Welcome new students
On the last Wednesday in August, the college’s new students filled the bleachers at the Field House Gym at the Recreational Sports Facility. The current of excitement combined with a hint of trepidation filling the room can only mean one thing: A new academic year is underway.
Executive associate dean Fiona Doyle welcomed the 694 freshman and 186 transfer students in Berkeley Engineering’s newest class. The group comes from 26 countries and 28 states. Competition for a spot in this year’s class was particularly intense. Only 9.7% of freshman applicants were admitted (compared to 12.7% in 2013), while admission rates for transfer students held steady from the previous year at 11.3%.
“You are now part of the world‐wide Berkeley Engineering community of nearly 61,000 alumni in more than 114 countries and all 50 states. Berkeley Engineers have literally built this state, from its transportation system and aerospace industry to the high‐tech powerhouse that is Silicon Valley,” Doyle said.
Doyle also encouraged students to take advantage of college’s range of opportunities. “Pursue hands‐on research and make a tangible impact on real‐world challenges in energy, health and other areas. We can support you in this aim by connecting you to nearly 40 multidisciplinary research centers affiliated with the college, in areas ranging from wireless communications and earthquake research to synthetic biology and nanotechnology,” she said. “Undergraduate research plays an important role in the educational experience and provides practical skills for future employment and graduate school. Engineering students have a wide range of opportunities available to participate in groundbreaking research with faculty and graduate students.”
And finally, Doyle’s last piece of advice: “Get involved! There are a plethora of student organizations and competition teams you can join – you can help design and build the Cal Concrete Canoe, create 3D models with the 3D Modeling Club, or sign up to be a STEM mentor with Pioneers in Engineering (PiE) and help a team of local high school students prepare for a robotics competition. Seek experiences that help you develop as a leader and innovator.”