u/Abject-Actuary-1289

Hi everybody,

I'm an incoming freshman who was recently admitted as an Applied Mathematics major to UC Berkeley! Berkeley is absolutely the dream and I'm so grateful for having the opportunity to go here.

Math is my primary interest (after all, it's why I applied for it!), but I'd like to supplement it with some more practical and applied courses. I'm looking to add Data Science as a simultaneous major through comprehensive review, and I had a few questions.

1. How "realistic" is it for me to get DS as a simultaneous major? I know it isn't guaranteed, but overall, how selective is the comprehensive review process?
2. What courses should I look to take in my first year? I've completed all the lower-division math requirements at CC (MATH 51-55) as well as a Data Structures course equivalent to CS 61B, among others.
3. In the scenario where I'm not able to add DS, what are the best ways to (A) learn data science and machine learning concepts, and (B) signal to employers more practical skills?

If you have anything to add that you may feel is useful for me to know, please feel free to do so! I'd love to hear about all the diverse and amazing experiences people have studying Math and Data Science at Berkeley. Thank you all, and Go Bears!