5 things to know about UC Berkeley admissions!

An overview of UC Berkeley

Established in 1866, the University of California at Berkeley is a public research university with a campus area of 1,232 acres. The university is known for its stunning Bay Area setting, world-class academics, and reasonably priced courses. UC Berkeley is a dream of many students. But only a handful gets through the UC Berkeley admissions. Securing a seat at this institution can help you gain several lucrative opportunities in your chosen field of study. Keep reading to know more!

Top 5 things to know about UC Berkeley’s admissions

#1. What is UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate? 

UC Berkeley admissions are very selective, with an acceptance rate of 18%. However, the percentage of applications significantly increased for the academic year 2021-2022.

As a result, the admission rate dropped to 14.8% of the applicant pool for Fall 2021, leading to admitting only 15 for every 100 applicants to courses at UC Berkeley. The statistic also includes students from the waitlist.

Additionally, there was an 8.7% increase in transfer student applications, resulting in 22,200 applicants in 2021. As a result, the university offered seats to 22% of transfer students after completing the admission process.

#2. What grades do I need to score to get into UC Berkeley? 

While you need to consider several aspects of the UC Berkeley admissions, these are the critical points you should focus on – 

1. GPA requirements.
2. Test requirements (such as SAT and ACT scores).

UC Berkeley is highly selective. Therefore, meeting their GPA and other test requirements is crucial for clearing the first round of UC Berkeley admissions. Out of a weighted GPA Of 4.0, the average GPA requirement for admission to UC Berkeley is 3.89. Your transcript should, therefore, show grades between ‘A’ and ‘A+.’ With this score, you are near the top of your class and above average. If you don’t meet the university’s academic cutoffs, your chances of getting in are slim to none. 

In addition to this, Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) or American College Testing (ACT) scores are mandatory for UC Berkeley admissions. Also, you must take several AP or IB classes to strengthen your application. It indicates that you can handle academics at a higher educational level.

#3. UC Berkeley admissions | SAT score analysis 

The cutoff of UC Berkeley makes the university ‘strongly competitive’ with the cutoff depending on the school’s average score. However, the average SAT score composite to clear the UC Berkeley admissions first round is 1415 out of 1600.

As for percentiles, the 25th percentile SAT score is 1300, while the 75th percentile score is 1530. Therefore, 1300 on the SAT scale places you below average. On the other hand, a score of 1530 will move you to the above-average range.

The section-by-section SAT scores breakdown is as follows – 

Section	25th Percentile	75th Percentile	Average
Math	660	790	725
Reading + Writing	640	740	690
Composite	1300	1530	1415

In addition to this, UC Berkeley admissions have a score choice policy of ‘all scores’. It means that the university requires you to send all SAT scores that you have ever received. 

In UC Berkeley’s case, the highest score is selected from all the scores for a single application. 

#4. UC Berkeley admissions | ACT score 

UC Berkeley has an average ACT score requirement of 31. As for percentiles, the 25th percentile score is 28, while the 75th percentile score is 34. Therefore, if you score a minimum of 28 or below, it will be tough to get into the university.

One of the advantages of the UC Berkeley admissions process for ACT scores is that you have absolute control over the socres you want to send. For example, you can take ten tests and send your highest score. It means that you have numerous opportunities to improve your ACT score. As a matter of fact, you can initiate your preparation process in advance, aiming for the ACT requirement of 31 and above.

#5. UC Berkeley admissions | Language requirements 

Proficiency in English is essential for successful admissions at UC Berkeley. If you are an international student seeking admission to this university, you can demonstrate your proficiency with one of these exams –

Name of the test	Minimum score
Duolingo English Test (DET)	115
IELTS	6.5
TOEFL	80

Once you get your language proficiency test scores, you must submit them to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. For TOEFL scores, you have to contact the exam administration directly to confirm if UC Berkeley received your scores.

Key takeaways 

• UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States. 
• UC Berkeley admissions are very competitive, and securing the relevant scores is crucial to clearing the first round of filters. 
• Owing to a large number of applicants, UC Berkeley’s current acceptance rate is 14.8%. 
• In addition to GPA scores, SAT or ACT scores are required for admission to the university. 
• Finally, if you are an international student, you will need to submit proof of proficiency in the English language with the relevant exam scores. 

If you are planning to study abroad and need assistance, we are here for you! Comment your query below or get in touch with us!

Liked this blog? Then read, A guide on how to study in the USA for international students!

FAQs

Question 1: What financial documentation do I have to provide for admission to UC Berkeley?

Answer: You must submit income proof and bank statements officially stating you have the financial resources to fund your education. You should have enough money to pay for your traveling expenses to the university, pay the fees for the entire term, meet living expenses for the course duration, and pay the return fare home. 

Question 2: What is a NIF? 

Answer: A NIF or non-immigrant information form is a document the Berkeley International Office needs to issue students’ visas. The document also guarantees the applicant’s financial sponsor of sufficient funds for the first year of study. 

Question 3: Do I meet UC Berkeley’s language requirements with 3+ years of experience in LOI (Language of Instruction) in English? 

Answer: Absolutely! If you have 3+ years of experience in Language of Instruction (LOI) in English, you meet the language requirement established by the university.