Undergraduate Program


Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program Myths and Frequently Asked Questions


Myth: As a non-major, I can earn a “Haas concentration”
Truth: The Haas Undergraduate Program does not offer a concentration to non-majors.

Myth: Students must get an internship or join a business fraternity/club prior to applying to Haas.
Truth: The admission committee is looking for leadership potential in extra curricular activities and does not give certain activities more weight in the review process. Students should participate in what they enjoy (on-campus clubs, volunteer experience, work experience, religious activities, etc.)

Myth: If I declare a major prior to applying to Haas I will not be admitted.
Truth: Over 200 of our 700 students are pursuing a simultaneous degree. Students will not be penalized in the admission process for having academic interest outside of Haas.

Myth: Taking upper-division business courses before applying will increase an applicant’s chance at being admitted.
Truth: Upper-division business courses are not required for admission. Only required courses will have significant weight during the evaluation.

Myth: I must take both semesters of calculus to be a competitive applicant
Truth: We only require one semester of calculus for admission. Students may take the extra semester to better prepare for upper division business courses but only one semester is required for admission.

Myth: Applicants who complete all 9 Breadth courses have an advantage over those who only complete 7 Breadth courses
Truth: Haas only requires 7 of the 9 Breadth to be completed prior to admission and will not give a higher scoring to those who complete more than the minimum.

Myth: Haas only reviews applications from students who have earned a 4.0
Truth: Haas reviews applications from all eligible students regardless of GPA

Myth: Applicants who take MATH 1A or 1B will have a better chance of being accepted than applicants who take 16A or 16B.
Truth: The admission committee understands the difference between 1A and 16A. Our advice to students is to take the math course required for your backup major. Some majors require the 16 series and others require the 1 series. Taking 1A over 16A will not increase your chances for admission.

Question: Do you have a list of specific courses that satisfy breadth requirements?
Answer: No, the Haas Undergraduate Program provides general definitions/guidelines for each breadth category and lists areas of study that can be used to satisfy the breadth requirements. Our breadth guidelines are very broad because we want you to have the flexibility to take courses that interest you. Our requirement is that you complete at least 7 breadth courses in order to be eligible for admission. Which courses you take and how you use them to complete the breadth pattern are up to you. Remember that each course must carry at least 3 semester units. Business courses, prerequisites, microeconomics and macroeconomics CANNOT be used for breadth and one breadth course cannot be used in two breadth areas simultaneously. Please visit our website at Haas Breadth Guidelines for additional information about Haas Breadth.

Question: Can I take one course to satisfy a breadth and a prerequisite?
Answer: No, one course cannot be used to satisfy a breadth and a prerequisite.


Question: Can I take one course to satisfy two breadth requirements?
Answer: No, one course cannot be used to satisfy two breadth requirements.


Question: Do you accept AP, IB or A level exams to satisfy breadth and/or prerequisite requirements?
Answer: Yes, certain exams may be used to satisfy Haas requirements. Please visit our website for details


Question: I received a C in a prerequisite. Should I retake the course?
Answer: The Admission Committee does not advise students to repeat courses that they have passed.


Question: Can I make an appointment to speak with an advisor?
Answer: Our office is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am - 4pm and Tuesday from 10am - 4pm. There is no need to schedule an appointment as we will always have an advisor available to assist you during these times. Our office is located in room S450 at the Haas School of Business and our telephone number is 510-642-1421. In order to ensure maximum benefits from your time with an advisor, please familiarize yourself with our requirements and complete the Haas Self-Reported Academic Record prior to speaking with an advisor.


Question: I am a continuing UC Berkeley student. Can I take prerequisite courses at a community college?
Answer: Once at UC Berkeley, students must take all prerequisites at UC Berkeley, with the exception of computer science. If non-UC Berkeley college level course work was completed before admission into UC Berkeley, it can be used to satisfy prerequisite or breadth requirements with the exception of Principles of Business (UGBA 10), which must be taken at UC Berkeley. If off-campus work was completed at a California community college, visit the Assist website, www.assist.org for courses at each school that fulfill the prerequisite or breadth requirements.


Question: I am a student at a California community college. Which courses should I take at my college to satisfy Haas admission requirements?
Answer: Please go to www.assist.org and review the articulation agreement between your community college and UC Berkeley for the business major.


Question: Why was my application denied?
Answer: We understand that being denied admission can be a disappointment, and it is natural to seek to understand the reasons behind the Admission Committee’s decision. However, we do not accommodate requests for personalized feedback on your application.


Question: How many students are accepted into the program? What is the average GPA of admitted students?
Answer: Admission to the Haas Undergraduate Program is highly competitive. Please visit our web site for the most recent admission statistics for Continuing UC Berkeley students and Transfer Students.


Question: How does the Admission Committee evaluate applications?
Answer: The application is broken down as follows: 50% Grades & Coursework, 35% Essays and 15% Resume/extra-curricular activities. In addition to reviewing applications for completion of minimum eligibility requirements and academic achievement and promise, the Admission Committee will review many factors, including performance in key prerequisites (business, math, economics, statistics), grade trends, course load, consistency of academic performance, leadership skills, interest in being an active member of the Haas community, knowledge of contemporary business issues, accomplishments as demonstrated by extra-curricular activities, as well as communication and analytical skills as demonstrated by responses to essay questions. The selection criteria used by the Admission Committee is summarized on our website at: Applying


Question: Do I have to complete all of the requirements before I apply?
Answer: No, you may have courses required for admission in progress when you apply in the Fall and planned for Spring. All courses required for admission must be completed by the end of the Spring term prior to starting at the Haas School of Business.


Question: Can I take upper division Business Administration/UGBA courses P/NP?
Answer: ALL upper division business courses must be taken for letter grades (with the exception of UGBA 198/199 which are only offered P/NP). This includes the courses listed under "Core Course Substitutions," as well as all business courses taken while abroad on an approved international study program even if offered in other departments such as Marketing, Management, Finance, etc.