UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate: Insights, Trends, and Admission Tips

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate: Insights, Trends, and Admission Tips

The University of California, Berkeley ranks at #12 in the QS World Rankings for 2025. It’s a prestigious, top-tier public university celebrated for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and rich cultural diversity.

For many Indian students dreaming of studying in the USA, UC Berkeley stands out as a favorite destination. But with this prestige comes intense competition. The acceptance rate at Berkeley has been steadily reducing, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. Thousands of students apply each year, but only a small fraction make it in.

This blog will walk you through the details of UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate. 

Acceptance Rate at the University of California, Berkeley campus 

For the Class of 2027, UC Berkeley received an astonishing 125,917 undergraduate applications from students all over the world. Out of these, only 14,715 applicants were admitted, putting the acceptance rate at just 11.6%.

To put things into perspective: for every 100 students who applied, fewer than 12 were accepted. This shows just how challenging it is to earn a spot at Berkeley.

For Indian students, this acceptance rate should serve as a motivator. 

Why? Because UCB looks beyond just grades. They value diversity, leadership, innovation, and a passion for learning. Alongside academic performance, they carefully review extracurricular achievements, personal statements, and essays.

If you’re planning to apply, your application needs to go beyond just your transcripts. Craft an application that highlights your unique story, achievements, and potential to contribute to the Berkeley community.

Acceptance rate for international students at the University of California, Berkeley campus 

A large portion of applications to UC Berkeley each year come from international students. While the university doesn’t release an exact acceptance rate for international students, the competition is undoubtedly fierce.

As an Indian applicant, you’ll be part of this highly competitive pool. Here are some numbers from Fall 2023 to help you understand the global competition:

• Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 33,078
  • Undergraduate International Students: 3,826
• Total Graduate Enrollment: 12,621
  • Graduate International Students: 4,030

These figures show the incredible diversity at Berkeley. For Indian students, this is an opportunity to join a global cohort of high achievers and make your mark.

University of California, Berkeley campus – acceptance rate trends

Over the past few years, the acceptance rate at UC Berkeley has been steadily reducing. The increasing number of applications has made it tougher than ever to secure admission.

Key Trends:

• Increasing Number of Applicants: Berkeley’s stellar reputation continues to attract more applicants every year.
  • Class of 2024: 88,026 applications
  • Class of 2027: 125,917 applications
• Declining Acceptance Rate:
  • Class of 2024: 17.5%
  • Class of 2025: 14.5%
  • Class of 2026: 14%
  • Class of 2027: 11.6%
• Higher Academic Standards: Each year, the academic and extracurricular profiles of admitted students become more impressive.

Beyond academics, Berkeley values:

• Leadership
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal achievements

For Indian students, these trends underline the importance of submitting a standout application that goes beyond academics.

University of California, Berkeley campus – admission requirements for International students

Here are Berkeley’s admission requirements for international students. These are not much different from the requirements for local candidates.

Academic Requirements

• For undergraduate applicants:
  • Completion (or near completion) of secondary school education in India.
• For postgraduate applicants:
  • A bachelor’s degree is required.

Berkeley values students who have taken on a challenging academic curriculum. Your coursework should ideally include:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• History/Social Science
• Foreign Language

There’s no strict minimum GPA requirement as such, but a strong academic record is essential.

• Undergraduate Programs: Aim for a GPA of 3.4 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
• Postgraduate Programs: Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Standardized Tests

UC Berkeley has now adopted a test-optional stance. However, submitting strong scores can strengthen your application.

• SAT: 1450+ is competitive.
• ACT: A score of 28 or higher is recommended.
• GRE/GMAT (for postgraduate programs): Aim for a GMAT score of around 730 or competitive GRE scores.

English Language Proficiency

International students must demonstrate their English proficiency. Commonly accepted tests include:

• TOEFL: Minimum score of 80
• IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum score of 115

Additional Requirements

• Personal Insight Questions (PIQs): Be authentic, reflective, and unique in these essays.
• Letters of Recommendation: Strong letters from teachers or mentors can make your application shine.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): Postgraduate applicants must explain their academic interests and career goals.
• Resume/CV: Highlight your academic, extracurricular, and professional achievements.
• Financial Documentation: Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses is required.

Remember: Meeting the minimum requirements isn’t enough to guarantee admission. To stand out, aim to exceed these benchmarks.

University of California, Berkeley campus: Average GPA, SAT, and ACT scores

There is no official information about the minimum test score requirements for UC Berkeley. However, the average GPA and test scores of successful applicants are available. This information can help future applicants understand the academic benchmarks that they need to target.

Average GPA

For UG programs, the average GPA of admitted students falls in the range of 3.9 to 4 on a 4.0 scale.

For PG programs, applicants have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

SAT Scores

While UC Berkeley has adopted a test-optional policy. But if you submit strong SAT scores, it makes your application more competitive.

• Middle 50% Range: 1300–1530
• Highly Competitive: A score above 1450 is ideal for most programs.

ACT Scores

Similar to SAT scores, ACT scores provide an additional edge to your application.

• Middle 50% Range: 30–35
• Highly Competitive: A score above 35 is considered excellent.

Postgraduate Entrance Exams

Certain postgraduate programs require entrance exams like the GRE or GMAT.

• GMAT: A score of 730 or higher is often necessary for top business programs.
• GRE: Score expectations vary by course and department. Generally, you should aim for scores in the top percentiles.

Tips to get selected at the University of California, Berkeley campus

For Indian aspirants planning to study at UC Berkeley, the competition can be overwhelming. But with careful planning, you can boost your chances of admission. Here are some actionable tips to get started:

1. Excel Academically

• Aim for a high GPA. For undergraduate programs, above 3.9 and 3.0 for postgraduate programs.
• Enroll in challenging courses like advanced placement (AP) or honors.

2. Achieve Competitive Test Scores

• 1450 for the SAT
• 33+ for the ACT
• TOEFL (80+), IELTS (6.5+), or Duolingo English Test (115+)
• Competitive GRE/GMAT scores, if required by your program

3. Craft Compelling Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

UC Berkeley uses PIQs to understand your story beyond academics. In PIQs:

• Be honest and reflective in your answers.
• Highlight your unique experiences, achievements, and challenges.
• Demonstrate how you have made a difference in your community or school.

4. Build an Impressive Extracurricular Profile

UC Berkeley values well-rounded individuals who contribute beyond academics.

• Showcase leadership positions in clubs, organizations, or community projects.
• Highlight participation in community service to reflect your commitment to social impact.
• Add relevant work or research experience to give your application an edge.

5. Strong Letters of Recommendation

• Get recommendations from teachers, counselors, or mentors who know you well.
• Share your achievements and goals with the recommender to help them craft a personalized letter.

6. Develop a Clear Statement of Purpose (SOP)

For postgraduate applicants, the SOP is critical. In your SOP:

• Explain why UC Berkeley is the ideal fit for your academic and career goals.
• Clearly outline how the program aligns with your aspirations.
• Highlight your enthusiasm for the field and your preparedness for the program.

7. Highlight Unique Perspectives

• As an Indian applicant, emphasize your cultural background and how it can contribute to UC Berkeley’s diverse community.
• Share your interest in learning from and contributing to a global student body.
• Talk about any hurdles you faced in your academic journey and how you overcame them.

8. Plan Your Finances

Studying abroad is a significant investment. You need to demonstrate your ability to fund your education by providing valid documentation.

• Explore scholarships or financial aid opportunities available for Indian students.
• Check out new-age platforms like FundRight to get cost-effective loans in a hassle-free manner.

Planning your finances effectively can make all the difference in your study abroad journey. Once you’ve explored scholarships and financial aid, using a reliable platform like FundRight (by GradRight) ensures that the remaining funding process is stress-free and tailored to your needs.

With FundRight, you just have to create a profile on the platform. Based on your profile, top lenders in India bid on your profile with their best offers. This healthy competition among lenders helps you get the best ROI and loan terms. Previously, students have saved up to Rs.23 lakh using FundRight. Plus, you skip the hassle of applying to multiple lenders separately.

9. Submit a Perfect Application

• Ensure that your application is polished to perfection.
• Begin your application process months in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Proofread everything to ensure your essays, resumes, and forms are free of errors.
• Adhere to UC Berkeley’s specific application instructions.
• If needed, reach out to UC Berkeley alumni to gain tips and understand their experiences.

FAQs

1. What GPA do you need to get into UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley does not mention a minimum GPA cutoff. However, competitive applicants generally meet these benchmarks:

• A GPA of 3.9 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate programs
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 for postgraduate programs

Note: Indian students should convert their percentage scores accurately into the GPA format.

2. How much are UC Berkeley fees for Indian students?

The cost of attending UC Berkeley varies depending on the program. For international students, including Indian applicants, tuition, fees, and living expenses can total approximately $70,000–$80,000 per year.

• Tuition and Fees: Around $43,000–$50,000 annually for undergraduate programs.
• Living Expenses: Between $20,000–$25,000 per annum. This includes housing, meals, and insurance.

3. Is UC Berkeley hard to get into?

Yes, it is hard to get into UC Berkeley, but not impossible either. It is one of the most selective public universities in the world and receives around 125,000 applicants annually. The acceptance rate, across programs and courses, is between 10-15%.

4. What is the acceptance rate for UC Berkeley for Indian students?

UC Berkeley does not specify country-specific acceptance rates. However, the acceptance rate for Indian students is in line with the overall acceptance rate of 10–15%.

5. Is UC Berkeley an Ivy League university?

No, UC Berkeley is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is a group of eight private universities on the United States East Coast (like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton). However, UC Berkeley’s global reputation, world-class faculty, and rigorous academics make it no less than the Ivy League institutions.

6. Is a 3.7 GPA good for UC Berkeley?

A 3.7 GPA is a solid start. However, it may not be competitive enough for UC Berkeley.

To improve your chances, aim for a higher GPA. Or you can offset this with exceptional test scores, extracurricular achievements, or a strong personal statement.