When I applied, I wasn't very serious; I just wanted to take a chance. I started the form on Oct 7th. At that time, I was still hesitating about whether to go to an exchange program or not. I would like to, but I need to do many things anyway. On Oct 26th, I had nothing to do, and my neighborhood was locked down. Thus, I applied to the Berkeley exchange program. (Also, UCI's ASAP exchange program) I realized I wanted to go to another environment for a reasonable time. Being here didn't help me realize my goals, and I was undecided about my future.
Furthermore, I'm not too fond of lockdowns. I remembered my happy times in 6th and 7th grade in Boston and California. I wanted to go again.
- Applying to Berkeley Global Access
Go to Berkeley Global Access.
The deadline is Nov 1st for the spring semester, so don't worry.
Just sign up for a student account and apply. Follow four steps and wait to be admitted/rejected.
Statement of Purpose (SOP): Write 800-1000 words describing your experiences and why you stand out.
English scores: Not very high standard
Prepare about 25k dollars for one semester. You can apply for two semesters. I didn't apply for summer sessions.
- After Applying
That's about all. There are many articles about the exchange semester in Berkeley if you search on Google. Some of these students aren't from prestigious universities and aren't studying STEM subjects. Somehow I just got admitted.
You will receive a congratulatory letter and enroll.
- Enrolling and Adjusting Details
You can ask questions in the Berkeley ISS (International Student Service) or BGA. You can easily find the email addresses if you search on Google.
Notice that your preferred name may be different from your actual name. If you registered using your preferred name, email them, and they will change it for you (somehow, you can't change it in the profile).
The emails are replied to very quickly, and the attitudes are good. They always say, "thank you for reaching out," or something like that. It is ok to write emails to bother them.
Then they will process your I-20
- Visa Application
Fill out a form and apply for an F1 visa.
My SOP (I applied to UCB and UCI, and got admitteed to both)
Statement of Purpose
Jiamu Chen University of Science and Technology of China
My name is Jiamu Chen, and I am currently a sophomore student majoring in Mathematics at the University of Science and Technology of China. I wish to participate in the exchange program at UCI in the spring of 2023.
I want to study mathematics in the exchange program. I am talented in math, participated in many middle and high school competitions, and won multiple prizes, including qualifying for the American Invitational Mathematical Examination (AIME) in 7th grade and winning 2nd prize in the Chinese Southeast Mathematical Olympiad (CSMO) in 10th grade. In the summer of 7th grade, I went to A Star Camp in Irvine, California, to study math competitions designed for high school students. In high school, I was in the advanced math class, a small class of 10 students training specifically for math competitions. I was admitted to the Gifted Young program at the University of Science and Technology of China in 10th grade and started university two years earlier the normal. Currently, I am interested in applied math and computer science, and I want to be a data scientist or computer programmer in the future.
I am self-disciplined and motivated to learn by myself. I studied Single-variable Calculus and Data Structures in the summer before college. During the winter holiday, I watched the online course Introduction to Linear Algebra taught by Gilbert Strang. I read Principles of Mathematical Analysis by Walter Rudin this summer. I am persistent in my studies and never fall behind in my classes.
I spend my spare time wisely and engage in various activities instead of wasting my time. My hobbies include coding, running, and reading English novels. I like coding and got an almost perfect score in C Programming. Coding is useful and exciting; you can get complex tasks done efficiently. Currently, I am learning about algorithms in the C language. Running is my primary way of relaxation. I usually run 3 km every day and more on weekends. Running makes me more persistent since I need to keep pushing to the end in the distance running. Novels opened a door for me to explore the world. I can hear and see in my room what other’s life looks like hundreds of years ago. Reading allows me to understand the world and people much better.
Participating in the exchange program will benefit me academically and personally.
Academically, I plan to study some advanced math and computer science courses. UCI is a very good public university and offers an excellent educational system and exciting classes. I want to improve my understanding of the subjects by taking courses at UCI. I had previously participated in math summer camps in the US to extend my knowledge and experience. In 6th grade, I went to A Star summer camp in Boston, studying AMC 10 (American Mathematical Olympiad for 10th grade). In the summer of 7th grade, I learned AMC 12 in Irvine, California. I spent about a month both times, fitted in well with the local students, and was one of the top 3 students on the quizzes. These experiences helped me excel in math, become acquainted with the different teaching approaches in the math competition, and familiarize myself with western culture. I still value those experiences to this day, and the exchange program in UCI will help me stand out.
I also want to do research with professors. I know many leading researchers in UCI, and doing research with them will greatly benefit me. UCI offers a free environment for me to engage in my interests, and working on a project and getting instructed by renowned professors will be a life-changing experience for me. Some of the top students in my university go to pursue a Ph.D. in UCI after graduating. I aim to pursue a Ph.D. in the US, so this exchange program will significantly benefit me. It will allow me to learn more information and experience studying in a US school.
The program also allows me to engage in life in California actively. I like outdoor activities, and going to the beach appeals to me. I will spend my time jogging on well-constructed trails. There are many beautiful parks and scenic attractions in California. Going for outings in the parks and mountains or enjoying the sunset is relaxing. California is the place where I can enjoy these activities. I can also try out the delicious foods in fancy restaurants, which will be a unique experience. I will join sports clubs, go on outings and fill my spare time with fun.
I am a strong candidate for this program due to my self-discipline, solid background in mathematics, and many previous experiences. Spending a semester at UCI excites me, and I look forward to the challenges ahead.