University of California-Berkeley: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs
This is the go-to guide for getting into University of California-Berkeley. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to University of California-Berkeley, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown University of California-Berkeley statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out University of California-Berkeley on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at University of California-Berkeley
What GPA Do You Need To Get Into University of California-Berkeley?
University of California-Berkeley’s average GPA is 3.15. University of California-Berkeley does require GPA. University of California-Berkeley is currently selective. However, be aware that oftentimes schools in this GPA range are increasing their selectivity in hope of increasing “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of University of California-Berkeley application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.15 to 3.31 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.31 GPA.
*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. University of California-Berkeley may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on University of California-Berkeley’s campus. These University of California-Berkeley admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.
What Is University of California-Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate?
Last year University of California-Berkeley’s acceptance rate was 0.0. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.
As you can see, University of California-Berkeley is just as competitive as it was last year.
Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into University of California-Berkeley - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Will You Get Into University of California-Berkeley?
Calculate Your ChancesDoes University of California-Berkeley Require Test Scores?
University of California-Berkeley requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how University of California-Berkeley’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.
University of California-Berkeley SAT Requirements
University of California-Berkeley’s average SAT score is 1405 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether University of California-Berkeley is getting more or less competitive.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 650 | 790 | 720 |
| Reading | 620 | 750 | 685 |
| 2019 Total | 1270 | 1540 | 1405 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
University of California-Berkeley’s average SAT score is 1405. To be a competitive applicant for University of California-Berkeley your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1270, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider University of California-Berkeley a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1540.
Will You Get Into University of California-Berkeley?
Calculate Your ChancesUniversity of California-Berkeley ACT Requirements
University of California-Berkeley’s average ACT score is 80. To be a competitive applicant for University of California-Berkeley your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 91, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider University of California-Berkeley a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 69.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 29 | - | 29 |
| Reading | 31 | 35 | 33 |
| Writing | 31 | 34 | 32 |
| 2019 Total | 91 | 69 | 80 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Will You Get Into University of California-Berkeley?
Calculate Your ChancesHow Hard Is It To Get Into University of California-Berkeley?
As you can see from the data above, University of California-Berkeley is exceptionally difficult to get into. Not only should you be aiming for a 3.15 but also SAT scores around 1405. Getting into University of California-Berkeley is no easy feat and you will need to set yourself apart with more than just numbers and data. Read on to learn how.
University of California-Berkeley Requirements
Now you know where you need to be for getting into University of California-Berkeley from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.
| Recommendations | Status |
|---|---|
| School Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| GPA | Required |
| School Record | Required |
How to get into University of California-Berkeley
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into University of California-Berkeley. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at University of California-Berkeley, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.
Main Academic Excellence that is in line with University of California-Berkeley admission standards.
- Score at least a 1405 on the SAT or 80 on the ACT.
- Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.15.
Join Extracurriculars that Align with University of California-Berkeley’s Values.
- Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If University of California-Berkeley values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
- Volunteer in your hometown. Berkeley has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. University of California-Berkeley wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Berkeley area in general.
- Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. University of California-Berkeley needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.
Prepare Your Application
- Write a stellar essay that shows University of California-Berkeley something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
- Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your University of California-Berkeley app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
- Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that University of California-Berkeley’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.
Related College & Universities:
Admissions Requirements to UC Berkeley
Admissions Requirements to The University of Texas at Austin (UT)
Admissions Requirements to Harvard University
Admissions Requirements to Boston University (BU)
Admissions Requirements to University of Florida (UF)
Admissions Requirements to UCLA
Admissions Requirements to New York University (NYU)
Admissions Requirements to Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
