Become a member.

Applications for Fall 2026 open in the first week of classes. Here's everything you need to know.

(01) — Recruitment

Recruitment timeline

Here are all of our Fall 2026 events that we will be hosting or sharing at. Come to as many as you can to learn about the club and network with our members!

Wed26Aug

Applications Open

Written applications open up! Answer all the questions honestly and to the best of your ability :) Please start early on the application so you are not rushing to finish by the deadline.

12 PM

Fri28Aug

Databytes + URM Panel

Come learn more about the biggest data science clubs at Berkeley.

7:30-9 PM

East Pauley Ball Room

Fri28Aug

Clubs & Cookies

Join DSS at a cross-club recruiting event where you can enjoy light refreshments while meeting our leadership team.

8-10 PM

Dwinelle 155

Mon31Aug

URM Meet and Greet

This is a great opportunity to meet some DSS members that are a part of underrepresented minority groups and hear about their experiences in tech!

6:30-8 PM

SOCS Courtyard

Tue1Sep

Womens Night

We invite women and/or female identifying individuals to learn about DSS, and meet leadership and members who are also a part of this community. After introductions, be sure to stay for a bracelet making event.

8-9 PM

GPBB 100

Tue1Sep

Infosession

9-10 PM

GPBB 100

Wed2Sep

Meet The Society

Come meet our members in a more informal setting! Feel free to chat about anything. We will have snacks and drinks available.

8-10 PM

SOCS Courtyard

Thu3Sep

Applications Due

Please remember to submit your application on time! Reminder that it is due at 12 PM, which is noon, not midnight.

12 PM

Sat5Sep

Technical Interviews

If we decide to move forward with your application, you will be invited to a technical interview. There are resources provided on our website to prepare you for what to expect. We highly recommend that you use these materials.

TBD

Sun6Sep

Behavioral Interviews

After passing the technical interview, you will be invited to participate in a behavioral interview. You will receive further information for this via email the day before.

TBD

Mon7Sep

Social Round

This is the final round before decisions are made. All final round applicants will spend a chill and casual evening with leadership to get to know each other better.

TBD

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(02) — Your first semester

The Newbie Experience

New DSS members out together on Durant Avenue in Berkeley at night, holding cups of frozen yogurt

Bootcamp

All new member go through a 2 week bootcamp together, which includes lectures on technical skills, ..., and fun socials to bond with your new class.

A DSS project team in business attire presenting their work to seated members in a classroom

Professional Development

Workshops and prep sessions built around what students are actually recruiting for, run with people who've recently been through it.

DSS members seated around tables listening to speakers at an evening alumni and industry event

Networking

Time with alumni, industry partners, and members across every committee — the relationships that outlast any one semester.

DSS members covered head to toe in coloured powder, crowded together and smiling at an outdoor Holi celebration

Community

Socials, traditions, and the people you'll be around every week — the part members say kept them here.

(03) — FAQ

Common questions

Do I need prior data science experience?: Not necessarily. We look for curiosity, drive, and a baseline technical foundation (e.g., some Python or statistics). Our Education committee is a great fit for students still building those skills.
How much time does it take each week?: Expect 5–8 hours per week — project meetings, weekly committee meetings, and independent work. It's a meaningful commitment, but most members say it's the most valuable thing they do at Berkeley.
Can I join multiple committees?: We ask that first-semester members focus on one committee. After that, cross-committee involvement is common and encouraged.
When is recruitment?: We recruit in the first two weeks of Fall and Spring semester. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our mailing list so you don't miss the announcement.
What if I'm rejected?: Re-applications are welcome and common. We also encourage you to attend our public workshops in the meantime — many members joined DSS after attending events first.