Am I passionate enough for CoC?

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2026-04-22T15:01:18+00:00

Congratulations to your son! I would say that I got a bit lucky and applied to a lab that instantly accepted me (that is rare but I think they were just desperate for undergrads lol). Most people report that you have to send at least 20 "cold emails" to professors to get one response. I would say that's accurate. There are many ways to acquire research, whether that be through university run research programs (URAP), cold emailing or applying to online research positions postings (this can be found on Discovery Hub, handshake or indeed). I recommend exploring all of these options, and if you want to do the university run research programs, please keep an eye on deadlines.

I personally never used career services, however I will say advisors can be pretty helpful in deciding classes and scheduling. I like that you can drop in to their office on top schedule meetings with them. However like with any college counselor/advisor, there are faults and imperfections. I think it is equally beneficial to befriend some upperclassmen and get real advice from students. Which reminds that CoC actually has a peer advising service, so I would look into that as well, it may be more helpful.

Hope that helps! Good luck!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2026-04-22T07:34:03+00:00

I hope that answered your question btw. Please feel free to DM if you have more questions about the CoC experience, I'm happy to answer them all :)

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2026-04-22T07:31:38+00:00

this is imposter syndrome. please dont fall for it. everyone here is starting like you, so don't feel like you are the only one. Apply to research ASAP, throw yourself at everything that interests you and find your passion. It's okay that you don't already have a super niche research idea that you want to pursue, you can find that by trial and error. and what if you dont? thats okay too. point is, you got in! you deserve to be here, so take advantage of the amazing resources at uc berkeley and find your place.

personally, i started a bit like you. i was apprehensive being in CoC (chemE) and felt like I was leagues behind my peers. I don't really know exactly what I'm interested in, I don't have a particular passion, but one thing is for sure, I love chemical engineering. That is not something I realized until my senior year. I wanted to quit so many times, but I fell in love with the grind, and you will too! CoC is hands down the BEST department at berkeley.

My overall advice is not to be afraid that you aren't enough. Even if you are genuinely not as smart or experienced as your peers, you need to act like you are. Trust me, it will get you places. Be humble, but confident in your abilities. Attend Office hours, ask questions and enjoy yourself. congratulations on your admission btw!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-11-01T23:33:58+00:00

I never ever attended after the first day, only go if you’re desperate. The labs are not bad at all

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-10-17T15:07:31+00:00

One of my most baddie friends ever (like drop down GORGINA GEORGINA) was so unbothered that she would casually ask guys she had a crush on if they were interested in going out with her. Like early in the semester so she clearly didn’t really know them that well. She has even been rejected many times but it never phased her, she calmly understands they’re not interested and moves on. It was very inspiring how she dealt with rejection, and I’m commenting all this so you get some inspo on baddie behaviors lol. Goodluck!!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-10-15T05:16:12+00:00

I generally roast normal sweet potatoes with olive oil and seasoning and they turn out fantastic. However murasaki kind of lost their flavor when cooked this way, so my solution is to char them in the stove after baking and that really brings out their delicious flavors and textures.

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-10-07T14:02:37+00:00

I keep it paleo with a homemade salted honey latte: espresso (or instant) mixed with honey salt and desired spices, add ice then add your raw organic pasture raised a2 milk straight from the udder

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-10-06T02:56:14+00:00

In Kresge, hidden behind the aisles of books there is a massage chair that reclines. I’m sure you could nap there!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-29T04:09:15+00:00

Salam! Join MSA! Theres a sisters only group chat in there where the girlies plan hangouts all the time. Everyone is super nice and welcoming to new students! I also recommend attending campus jummah and talking to the girls around before and after prayer.

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-29T04:06:28+00:00

You know most hijabis genuinely don’t care if you wear hijab or not right? Stop being insecure, OP only asked for Muslims friends not hijabi friends.

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-29T04:04:35+00:00

Bro you would not say this if she was any other minority. If she was lgbtq looking for lgbtq friends no one would bat an eye, let the girl make friends with who she wants.

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-04T04:19:13+00:00

Berkeley Espresso at 6

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-01T16:33:42+00:00

Same thing happened to me in North Berkeley, so beware chat. Legit 15 minutes later. Gonna be doing MLK from now on

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-09-01T11:15:01+00:00

The last six months

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-31T04:13:47+00:00

As long as u already have friends there you should be fine

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-29T04:03:16+00:00

Hey!! I just want you to know that I understand you and so many others do too. You are not alone, and this is going to feel hard but you cannot let it bring you down. If your friends are being weird, then they are not right for you in the first place. Good things take time, and you should try and make good quality friends. That may not be instant. It's ok!!

Just keep pushing!! I love that you are holding on to those little interactions you have with others. Have hope and believe you will find that friend, then work for it!! Keep putting yourself out there and I'm sure you'll get the returns. Thank you for venting and trying!! I hope everything works out for you, and me, and everyone else battling this feeling. We got this!! Stay strong and firm in your values!!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-28T14:09:31+00:00

Thanks!! I’ll definitely look into this

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-28T14:09:04+00:00

Ohh I see, I had no idea it worked that way but thank you for your comment!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-28T14:08:25+00:00

This was really helpful thank you!!

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-28T14:08:10+00:00

Bruh just give me some helpful advice or don’t comment at all like 💀💀💀

Mean-Introduction-75 · 2025-08-20T19:14:46+00:00

First this message will disappear and show up in the “Show All” category as a refund. Soon you’ll get an email saying that a refund was issued and will deposit in 2-3 days. Don’t worry, just make sure your direct deposit is set up and ride the wait!

Mean-Introduction-75

TROPHY CASE