Q: What are some tips to get into Haas? I heard there is this class UGBA 10 where the curve is so crazy that if you miss 1 question out of 30, you get a B-! Is this true?
The Answer
UGBA 10 covers the very basic principles of business. The materials covered aren't hard so people do very well on the tests (usually around 35 multiple choice questions), which makes it pretty hard to get an A after the curve because only 25% of people are supposed get A's. On average, you can only miss 1 or 2 questions on a test to receive an A or an A-.
Some tips on how to get into Haas?
1) Do well academically; try to maintain a 3.6 or above (last year the average Haas admission GPA was 3.7)
2) Check out the Haas admissions website http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/Undergrad/ucbtransfer_eligibility.html to find out more information about minimum eligibility, admission statistics, myths Q&A...etc.
3) Think about why you want to do business NOW. You will have to write about this when you apply to Haas. If you can't think of a good reason, then business might not be the right major for you
4) Look into internship opportunities (maybe starting your spring semester).
5) For UGBA 10 specifically, it helps to get old exams from other people who took the course already, or from business organizations such as ABA.
6) Ask around, check www.pickaprof.com or ratemyprofessor.com before taking a class. Professors make a huge difference in your grades. I didn't believe it when I was a freshman, but trust me, picking a professor who gives out 50% A's is different than picking a professor who gives out 40% C's.
