Experience Berkeley Program

For Transfer Students

Experience Berkeley (EB) Transfer is a free program that provides Black, Latinx, Native American and Pacific Islander-identifying community college students with mentors, tools and resources to complete a competitive UC application and prepare for transfer to University of California, Berkeley.

Along with one-on-one support with the Personal Insight Questions, participants in our program receive support navigating financial aid, student housing, finding community, and more!

Applications for our 2026-27 Cohort are now closed.

Stay connected via our Interest Form and opt-in to receive a reminder for a future cohort cycle – and follow our Instagram!

Contact the Program Manager, Jimmy Hawkins, for more information via email at jimmy@stileshall.org.  

What will I do in the Program?Program RequirementsFAQs
The program operates 100% online from June-November, and additional Spring participation is offered.

  • Receive 1-on-1 mentoring from a current UC Berkeley transfer student. You will meet with your program mentor virtually on a bi-weekly basis. There’s also small group meetings.
  • Receive 1-on-1 support with your UC Application. You will write several drafts for your UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). 
  • Connect with UC Berkeley admissions officers, alumni, current transfers and build community with other community college students.
  • Attend a 90-minute virtual workshops, once a month (Saturday mornings) that cover strategies on building a competitive college application and preparing for transfer.
  • After UC applications are submitted, you will continue to receive support from mentors and attend workshops that will help you navigate your college admissions decisions.

Applicants for the 2026 Experience Berkeley program must meet the following criteria:

  • Must self-identify as Black, Latinx, Native American and/or Pacific Islander
  • Must attend a California Community College
  • Priority is given to students who identify as a first-generation college student and/or low-income
  • Minimum GPA of a 3.0 (3.6 and above is competitive)
  • Must complete transfer requirements (60 transferable units) by Spring 2027
  • Must be applying for Fall 2027 admission to UC Berkeley

Students from these backgrounds are encouraged to apply: Formerly Incarcerated and/or system impacted (a close family member/loved one is/was incarcerated); Low-income; Caretaker; DSP Student; EOP Recipient; Experienced Food and/or Housing Insecurity; First-generation; Former Foster; Low-income; LGBTQIA+; Head of Household; Undocumented; Student Parent; Work full-time; Work part-time; Veterans

What can I do to ensure I am transfer-ready?
  • Review UC Berkeley’s transfer requirements on the admissions website.
  • Talk with a transfer counselor at your community college to ask for information about the UC 7-Course Pattern and IGETC and to make sure you are on the path to be IGETC certified.
  • Visit California’s online student-transfer information system, ASSIST, to verify you are on the path to transfer. Please see your college counselor for support.
  • Stop by the Transfer, Re-entry & Student Parent Center (TRSP) at Berkeley for quick drop-in admissions advising for prospective students: Click Here.

What if I don’t have a 3.0 GPA or higher, can I still apply?
  • Yes, you can still apply to our program but you would need to explain the circumstances as to why you did not meet this preferred requirement. When filling out our application, make sure to highlight why you would be a great fit for our program.

I don't meet the self-identification requirements for race/ethnicity, first-gen and/or low-income, can I still apply?
  • Yes, all applicants will be considered. However, priority is given to those who meet the full requirements. We specifically serve these marginalized and historically excluded students in order to create pathways for self-determination and a more diverse representation of transfers at UC Berkeley. If you do not meet these requirements, please mention why you would still be a great candidate for our program on your application.

Where will the workshops occur?
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all workshops are hosted virtually on Zoom. However, there may be opportunities scheduled for students to visit Stiles Hall in Berkeley, CA.