UC Berkeley in Nutshell

The University of California, Berkeley Campus, also known as UC Berkeley, was founded in 1868 as the state's first land-grant university. It inherited the campus's resources from the for-profit College of California, including its buildings and grounds, as well as the federal funding provided by the Morrill Land Grant Act of 1862. The university is one of the top public research universities in the US, and 16 chemical elements on the periodic table are said to have been discovered by university researchers. Along with 14 other universities, the University of California, Berkeley, or UC Berkeley, is a founding member of the esteemed Association of American Universities.

Major institutional rankings have ranked UC Berkeley, one of the top institutions, as one of the best public universities in the United States of America. In terms of UC Berkeley rankings, the school has received the #4 spot from US News & World Report's list of "Global Universities," the #8 spot from THE (Times Higher Education), the #22 spot from US News & World Report's list of "National Universities," and the #32 spot from QS's list of "World Universities" for 2022.

The 1,232-acre UC Berkeley campus is situated in the San Francisco Bay Area. On the main campus of UC Berkeley, you can find the University of California Museum of Paleontology, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Lawrence Hall of Science, a number of research institutes like the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute and Space Sciences Laboratory, an 800-acre ecological preserve called the University of California Botanical Garden, and a recreation area called Strawberry Canyon. Additionally, the University of California—Berkeley is home to both the Space Sciences Laboratory and the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute.

Is UC Berkeley Semester or Quarter Based?

The semester system is used at the University of California-Berkeley. Semester systems are usually 14-16 weeks long. They are divided into three seasons: fall, spring, and summer.

Berkeley began on the semester system before switching to the quarter system in 1966. However, it reverted to the semester system in 1983. Why?

Possible explanations include:

Most universities, including top privates, use the semester system as their primary calendar term. Depending on the source, semester calendar terms account for 72-86% of university calendar terms in the United States.

The semester system corresponds to the California community college system, which has only three quarter calendar term colleges out of 113. NOTE: According to state law, the UCs must accept one-third of all admissions each year through transfers.

Advantages of the semester system:

·         There are two sets of midterms and finals.

·         Dead week is the week before finals when you have no classes and can devote all of your time to studying.

·         Better aligns with most other universities, internships, and study abroad opportunities.

·         Increased research opportunities.

The semester system has several disadvantages.

·         Because courses are longer, you may become bored if you do not enjoy the course.

·         Instead of three breaks between terms, use two.

Berkeley UC Academic Calendar

Academic Calendar for Fall 2022 at UC Berkeley

The Fall Semester at UC Berkeley begins on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, and ends on Friday, December 16, 2022.

The following are key dates and deadlines on the UC Berkeley academic calendar for the Fall

Semester.

1.    Fall Phase 1 Enrollment for Continuing Students ends on June 17, 2022.

2.    For continuing students admitted to fall and spring semesters, the deadline to submit a Statement of Legal Residence is Friday, July 1, 2022.

3.    On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, new transfer undergraduates can enroll in Fall Phase I.

4.    On Thursday, July 14, 2022, new freshmen students can enroll in Fall Phase I.

5.    According to the UC Berkeley academic calendar 2022-2023, the deadline for submitting requested residency documentation is Friday, July 15, 2022.

6.    Fall enrollment for new graduate students begins on Friday, July 15, 2022.

7.    On Monday, July 18, 2022, continuing students can enroll in Fall Phase II.

8.    The enrollment adjustment period begins on Monday, August 15, 2022.

9.    The first day of classes for new incoming students (freshmen and transfers) at UC Berkeley is August 16, 2022, and the last day is August 17, 2022. Move-in will take place over two days, and it is important to note that you must move in on the designated day for your building. You must choose a Move-In time slot on your Move-In day after receiving your housing assignment via email.

10.  The Fall Semester at UC Berkeley begins on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.

11.  Payment for fall tuition and registration fees is due on Friday, August 19, 2022. (in full or first installment payment).

12.  The deadline to withdraw without penalty is Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

13.  Fall classes at UC Berkeley begin on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Fall 2022 is the start date for UC Berkeley.

14.  All students must drop classes without penalty by Friday, September 2, 2022. Each class dropped after this date will incur a $10 fee. It is also the last day for undergraduates to withdraw from EDD classes.

15.  Monday, September 5, 2022 is Labor Day.

16.  The deadline for all students to add classes without paying a fee is Friday, September 9, 2022. Each class added after this date will incur a $5 fee. The deadline for becoming "officially registered" is the same day (enrolled, tuition and fees paid, no blocks). After this date, there will be a $150 late registration fee.

17.  Undergraduates have until Wednesday, September 14, 2022 to add/drop classes or swap/change units for classes.

18.  Friday, September 23, 2022 is the date on the UC Berkeley academic calendar;

19.  Graduate students have until the deadline to add/drop classes or swap/change units for classes.

20.  The deadline for undergraduates in the College of Chemistry to change their grading options has passed. Subsequent changes necessitate the approval of the adviser.

21.  Undergraduates in the College of Engineering have until the end of the semester to change their grading option for non-degree technical courses.

22.  The deadline for changing grading options through CalCentral is October 28, 2022. Subsequent changes must be approved by the advisor.

23.  The Veterans Day holiday is on November 11, 2022.

24.  Thanksgiving is observed at UC Berkeley on Thursday, November 24, 2022, and Friday, November 25, 2022.

25.  Classes at UCB will end on Friday, December 2, 2022.

26.  Berkeley RRR week (Reading/Review/Recitation Week) for the Fall semester will be held from Monday, December 5 to Friday, December 9, 2022.

27.  The last day of classes is December 9, 2022.

28.  Final exams will be held from Monday, December 12 to Friday, December 16, 2022.

29.  The fall semester concludes on Friday, December 16, 2022.

Academic Calendar for the Spring of 2023 at UC Berkeley

The Spring Semester at UC Berkeley begins on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, and ends on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Important dates and deadlines on the UC Berkeley academic calendar for Spring Semester 2023 are listed below.

1.    Phase I Spring enrollment for new undergraduate students ends on Sunday, January 9, 2023. On the same day, continuing students' Phase II Spring enrollment concludes.

2.    Adjustment The enrollment period begins on Monday, January 9, 2023.

3.    The Spring Semester begins on January 10, 2023.

4.    Spring tuition and registration fees are due on Friday, January 13, 2023 (in full or as a 20% first installment payment).

5.    Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, January 16, 2023.

6.    Spring classes at UC Bekerley begin on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.

7.    All students must drop classes without penalty by Friday, January 27, 2023. Each class dropped after this date will incur a $10 fee.

8.    The deadline for all students to add classes without paying a fee is Friday, February 3, 2023. Each class added after this date will incur a $5 fee. The deadline to become "officially registered" falls on the same day (enrolled, tuition and fees paid, no blocks). According to the UC Berkeley academic calendar 2022-2023, there will be a $150 late registration fee after this date.

9.    Undergraduates have until Wednesday, February 8, 2023 to add/drop classes or swap/change units for classes.

10.  Monday, February 20, 2023 is Presidents' Day.

11.  Colleges have until Friday, March 10, 2023, to add undergraduate candidates to the spring 2023 degree list.

12.  Spring break at UC Berkeley 2023 runs from Monday, March 27, 2023 to Friday, March 31, 2023.

13.  Cesar Chavez Day will be celebrated on March 31, 2023.

14.  The deadline for changing grading options through CalCentral is March 31, 2023. Subsequent changes must be approved by the advisor.

15.  According to the UC Berkeley academic calendar 2022-2023, formal classes end on Friday, April 28, 2023.

16.  Cal Day is yet to be determined. Calday.berkeley.edu is a website.

17.  Berkeley RRR week (Reading/Review/Recitation Week) is from Monday, May 1, 2023 to Friday, May 5, 2023 for the Spring semester.

18.  The last day of classes is Friday, May 5, 2023.

19.  Final exams will be held from Monday, May 8, 2023 to Friday, May 12, 2023.

20.  The spring semester concludes on Friday, May 12, 2023.

21.  The commencement ceremony will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023.

22.  Monday, May 29, 2023 is the Memorial Day holiday.

Summer Sessions 2023 at UC Berkeley

Important dates and deadlines on the UC Berkeley academic calendar for Summer Sessions 2023 are listed below.

1.    On Monday, May 22, 2023, Session A (Six Weeks) begins.

2.    Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 29, 2023.

3.    On Monday, June 5, 2023, Session B (Ten Weeks) begins.

4.    The Juneteenth holiday is observed on Monday, June 19, 2023. Monday classes will resume on Friday, June 24, 2023.

5.    On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Session C (Eight Weeks) begins.

6.    The Fourth of July holiday is on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

7.    Session A (Six Weeks) concludes on June 30, 2023.

8.    Session D (Six Weeks) starts on July 3, 2023.

9.    On Monday, July 3, 2023, Session F (Three Weeks) begins.

10.  Tuesday, July 4, 2023 is the Academic and Administrative Holiday.

11.  Session F (Three Weeks) concludes on July 21, 2023.

12.  On Monday, July 24, 2023, Session E (Three Weeks) begins.

13.  Sessions B, C, D, and E will end on August 11, 2023.

What UC Berkeley Looks For?

Professionally trained readers read all applications in their entirety. That is, they go through each application word for word, page by page. Many applications are read twice or more.

This is an important concept to keep in mind as you finish your application. One way to think about it is that they practically hug your application because they scrutinize everything you submit so closely.

The admission holistic review reflects readers' thoughtful consideration of the applicant's full range of qualifications, based on all evidence provided in the application and viewed in light of the applicant's academic and personal circumstances, as well as the overall strength of the Berkeley applicant pool. Readers apply the following criteria, which have no pre-assigned weights, using a broad concept of merit:

·         The applicant's complete high school record of achievement in college preparatory work, including the number and rigor of courses taken, as well as grades earned in those courses.

·         The applicant's personal qualities, such as leadership ability, character, motivation, insight, tenacity, initiative, originality, intellectual independence, responsibility, maturity, and demonstrated concern for others and the community, are taken into account.

·         Contributions to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus are likely. Admissions committees look for diversity in personal background and experience, as well as a wide range of intellectual interests and achievements.

·         Standardized test performance, such as the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment plus Writing Test. In addition, any Advanced Placement or IBHL exams taken by the applicant will be considered.

·         Achievement in academic enrichment programs, such as those sponsored by the University of California. This criterion is determined by the applicant's time and depth of participation, academic progress made during that participation, and the intellectual rigor of the specific program.

·         Other evidence of success. This criterion recognizes exemplary, sustained achievement in any intellectual or creative endeavor; achievements in extracurricular activities such as the performing arts or athletics; leadership in school or community organizations; employment; and volunteer service.

·         Performance on standardized tests, such as the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment plus Writing Test. Furthermore, any Advanced Placement or IBHL exams taken by the applicant will be taken into account.

Participation in academic enrichment programs, such as those offered by the University of California. The applicant's time and depth of participation, academic progress made during that participation, and the intellectual rigor of the specific program all contribute to this criterion.

Another sign of success. This criterion recognizes exemplary, sustained achievement in any intellectual or creative endeavor; extracurricular achievements such as performing arts or athletics; leadership in school or community organizations; employment; and volunteer service.

The review acknowledges a wide range of talent and creativity that is not always reflected in traditional measures of academic achievement but, in the reader's opinion, is a positive indicator of the student's ability to succeed at Berkeley and beyond.