University of California Berkeley Admissions
UC Berkeley is a prestigious public research university renowned for its academic excellence. Known for its highly competitive admissions process with an acceptance rate of 11.6%, Berkeley attracts top students from California and beyond. Gaining admission requires a strong academic record, coupled with a holistic profile demonstrating intellectual curiosity and engagement.
Undergraduate Programs
- UC Berkeley offers a wide range of undergraduate programs across various colleges and schools.
- Admission is highly competitive. A strong academic record, including rigorous coursework, is essential.
- Minimum GPA of 3.4
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are considered, but the university emphasizes a holistic review of applications.
Graduate Programs
- UC Berkeley’s graduate programs vary in admission criteria, but a strong academic foundation is generally required.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Factors such as research experience, work experience, and letters of recommendation significantly influence the admissions decisions.
- Given the high demand for graduate programs, a competitive application is essential for success.
Admission to both undergraduate and graduate programs at UC Berkeley is highly selective, and a strong application showcasing academic achievement and personal qualities is crucial.
| Application Fee | UG: 95 USD PG: 155 USD |
| Acceptance Rate (UG) | 11.6% |
| ELP Tests Accepted | |
| Standardized Test Scores (PG) | GMAT, GRE |
| International Application Deadlines | UG: 30 Nov, 2024 PG: Varies as per courses |
University of California Berkeley Admission Requirements for Graduate Programs
Berkeley offers a wide-range of more than 100 graduate programs, including master’s, professional, and doctoral programs. International students seeking admission at University of California Berkeley will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Degree equivalent to a US bachelor’s degree
- Evaluation from recognized international evaluator
- GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (83-86%)
- English proficiency requirements:
- TOEFL iBT: 90
- IELTS: 7.0
- Standardized test score:
- GMAT score range: 700 to 760
- GRE score: No minimum score (GRE of admitted applicants: 90th percentile)
Documents Checklist
- 3 Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Official transcripts
University of California Berkeley Graduate Program Requirements
The following table will give details about the specific admission requirements for international students seeking admission at University of California Berkeley:| Programs | Admission Requirements | Test Scores |
| MS in Computer Science | 3.0 GPA in bachelor’s | GRE optional |
| MBA | 3.64 GPA (Avg) in bachelor’s degree | GMAT: 733 (Avg) | GRE: 161 in Verbal and 163 in Quant (Avg) |
| Master of Finance | 3.0 GPA in bachelor’s or 3.7 for GRE waiver | GRE score on 92 percentile (Avg) |
| Master of Architecture | 3.0 GPA in bachelor’s | Not required |
| Master of Public Health | 3.0 GPA in bachelor’s | GRE optional |
University of California Berkeley Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs
There are more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors at UC Berkeley. International students seeking an undergraduate degree at University of California Berkeley will have to fulfill the following admission requirements:
University Eligibility
- Academic transcripts with a 3.4 GPA (89-90%)
- English proficiency requirements
- TOEFL iBT: 80
- DET: 115
- Standardized exam scores
- ACT composite score of 30-35
- SAT: 1450 to 1530 (Optional)
Documents Checklist
- Letters of Recommendation
- Academic Resume
- Personal Statement
- Interview
- Medical Records
- Health Insurance
University of California Berkeley Application Deadlines for UG
The application deadline for graduate and PhD programs is different for each program. On the other hand all undergraduate programs have the same deadline for all of its programs. International students have to fill and submit their application before the following application deadline:
Term/Semester | Deadline |
Fall Quarter/ Semester | 30 November |
Winter Quarter/ Spring semester | 31 July |
Spring Quarter | 1 July |
University of California Berkeley Selection Criteria
UC Berkeley employs a holistic review process for undergraduate admissions, considering a variety of factors beyond just grades and test scores.
Key Selection Criteria:
- Academic Record: Strong GPA, challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors), and completion of A-G requirements.
- Standardized Tests: While optional, competitive SAT or ACT scores can strengthen your application.
- Personal Insight Questions: Essays that effectively showcase your personality, experiences, and goals.
- Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated leadership, passion, and community involvement.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Contributions to a diverse campus community.
- Life Circumstances: Overcoming challenges or unique experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UC Berkeley difficult to get into?
University of California Berkeley acceptance rate is 11.6%, showcasing a highly selective admission process for all the aspirants.Meeting their GPA requirements and SAT/ACT requirements is very important to get into UCB.
What is the University of California Berkeley known for?
Berkeley is famed for the breadth, and depth of 120+ graduate programs in 15 schools and colleges, awarding more than 4,000 master’s and professional degrees each year and close to 800 doctoral degrees each year.
How to apply for University of California Berkeley?
Indian students need 83-86% marks to get into UC Berkeley. You also need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent to get into this university.
How many undergraduate colleges are there at UC Berkeley?
Berkeley is renowned for the rigorous academic standards of its undergraduate programs. There are more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units divided into six colleges and one school.
What GPA do you need to get into Berkeley?
The recommended GPA requirements to get into Berkeley are between 3.90 and 4.0. You will need a very high GPA and will likely be graduating in the top 10% of your class in order to get into UC Berkeley.
Is Berkeley harder to get into than Harvard?
While both Berkeley and Harvard are highly competitive, Harvard generally has a lower acceptance rate, making it statistically more challenging to get into. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 3.4% while UC Berkeley acceptance rate is 11.6%
