We will give feedback and approve your proposed schedule before lifting your hold.

Will classes fill up before I am able to register?

It depends on the class. There will still be seats available in most upper-division MCB classes in mid-July. However, classes such as Physics 8A will fill up very quickly. We do hold seats for new transfer students in common first semester classes. The MCB advisors are here to help you come up with an alternative plan if you are not able to register for your first-choice classes.

Can I make a 2-year academic plan with an MCB advisor?

Yes!  Such plans can be made in person; please stop by the office during our open hours. In the meantime, review the plans on the emphasis pages, but keep in mind these plans are suggestions only and are not intended to replace planning with an advisor. We will also be reviewing your schedules and sending information about planning through Golden Bear Advising.

What non-major requirements do I need to fulfill? 

For a full list of university and college requirements see the L&S website and the online bcourses module will go into these requirements in more depth. If you transfer in with IGETC you will have your 7 breadth courses finished, but most transfer students will need to still complete the American Cultures requirement. Another important thing to keep in mind is the unit requirements needed for graduation these are detailed on L&S's website. You can also make an appointment with a college advisor with any questions about these requirements.

What non-major classes do you recommend taking?

Transfer students have the opportunity to take all sorts of classes at Cal during their 2 years here. We know it can be difficult to decide what courses you want to take beyond your major classes. Often our students will pursue a minor or maybe a double major or maybe take classes that weren't offered in CC or a subject of interest. Take some time to explore guide.berkeley.edu for minor options, check out the Big Ideas courses, Discovery Courses and explore classes.berkeley.edu 

I am not transferring from a California community college. How will my science courses transfer?

All transfer work taken at a 4-year school or out of state school will need to have syllabi evaluated before it can fulfill MCB requirements. We are unable to verify if your coursework is acceptable without a syllabus that includes a course outline, textbook information, exam styles, lab information if applicable, etc. If you are transferring from a 4-year institution or out of state, please follow these steps:

1. Email your syllabi to the offices below for course evaluation:

Math: See instructions at: https://math.berkeley.edu/courses/course-equivalency
Biology: contact us at mcbuao@berkeley.edu
Chemistry: http://chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/current-students/advising-and-enrollment
Physics: Fill out this form, which will require you to upload your class syllabus. 

2. Wait for each office to evaluate your coursework and respond. Be patient, as they receive many requests.

3. If your coursework is approved by each office, forward their written approval to us at mcbuao@berkeley.edu. If your coursework is not approved, notify the staff advisors at mcbuao@berkeley.edu to discuss next steps.

Please note that this process is not required for coursework that has been approved on assist.org. 

How can I get credit for some upper-division science courses I took?

An MCB faculty advisor will review the syllabi for any upper-division classes once the fall semester starts.  Upper-division course reviews will not be made before then. If you are debating whether or not to take a course in the fall because you might get transfer credit for it, you will not have a definite answer until classes start. To start the evaluation process please see a staff advisor in 3060 VLSB.

I am transferring from a quarter-system school, and I only took 2 quarters of (organic chemistry, physics, calculus, etc.).  Do I have to take the class at Berkeley?

Typically three-quarters of coursework are equivalent to two semesters of coursework at Berkeley. Therefore, if you took the first 2 quarters of, for example, organic chemistry at your transfer institution, you will have to take the second semester of organic chemistry at Berkeley. We do not offer abbreviated versions of courses for students who are transferring from quarter-system schools.

Should I do research my first semester as a transfer student?

We recommend transfer students wait to do research until they are more familiar with classes and the amount of work they have to do to be successful. Many transfer students start looking for research in the fall semester, but don't actually start in the lab until the spring. At a minimum, we suggest waiting until you get the grades back for your first midterms before committing to a lab position. See the Finding Research page for more information.