collageUC Berkeley is renowned for its prestigious academic programs and rigorous admissions process. With an acceptance rate of just 16% in 2023, gaining admission to UC Berkeley is highly competitive. This means that the majority of applicants are not accepted, making it essential for prospective students to understand what it takes to stand out in the application process.
To improve your chances of acceptance to UC Berkeley, it is important to consider your standardized test scores. The average SAT score for admitted students at UC Berkeley is around 1410, while the average ACT score is about 32. However, it is important to note that these are just averages, and higher scores may be needed to be competitive in such a selective admissions process. Additionally, strong grades in challenging courses, meaningful extracurricular activities, and compelling essays are all factors that can help strengthen your application to UC Berkeley.
The admission process at UC Berkeley involves submitting an online application, official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Additionally, applicants may be required to interview with alumni or submit a portfolio for certain programs. It is important to carefully follow all application instructions and deadlines in order to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to UC Berkeley.
| GPA of middle 25%-75% students | |
| High School GPA | 4.15-4.29 |
UC Berkeley Admissions Stats
UC—Berkeley offers students around 350 degree programs. Some of the most popular majors for Berkeley undergraduates have included electrical engineering and computer science; economics; political science; business administration; and psychology. The University of Caliofrnia Berkeley Campus acceptance rate is 13% for international students, however, 18% for US citizens at the University of California Berkeley campus, as it upholds its reputation as a highly selective institute.
| Admit Data | Applicants | Admits | Overall admit rate | GPA Middle 25%-75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125,910 | 14,566 | 11.6% | High School GPA: 4.15-4.29 |
This is a snapshot of the statistics of Berkeley’s admitted freshman class for fall 2023.
Acceptance Rate:
16.4%
SAT Range:
1340 – 1540
ACT Range:
30 – 35
GPA Range:
4.15 – 4.30
What Are The UC Berkeley Acceptance Stats?
Are you considering majoring in business or management? If so, you’re in luck! With an acceptance rate of 16%, this is one of the majors with the highest acceptance rates. This means that if you have a passion for business and want to study it in college, you have a good chance of getting accepted into a program that fits your interests and goals.
In order to be considered for admission into a business or management program, universities typically look for students with a strong academic background. This often includes a high school GPA within the range of 4.15-4.29. In addition to a solid GPA, it is important to demonstrate your interest in the field through extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and internships related to business or management.
UC Berkeley Acceptance Rates by Major (2023)
Business & Management
– Acceptance Rate: 16%
Engineering & Computer Science
– Acceptance Rate: 22%
Humanities & Social Sciences
– Acceptance Rate: 23%
Life Sciences & Medicine
– Acceptance Rate: 19%
Physical Sciences
– Acceptance Rate: 20%
Overall UC Berkeley Acceptance Data (2018)
– Applicants: 125,910
– Admits: 14,566
– Overall Admit Rate: 11.6%
– GPA of Middle 25%-75% Students: High School GPA 4.15-4.29
When it comes to the admission process at universities offering business and management programs, it is essential to meet the basic requirements set forth by the institution. This may include submitting a completed application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores (such as the SAT or ACT), and a personal statement or essay outlining your goals and reasons for choosing a major in business or management.
By carefully preparing and submitting a strong application, you can increase your chances of being admitted to a program that aligns with your career aspirations. You can review the table for more details on each degree admission requirements.
Area of Study | Acceptance Rate | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Business & Management | 16% | GPA: Above average SAT/ACT: Within average |
Engineering & Computer Science | 22% | GPA: 20-40% above average SAT/ACT: 20-40% above average |
Humanities & Social Sciences | 23% | GPA: Below average SAT/ACT: Below average |
Life Sciences & Medicine | 19% | GPA: 20% below average SAT/ACT: 20% below average |
Physical Sciences | 20% | GPA: 20% above average SAT/ACT: 20% above average |
What are the chances of getting into UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley acceptance rates for prospective 2019 freshmen was 16.4%. In other words, for every 100 applicants, just 16 students were admitted — making UC Berkeley the second most competitive undergraduate campus in the UC system (after UCLA).
With 80,000+ applicants vying for so few spots, applying to Cal may seem quite intimidating. But remember: UC Berkeley practices holistic admissions. A combination of strong stats, stellar UC essays and meaningful extracurriculars is what will truly distinguish you.
| Berkeley Admissions Stats | |
| Applicants | 87,393 |
| Admits | 14,336 |
| Overall Admit Rate | 16.4% |
Average ACT/SAT For UC Berkeley Admission
Sciences/SAT is required for UC Berkeley?
While UC Berkeley acceptance rates are very high and it requires all applicants to submit scores from either the SAT with Essay or ACT with Writing, there is technically no minimum SAT/ACT score requirement.
But what ACT/SAT score will you need to be competitive?
You’re more than just a number, of course. But, you need top SAT and ACT scores alongside a strong UC GPA at minimum to get into Berkeley. To give yourself the best shot, aim for the 75th percentile — that means at least a 1540 on the SAT or a 35 on the ACT.
Here’s a look at the test scores for admitted students in the 2018-2019 admissions cycle:
| Berkeley SAT Score Range | ||
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 660 | 750 |
| Mathematics | 680 | 790 |
| Essay | 16 | 19 |
| Berkeley ACT Score Range | ||
| Section | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
| English Language Arts | 28 | 32 |
| Composite | 30 | 35 |
Average GPA To Get Into UC Berkeley
What GPA do you need to get into Berkeley?
To be a Golden bear, you’re required to have at least a UC GPA of 3.0 (3.4 if you’re out-of-state).
Not too bad right?
Not so fast. Merely fulfilling the minimum admission requirements won’t suffice. Aim high. To be the most competitive, you should have mostly A’s and multiple AP or IB courses under your belt.
Popular Majors In UC Berkeley
What majors are UC Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley offers over 150 undergraduate majors and minors. Some of the most popular majors include:
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Data Science
UC Berkeley Tuition And Cost
What is the cost to attend UC Berkeley?
Well, check it out: Tuition for Berkeley students during the 2019-2020 academic year was $14,254 for California residents and $44,008 for nonresidents.
Especially if you’re out-of-state, Berkeley’s tuition is quite a hefty one. So, how much financial aid does UC Berkeley give?
You’re in luck: Berkeley is ranked as the nation’s 5th best value college by Forbes in 2019. In fact, more than 65 percent of Berkeley undergraduate students receive financial aid.
The table below shows the estimated student budget of 2019-2020 freshman:
| CA RESIDENT | NONRESIDENT | |
| Tuition and Fees | $14,254 | $14,254 |
| Nonresident supplemental tuition | – | $29,754 |
| Student Health Insurance Plan** | $3,286 | $3,286 |
| Room and board | $17,220 | $17,220 |
| Food | $1,644 | $1,644 |
| Books and supplies | $870 | $870 |
| Personal | $1,876 | $1,876 |
| Transportation | $400 | $400 |
| TOTAL | $39,550 | $69,304 |
UC Berkeley Post Graduation Outcomes Class of 2019
So you got into Berkeley. But what happens after?
For the class of 2019, the vast majority were employed full-time straight out of UC Berkeley. Not only did these Bears secure jobs, they secured the bag as well: The overall average starting salary for UC Berkeley’s Class of 2019 was $75,000!
Here’s what the starting salaries look like by college:
| Class of 2019 First Destination | |
| Employed Full-time | 60.5% |
| Graduate/Professional School | 18.7% |
| Other Endeavors | 7% |
| Still Seeking | 13.8% |
| Class of 2019 Average Starting Salary | |
| College | Starting Salary |
| Haas School of Business | $82,273 |
| College of Engineering | $100,577 |
| College of Chemistry | $66,576 |
| College of Environmental Design | $53,834 |
| Rausser College of Natural Resources | $55,995 |
| College of Letters & Science | $79,206 |
UC Berkeley is, no doubt, a launchpad for successful lives and careers. As a result, Cal is also extremely competitive. But don’t be discouraged, becoming a Golden Bear is far from impossible. You can do it!
Have more questions about How to get into UC Berkeley, UC Berkeley acceptance rates and stats, and your admissions chances? Ask away in the comments below!
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