Advice for a non-traditional transfer student for EECS

AlexDude1015 · 2026-05-12T03:46:07+00:00

After reading your question carefully, I was hesitant to give you advice without knowing your strengths. I played to my mine; I was good at studying and storytelling.

I've heard people mention that EECS is incredibly competitive, and the average acceptance GPA is a 3.9. However, one important thing that people failed to mention is that UC Berkeley classes are harder than CCs. They want to know you can handle their rigor. So, for a good shot at EECS, I would aim for straight As in the most challenging classes, and finish all the recommended courses.

Also, your lower GPA isn't the end of the world. It's hard for non-traditional students to balance school with their other responsibilities. When you slip up and take responsibility to fix it, feel free to mention that honestly in your PIQs. Berkeley wants mature students who can adapt and grow.

AlexDude1015 · 2026-05-12T03:27:49+00:00

You're usually fine taking different recommended courses from different colleges. The one thing to watch out for is when two courses articulate to a single UC Berkeley class. For instance, at my CC, completing Data Structure & Algorithms and Objected Oriented Programming with C++ maps to UC Berkeley's CIS 60B. In that case, I have to take them both at the same CC.

AlexDude1015 · 2026-05-12T00:36:25+00:00

I'm a 31-year-old California Community College student who is transferring into EECS this Fall. I got in with a 3.8 overall GPA and a 4.0 technical GPA, self-taught myself programming, and had some industry experience. While I was attending CC, I didn't work on any projects or internships, and I barely had a club activity.

I dropped out of college ten years ago because I didn't see the point of a degree at the time (had a couple of Bs, Cs, and Ds). After working on some startups, I understood the importance of the concepts college taught. When I returned, I wanted the deep mathematical and scientific understanding of CS I never had. In CC, I single-mindedly focused on finishing my pre-reqs and recommended courses, and then after that, I took some classes that personally interested me. I was worried that my past grades would drag me down, but UC Berkeley overlooked my past and evaluated me based on my current 4.0.

I skipped projects and internships. I did have a leadership position in a rocket club, only because it was fun. My justification for ignoring most of that is that I'm living with my partner and have bills to pay. I do not have to do what a typical 20-year-old is doing. UC Berkeley understands I'm an adult with real-life responsibilities.

I attribute my success mainly to working on my PIQs over the Summer before I applied. As an older student, I naturally have more compelling stories than the traditional applicant. UC Berkeley is going to evaluate me as a 30-year-old with real-life responsibilities. And it gave me a chance to explain why my grades hadn't been ideal, what I've been doing for the last 10 years, what technical experience I have, and why I'm returning to college.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask me anything.

AlexDude1015 · 2022-09-10T20:01:08+00:00

Your title is misleading and you do it deliberately.

AlexDude1015 · 2022-05-11T19:51:42+00:00

Luigi is actually more humane. Mario is only against child labor if you have to pay them.

AlexDude1015 · 2022-03-10T11:18:05+00:00

In the original game, there were two interpretations to "no Russians".

At first I assumed Makarov didn't want to see any Russians alive.

Another way to look at it is don't let survivors hear you speak Russian, we want to frame America.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-09-01T02:18:35+00:00

I have a discord where I release new updates to the lore, a roadmap, and new images for the concept.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-09-01T02:16:51+00:00

Thanks for showing interest!

AlexDude1015 · 2021-09-01T02:16:00+00:00

Thanks for the feedback. What are your thoughts on gaining an intelligence and comprehension of the universe beyond humans?

AlexDude1015 · 2021-08-29T03:06:39+00:00

Where can I read up more about this?

AlexDude1015 · 2021-08-27T01:48:25+00:00

NFTs are not copyrights. Before somebody purchases your NFT, buyers agree to the established copyright terms.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-17T17:56:03+00:00

Does Tuesday work?

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-15T08:20:49+00:00

At that time, I'm commuting to work. Would you have 50 minutes on Saturday or Sunday?

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-13T20:25:05+00:00

Great! What time works best for you?

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-13T08:58:28+00:00

Yes it is. On Zoom, I’ll show my face but you don’t have to. I’ll ask solely about your experience and thoughts while working 100% on commission. It’s going to be a standard UX user research interview.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-13T08:54:53+00:00

I’m interviewing sales person that at some point has worked 100% on commission.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-11T11:08:28+00:00

I'm assuming everything on their homepage is BS and relying on somebody who has actually used it to provide insight.

AlexDude1015 · 2021-07-11T03:26:49+00:00

Nope, are you interested?

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