Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fall Program for Freshmen (FPF)?
What's the difference between UC Berkeley Extension and UC Berkeley?
Why wasn't I accepted into UC Berkeley for the fall?
How much does FPF cost? Why are FPF fees different from UC Berkeley's?
Can I use my financial aid for FPF?
Do I need to send my Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley before I reserve my space in FPF?
Why does FPF need test scores if I already sent them to UC Berkeley?
How many courses should I take?
Can I still graduate in four years?
Do FPF grades count?
What campus organizations and activities can I join?
Can I change my courses after sending in my Course Selection Form?
Does FPF offer academic advising?
If FPF doesn't have a course I want, can I take courses on the main campus?
What is the Fall Program for Freshmen (FPF)?
The Fall Program for Freshmen (FPF) is a program run by UC Berkeley Extension for freshmen who have been admitted to UC Berkeley for the spring semester. We provide first-semester courses that count toward UC Berkeley graduation requirements. Our campus is located just four blocks from the UC Berkeley campus and near student housing.
FPF Reading and Composition courses are taught on the main campus, and many FPF students live in on-campus housing. FPF offers small class sizes, allowing for more one-on-one contact with instructors and giving students a better chance of peer group development. All FPF courses are reviewed and approved by the UC Berkeley Academic Senate to ensure academic equivalency.
FPF has space for approximately 625 students. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and fills quickly.
What's the difference between UC Berkeley Extension and UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley Extension is the continuing education arm of UC Berkeley, and it administers the Fall Program for Freshmen. The partnership between the two entities means that courses run on the same schedules and many campus student services and activities are available to FPF students. These include Cal Photo IDs, University Health Services, campus libraries, fraternities and sororities, eligibility for University Housing, financial aid, and more.
Why wasn't I accepted into UC Berkeley for the fall?
UC Berkeley receives applications from thousands of highly qualified applicants, but there are not enough placement spaces in the fall to accommodate them all. Every year, a certain number of applicants admitted to UC Berkeley are given spring admission.
Please refer any specific questions you may have about your admission status to the
How much does FPF cost? Why are FPF fees different from UC Berkeley's?
FPF's Program Fee is the same for residents and non-residents, regardless of course load. To reserve your space, we also require a $100 nonrefundable deposit. Go to the Fees page to view the current FPF fees.
UC Berkeley Extension's Fall Program for Freshmen is completely self-supporting and does not receive state funding. All our program costs are paid for by student fees, which results in slightly higher fees.
Can I use my financial aid for FPF?
Yes. When the UC Berkeley Financial Aid Office receives notification from the UC Office of Admissions that a student has been accepted for the spring semester, an assumption is made that the student will be an FPF student and the financial aid package will reflect both fall and spring enrollment.
When the Financial Aid Office is notified that a student is not enrolled in FPF, the financial aid package is adjusted to reflect enrollment in spring semester only. Students that are eligible for financial aid who are unable to pay the $100 deposit can request a deferred deposit by calling (510) 643-0379.
Do I need to send my Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley before I reserve my space in FPF?
No. The FPF Reservation Form and $100 nonrefundable deposit reserve a space in the program until you decide to come to UC Berkeley. Once we verify receipt of your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) for the spring semester, we will send you a confirmation of your enrollment in FPF via e-mail.
Note: You must submit your SIR to the UC Berkeley's Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the May 1 deadline before we can confirm your enrollment in FPF. To verify your reservation, please see your MyBerkeleyApp checklist.
Why does FPF need test scores if I already sent them to UC Berkeley?
FPF is a separate office, administered through UC Berkeley Extension. We do not have access to documents sent to the UC Berkeley Office of Admissions.
For placement in the correct Reading & Composition course, you will need to send us photocopies of your AWPE (formerly known as Subject A) and other test scores.
How many courses should I take?
You may take up to four courses, and no more than 16 semester units. Students usually take one Math, one Reading & Composition, and one or two Breadth courses. FPF recommends students begin with full-time status. A full-time course load is 13 units for the College of Letters and Science; College of Engineering students qualify for full-time status with 12 units.
Financial aid packages may require a minimum of 12 units. Please verify with the Financial Aid Office for the minimum unit requirement. If you are not on financial aid and would like to adjust to Berkeley-level academics, you may take fewer units. The program fee is the same, regardless of how many courses you take.
Can I still graduate in four years?
Absolutely, just stay on top of your requirements and academic planning. FPF courses are designed to meet graduation requirements of UC Berkeley. Some students enroll in less than a full load in order to adjust to the academic rigors of UC Berkeley, then catch up in subsequent semesters or summer school if necessary.
Do FPF grades count?
Yes. FPF letter grades appear on your UCB transcript and are computed as part of your UC Berkeley grade point average (GPA). Students in FPF must complete the semester with a GPA of 2.0 or higher, or they may have their spring admission revoked by UC Berkeley. All FPF coursework must be taken for a letter grade, except the Rhetoric 2 elective, which must be taken Pass/No Pass.
What campus organizations and activities can I join?
You are welcome to participate in all student activities and join campus social groups including sororities and fraternities. An exception is participation in UC Berkeley NCAA athletic teams.
Can I change my courses after sending in my Course Selection Form?
It is very difficult to change your schedule once you've submitted the Course Selection Form. Please choose your courses and check your course schedule carefully before submitting the form.
Before classes begin, we only accept change requests for Math and Reading & Composition courses. You need to send us a written request along with any supporting documentation. We will try to make the change if there is space.
There is an Add/Drop period for two weeks after courses start. You can request changes to courses, including Breadth courses, during this period.
Does FPF offer academic advising?
FPF advisers are available via e-mail between April and August. However, it may take us two to three business days to respond to requests. Students are expected to make initial course selections based on the information provided online. Please review the Choose Courses section of this website.
Once courses begin in the fall, you may meet with an FPF adviser for academic advising on your fall course selections and to add and drop courses.
If FPF doesn't have a course I want, can I take courses on the main campus?
In general, no. Program participants are limited to taking FPF courses. All FPF courses meet UC Berkeley academic requirements and are meant to meet UC general education requirements, not the requirements of a particular major. FPF course offerings are limited due to the size of the program. On rare occasions, FPF will approve coursework outside our course offerings for students with special circumstances. Read our Concurrent Enrollment policy to learn more.
Testimonial
FPF was the perfect transition from high school to Cal. The small class sizes and all freshmen community really helped me adjust to college life.
-Courtney Rae Costello