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October 2023 - L&S Advising Newsletter
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Image Credit: Adam Lau Copyright UC Regents
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Dear L&S Student,
It's that time of the semester. Midterms, choosing grading options, planning your spring schedule...there's a lot of activity in the air!
In this newsletter you'll find important reminders and advice on:
⇨ Upcoming Deadlines
⇨ High Demand Majors: Policy Update
⇨ Reading and Composition: 4th Semester Deadline
⇨ Choosing Letter Graded or P/NP
⇨ FAQ: Unit Loads
⇨ Late Change of Class Schedule
⇨ Satellite L&S College Advising Locations
⇨ Upcoming Pre-Law and Pre-MA/PhD events
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Upcoming Fall 2023 Deadlines
Deadlines are set at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
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High Demand Majors: Policy Update
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 This announcement only applies to first year students admitted to Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.
Preparing to apply to a high demand major? You now have until your fifth semester to complete your prerequisites and submit your application.
Learn more about this and other updates to the High Demand Major Policy by clicking the button below.
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Reading and Composition:
4th Semester Due Date
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 Reminder! If you started at UC Berkeley as a first year student, you are expected to complete the second half of Reading and Composition by the end of your fourth semester (end of your sophomore year).
If you have concerns about completing this requirement on time, reach out to L&S Advising.
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Choosing Letter Grade or P/NP
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This video covers 5 factors you should consider when making decisions about your grading option, plus a bonus exercise if you're still stuck.
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You Ask, We Answer: Unit Loads
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What is the minimum unit load I need per semester?
Students in the College of Letters and Science are required to take a 13-unit minimum each semester unless approved for a Reduced Course Load.
Find criteria for reduced course load on our Unit Minimum and Maximum in a Semester webpage.
But if I take 13 units a semester, will I graduate on time? I heard you really need 15.
For a first year student with no transfer units and no summer terms, it would take an average of 15 units in each of their eight semesters to reach the total 120 unit minimum. This is why 15 units a semester is often considered a "typical" unit load for L&S students.
That doesn't mean you need to take 15 units each semester. It is common for unit loads to change over the course of your time at UC Berkeley, starting with fewer units while you adjust, then building on that if you feel comfortable doing so. And if you take summer school or have transfer credit, you may get to 120 faster than you think! It's important to identify an ideal unit load for you that helps you reach your academic goals.
For more help planning your unit loads and other degree requirements, see our Schedule Planning and Enrollment page.
What if a late drop puts me under the 13-unit minimum?
When a late drop puts a student under the 13-unit minimum, they are automatically approved for a Reduced Course Load with the College of Letters and Science. If you use financial aid, are on a visa, or are a student athlete, check with those offices to determine if there are other impacts to dropping below the unit minimum.
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Late Change of Class Schedule: What counts?
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 Did you know that L&S students are allowed two late changes to their class schedule during their time at UC Berkeley? Late Changes to Class Schedule can cover:
- Late Adds
- Late Drops
- Late Grading Option Changes
Because of the hard limit, we recommend thinking through any Late Changes to Class Schedule carefully, especially if you are early in your undergraduate career. If you want to talk through your decision-making before the December 1 deadline, we encourage you talk with an L&S Adviser, either through an appointment or at our Virtual Front Desk.
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As we prepare for Spring semester enrollment and demand for advising peaks, it can feel challenging to get an appointment with an L&S Adviser through our main office. Did you know we offer additional advising services through the following campus partners?
- AASD: African American Student Development
- APASD: Asian Pacific American Student Development
- CLSD: Chicanx Latinx Student Development
- DSP: Disabled Students' Program
- EOP: Educational Opportunity Program
- TSC: the Transfer Students Center
If you are served by one of these centers, contact that office to learn more about their L&S College Advising satellite hours.
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Pre-Professional Grad Programs Events
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Pre-Masters/PhD Planning Session
⇨ Co-facilitated by L&S Advising, Berkeley Career Engagement, and the GiGS Mentors
Tuesday, October 17 from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
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Early Pre-Law Planning for First and Second Year Students
⇨ Co-facilitated by L&S Advising and Berkeley Career Engagement
Tuesday, October 24 from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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Law School Admissions Panel
⇨ Co-facilitated by L&S Advising and Berkeley Career Engagement
Friday, November 15 from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
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