UC Berkeley is known globally for its academic rigor, vibrant research culture, and competitive environment. However, this reputation comes with a reality many students discover only after arriving: some courses are so challenging that even strong students face the risk of failing or withdrawing.
“Failing” at Berkeley often doesn’t mean students aren’t trying. Instead, these courses demand high-level conceptual understanding, relentless workload management, and adaptive problem-solving that catch many off guard, especially in the first year.
Which courses historically carry high drop/fail/withdraw (DFW) rates can help incoming students prepare strategically, adjust their study habits, and seek resources before falling behind.
Based on student forums, course evaluations, and departmental reports, here are the most failed courses at UC Berkeley and the real reasons students struggle in them.
1. Chem 1A and Chem 3A: The Chemistry Gauntlet
Chem 1A (General Chemistry) and Chem 3A (Organic Chemistry) are gateways for STEM majors at Berkeley, including pre-med, engineering, and life sciences students. Both courses are known for:
- Fast-paced lectures covering dense material
- Lab sections requiring precision and preparation
- Exams emphasizing application over rote memorization
Why Students Struggle
Many students enter Chem 1A confident from high school AP Chemistry only to realize that Berkeley exams test not just knowledge but also speed and critical thinking under pressure. Concepts build rapidly, and missing foundational lectures can create knowledge gaps that impact later topics.
Chem 3A intensifies this challenge, introducing mechanisms, synthesis planning, and spectral analysis that require deep conceptual understanding rather than surface-level memorization.
“I thought I was good at chemistry until Chem 3A’s first midterm. It’s like learning a new language you can’t cram the night before.” – Berkeley Pre-Med Student on Reddit
Survival Strategies
- Pre-read lecture materials and focus on practice problems, not just notes.
- Form study groups to discuss reaction mechanisms and lab calculations.
- Utilize office hours and tutoring centers to clarify tricky concepts early.
2. CS 61B: Data Structures and Algorithms
CS 61B is a foundational course for Berkeley’s Computer Science majors, covering:
- Java programming
- Data structures (trees, graphs, linked lists)
- Algorithm analysis
- Project-based learning
Why Students Struggle
The project-heavy nature of CS 61B demands consistent time management, debugging skills, and mastery of new programming paradigms. Many students report spending 20+ hours a week on projects, especially those new to Java or with limited programming backgrounds.
Additionally, exams often require writing or analyzing code under time pressure, which challenges students still building fluency in syntax and logic.
“CS 61B taught me how to debug, how to manage my time, and how to fail gracefully. But it was brutal.” – Berkeley CS Student on Piazza
Survival Strategies
- Start projects early to allow time for debugging.
- Regularly review lecture examples and textbook implementations.
- Use office hours to clarify project requirements and get unstuck.
- Leverage campus resources that can help writing college papers, freeing up time to focus on CS projects while managing heavy humanities loads.
3. Math 53 and Math 54: Multivariable Calculus and Linear Algebra
Berkeley’s Math 53 (Multivariable Calculus) and Math 54 (Linear Algebra and Differential Equations) are infamous for their high DFW rates among STEM majors.
Why Students Struggle
Both courses move quickly through dense material, and lectures often assume students will learn proofs and problem-solving techniques independently. Exams test not just memorization of formulas but the application of concepts in unfamiliar contexts.
Students often report that skipping homework or falling behind for even one week makes catching up extremely difficult, especially with overlapping lab-heavy STEM schedules.
“In Math 54, I spent more time trying to figure out what the problem was asking than actually solving it.” – Berkeley Engineering Student on Discord
Survival Strategies
- Complete practice problems beyond assigned homework.
- Form small discussion groups to work through proofs and problem sets.
- Attend GSI sections regularly for clarification on complex concepts.
4. Physics 7A/7B: A Rude Awakening for Physics Majors
Berkeley’s Physics 7A (Mechanics) and 7B (Electricity and Magnetism) are core physics courses with a reputation for harsh grading curves and intense conceptual challenges.
Why Students Struggle
The transition from high school physics to Berkeley’s calculus-based approach surprises many students. These courses demand deep conceptual understanding, strong math integration, and the ability to solve multi-step problems under time constraints.
Lab components add another layer of stress, requiring detailed pre-lab preparation and precise data analysis.
“The concepts weren’t impossible, but the exam questions felt like puzzles I didn’t have time to finish.” – Berkeley Physics Student on College Confidential
Survival Strategies
- Master conceptual frameworks (force diagrams, energy conservation, Maxwell’s equations) before jumping into problem-solving.
- Practice past exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
- Attend office hours with specific questions rather than general confusion.
5.Economics 100A/100B: Micro and Macro Theory
For Economics majors, Econ 100A (Microeconomic Theory) and 100B (Macroeconomic Theory) are hurdles with high fail and drop rates.
Why Students Struggle
These courses move beyond intro-level Econ to mathematical modeling and quantitative analysis, requiring a solid grasp of calculus and algebra. Problem sets can be time-consuming, and exams often involve applying theoretical models to complex real-world scenarios under strict time limits.
Students who do not have a strong math background or who underestimate the need for consistent practice often struggle.
“100A was my reality check. It’s not about understanding concepts only; it’s about solving math problems using Econ.” – Berkeley Econ Student on r/berkeley
Survival Strategies
- Review calculus fundamentals before starting the course.
- Use study groups to work through problem sets and past exams.
- Seek out tutoring and GSI office hours for guidance on tricky models.
6. General Chemistry and Biology Labs
Lab courses at Berkeley, especially in Chemistry and Biology, are notorious for their strict grading and time-intensive workload.
Why Students Struggle
Pre-lab preparations, in-lab performance, and detailed lab reports demand significant time and attention to detail. Minor calculation or formatting errors can cost points, and time constraints during labs often add to the stress.
Many students underestimate the time commitment required to complete lab work while managing other heavy courses.
Survival Strategies
- Prepare thoroughly by reading lab manuals and procedures in advance.
- Stay organized by using tables and systematic note-taking during experiments.
- Allocate dedicated time each week for report writing and analysis.
Final Thoughts
The most failed courses at UC Berkeley are not impossible, but they require a level of consistency, depth, and resilience that surprises many students.
If you’re planning your Berkeley schedule, avoid stacking multiple heavy STEM courses with high DFW rates in the same semester unless you are confident in your workload management skills. Leverage campus resources, office hours, study groups, and online forums to clarify doubts early rather than letting confusion compound.
Remember, these classes are designed to challenge you and prepare you for real-world problem-solving, critical thinking, and discipline. With structured planning and the right mindset, what starts as the hardest class you’ve faced can become the course you’re proudest to have conquered at UC Berkeley.
