Overview
If you are an undergraduate in another UC Berkeley college and are interested in changing into the College of Letters and Science (L&S), this page will provide an overview of eligibility criteria, how to apply, and important deadlines.
If you are hoping to change from L&S to a different college at UC Berkeley, please consult with your intended college.
Application Periods for Change of College
Fall Semester: 1st day of class through November 1
Spring Semester: 1st day of class through June 1
Late or incomplete petitions will not be accepted or reviewed.
Change of College FAQ
Eligibility and Application Requirements
See the table below to determine criteria that needs to be met based on class level in order to change colleges into L&S. An X means the criterion is required for your class level.
When determining your class level, deduct units in progress and units earned in high school (including exam units and units earned at other institutions). If you submit your Change of College application after the spring semester and before the June 1 deadline, please be aware that units and grade points earned in the spring semester will be considered during the review of your application.
*Effective Fall 2025: The GPA minimum to change colleges into L&S went from 2.2 (first year) or 2.5 (sophomore, junior, senior) to 2.0 cumulative UC GPA for all students, regardless of class level. A Personal Statement is also no longer a required part of the L&S Change of College application.
Freshmen Up to 29 Units* |
Sophomores 30-59 Units* |
Juniors 60-89 Units* |
Seniors 90 and over* |
|
Minimum Cumulative UC GPA | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
One Semester at Cal Completed | X | X | X | X |
Entry-Level Writing | X | X | X | X |
Reading & Composition | 1st half done or in progress | 2nd half done or in progress | X | X |
Signed Major Declaration Petition | NOT REQUIRED | NOT REQUIRED | X | X |
Signed Program Plan | NOT REQUIRED | NOT REQUIRED | X | X |
How to Apply
-
Check the Eligibility and Application Requirements FAQ above. Use the table to understand if you are eligible and what you need in order to apply.
-
Review the Change of College Student Checklist to understand the application requirements prior to completing the application.
-
If you need a signed major declaration petition and signed program plan (per the Eligibility and Application Requirements table), you will need to make an appointment with your intended Undergraduate Major Adviser. You should consult your intended major’s website to review how to meet with a Undergraduate Major Adviser in that department. You can find major declaration information, conditions to declare, and program plan forms on our Forms & Petitions page.
- Complete and submit the Change of College application by the appropriate deadline.
Incomplete or late petitions will not be accepted or reviewed. No appointments are required.
If you have any questions or need assistance with your application, please utilize our L&S advising services.
Disqualified Students
If you have been disqualified or placed on academic suspension by your current college and wish to pursue readmission after disqualification into L&S, you will follow the L&S Dean's Conference procedures for Readmission after Disqualification. Meet with an L&S College Adviser to help you plan.
When submitting your Readmission after Disqualification application, you will be required to attach a Change of COllege PDF petition (link to the PDF is provided on the RM After DISQ application).
Seniors
You must complete 18 units of upper division coursework at UC Berkeley while declared as an L&S student to meet college residence requirements. You also must meet senior residence (24 units at UC Berkeley after earning 90 units) while declared as an L&S student. You can learn about these residence requirements on our Degree Requirements page.
If you are uncertain whether you will meet either of these requirements or wish to learn more before submitting a Change of College request, meet with an L&S College Adviser.
When determining class level, I am in Junior/Senior standing. However, I am currently ineligible to declare my intended major and cannot get a signed Major Declaration form or Program Plan. What are my options?
Changing into the College of Letters & Sciences as a Junior/Senior without a signed Major Declaration form and a signed Program Plan requires going through an appeal process and getting approval from the L&S Associate Dean.
Please take the following steps:
-
Work with your intended Major Adviser to complete a Conditions to Declare a Major and Program Plan Worksheet.
-
Book an L&S advising appointment and bring the Conditions to Declare a Major and Program Plan Worksheet to your advising appointment.
- Discuss the Appeal to L&S Associate Dean of Students process with an L&S College Adviser
Going through the appeals process does not guarantee approval to change into the College of L&S.
My cumulative UC GPA is below a 2.0. Can I appeal the 2.0 GPA requirement?
In order to change into the College of L&S, students must have a 2.0 cumulative UC GPA. L&S does not have an appeals process for the GPA requirement.
Can students change Colleges during their Expected Graduation Term (EGT)?
No, students cannot change into the College of L&S during their EGT. Students should plan ahead so that they can meet L&S residency requirements.
What is the process for students seeking to submit a Readmission and Change of College application at the same time?
Studens may apply for readmission to UC Berkeley and submit a Change of College request at the same time. Students should review the requirements for each application separately, but submit the requests together via the Change of College application. When reviewing these requests, L&S advising will review both applications. Students must clear any readmission holds and ensure they meet all requirements for both applications in order for their application to be approved. If approved, these requests will be forwarded to the Office of the Registrar to process, and students will be informed of any required actions via email.