Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Choosing Courses

During the Semester

After the Semester

What's the Fall Program for Freshmen (FPF)?

The Fall Program for Freshmen (FPF) is a UC Berkeley Extension program for freshmen who have been admitted to UC Berkeley's College of Letters and Science for the spring semester. We provide first-semester courses that satisfy UC Berkeley graduation requirements. Our campus is located just four blocks from the UC Berkeley campus and near student housing.

FPF offers small class sizes, allowing for more contact with instructors and contributing to students' peer group development. All FPF courses and instructors are reviewed and approved by the UC Berkeley Academic Senate to ensure academic equivalency with UC Berkeley.

FPF has space for approximately 700 students. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program fills quickly.

What's the difference between UC Berkeley Extension and UC Berkeley?

FPF is administered by UC Berkeley Extension, which is the continuing education arm of UC Berkeley. The partnership between the two entities means that courses run on the same schedule and that many Cal student services and activities are available to FPF students. These include the Cal 1 Card, 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 tens of thousands of highly qualified applicants, but there aren't enough spaces to accommodate them all in the fall. Consequently, some applicants admitted to UC Berkeley are offered spring admission.

Please refer any specific questions about your admission status to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Neither UC Berkeley Extension nor FPF is involved in the admission process.

Do I need to send my Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) to UC Berkeley before I register for FPF?

No. The FPF Registration Form and $115 FPF Registration Fee register you for FPF until you decide to come to UC Berkeley. To verify that you are registered for FPF, please see your myBerkeleyApplication “myChecklist” tab or the “Next Steps” box.

After May 1, we will verify with UC Berkeley that you have submitted your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) for the spring semester and will send you a confirmation of FPF registration via email. You must submit your SIR to the UC Berkeley Office of Undergraduate Admissions by the May 1 deadline before we can confirm your registration in FPF. If you do not submit your SIR by May 1, your FPF registration will be automatically cancelled.

How much does FPF cost? Why are FPF fees different from UC Berkeley's?

The FPF Program Fee is the same for all students, regardless of course load or residency status. To reserve your space, we also require a nonrefundable Registration Fee. View the current FPF fees.

The Fall Program for Freshmen is completely self-supporting and does not receive state funding. All program costs are paid for by student fees.

Can I use my financial aid while I'm in FPF?

Yes. When you are accepted for the spring semester, it is assumed that you will be an FPF student, and your UC Berkeley financial aid package will reflect both fall and spring enrollment.

When the Financial Aid Office is notified by our program that a spring-admitted student is not enrolled in FPF, the financial aid package is adjusted to reflect enrollment in the spring semester only. If you have been awarded financial aid, you may be able to defer the FPF Registration Fee. To qualify, your estimated family contribution must be lower than the cost of attendance. If you qualify and would like to defer the Registration Fee, email FPF, saying that you would like to register for FPF and defer the fee. FPF will hold a space for you while verifying your eligibility with the Financial Aid Office.

Do FPF grades count?

Yes. FPF courses appear on your UC Berkeley transcript as UC Berkeley Extension “XB” courses. Grades received for XB courses are computed as part of your UC Berkeley grade point average (GPA) as stipulated by Academic Senate regulation A208. Students admitted to the spring semester must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA in their fall coursework, including FPF courses, or their admission to the spring semester at UC Berkeley may be subject to cancellation.

Can I still graduate in four years?

Absolutely. FPF courses are designed to meet UC Berkeley graduation requirements. FPF students graduate at the same rate as fall-admitted freshmen and maintain comparable grade point averages. Just remember to stay on top of your requirements and academic planning.

What are the chances that I will receive campus housing?

The chances of receiving a campus housing offer change each year, depending on factors such as the number of continuing students who remain in campus housing and how many fall-admitted students apply for campus housing. At the end of June, Cal Housing Assignments typically has a clearer picture of how many spaces will be available for interested FPF students.

Learn more about student housing and privately-owned residence halls (open to students only). Please refer any specific questions about housing to Cal Housing Assignments.

Which campus organizations and activities can I join?

You are eligible to participate in most UC Berkeley student activities and join campus social groups, including sororities and fraternities. FPF students are not eligible to participate in UC Berkeley NCAA athletic teams.

FPF does not grant units for extracurricular activities that confer units, such as internships and research projects.

How many courses should I take?

FPF students typically take between 12 and 16 units. You must take a minimum of one course. The program fee is the same regardless of how many courses you take. Get more information on Unit Requirements.

Which courses should I choose if I’m pre-med?

Although FPF does not offer Chemistry 1A, you will be able to get started on general college requirements and medical schools' calculus requirements. In addition to taking precalculus or calculus, most pre-med FPF students take a Reading and Composition course and one or more breadth courses. Attend our Pre-Med Advising online webinar in May for more information.

Which courses should I choose if I’m planning on applying to the Haas School of Business?

You can get started on general college requirements and the Haas calculus requirement in FPF. In addition to taking precalculus or calculus, most pre-Haas FPF students take a Reading and Composition course and one or more breadth courses. See admissions requirements for the Haas Undergraduate Program.

Does FPF offer academic advising?

Yes. FPF academic advising is available Monday–Friday in person and by phone, email, or Skype. It may take us up to two business days to respond to phone and email inquiries. From March through the third week of instruction, an appointment is required for academic advising.

In early May, FPF will hold online advising webinars. Until May, we encourage you to thoroughly read the information provided on the FPF Plan Your Fall Schedule page and contact FPF advisers if you have questions.

Can I change my courses after submitting my course selections?

Once you submit your course selections, you can only change your math choices through July 15. See our Policies for more information on how to change your courses.

If FPF doesn't offer a course I want, can I take it on the main campus?

No. FPF students are limited to taking FPF courses. FPF course offerings are meant to meet UC Berkeley general education requirements, not the requirements of particular majors. The course offerings are limited due to the size of the program. On rare occasions, FPF approves concurrent enrollment in UC Berkeley courses for students with special circumstances. Read our Concurrent Enrollment policy to learn more.

How do I get a proof of enrollment?

See Enrollment Verification for instructions.

How do I sign up for the Recreational Sports Facility (RSF)?

All Cal students pay a $10 fee per semester for RSF membership. You must sign up for an RSF membership in person, either at the RSF Cashier Station located at the entrance to the Recreational Sports Facility at 2301 Bancroft Way, the Strawberry Canyon Recreation Area on Centennial Drive, or the Golden Bear Recreation Center at 25 Sports Lane, Clark Kerr Campus.

How do I choose courses for the spring?

UC Berkeley's College of Letters and Science will hold group advising sessions for you in late October and early November. See our Advising for more details.

How and when do I receive my FPF grades?

UC Berkeley Extension will mail a final grade report for each course to your permanent address in mid-January. You can also view your grades in person at the FPF office starting the second week of January. See Transcripts of FPF Courses for more information.

Can I get an unofficial transcript?

FPF and UC Berkeley Extension do not provide unofficial transcripts. Your FPF coursework is posted to Bear Facts in mid-April. If you need a transcript to apply to jobs or internships on campus or other universities before mid-April, you must request an official transcript from UC Berkeley Extension. Please allow time for processing a transcript request.

To order an official transcript, see UC Berkeley Extension Transcripts and Records.

What should I do if I think my grade is wrong?

All student grades are final when submitted by the instructor. You can only request a grade review in certain circumstances. See our Grade Policy for more information.