UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate

UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate — Trends, Insights & What It Means for You

The University of California, Berkeley (often called Cal or Berkeley) is one of the world’s most prestigious public universities. Each year, tens of thousands of students around the globe aspire to earn a seat in this highly competitive institution. Naturally, one of the most common questions applicants ask is:

“What is UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate and what does it mean for my chances?”

In this article, we’ll break down the latest acceptance data, historical trends, strategic insights, and answer frequently asked questions to help you apply with clarity and confidence.

What Is UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate?

For the Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 admissions cycle):

• UC Berkeley received approximately 126,800 applications

• Admitted roughly 14,400 students

• Resulting in an approximate acceptance rate of 11.4%

In simple terms: only about 11–12 out of every 100 applicants receive an offer of admission. That makes Berkeley extremely selective—even as a public university.

How Has the Acceptance Rate Changed Over Time?

In the last decade, Berkeley has seen a trend of increasing competition:

Although acceptance rates fluctuate slightly each year, the overall pattern shows a steady drop — meaning Berkeley is becoming more competitive as application numbers rise faster than seats available.

In-State vs Out-of-State — Does It Matter?

Yes, but the difference isn’t as dramatic as you might think.

While Berkeley does aim to admit a strong percentage of California residents (since it’s a public university), all applicants face tough competition. Some estimates suggest:

• In-state applicants: slightly higher odds

• Out-of-state applicants: slightly lower than in-state

• International applicants: often face the most competition

Keep in mind: UC Berkeley does not officially publish exact acceptance rates by applicant type, so these are informed estimates rather than official figures.

Berkeley in the UC System — How It Compares

Within the University of California system, selectivity varies widely among campuses:

As the table shows, Berkeley and UCLA are among the most competitive, while many other UC campuses admit a much higher proportion of applicants.

Why UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate Matters (But Isn’t Everything)

1. It Indicates Competition — Not Quality

An 11–12% acceptance rate tells you how competitive Berkeley is, but it does not define your potential or worth as an applicant. Many qualified students apply each year — far more than there are seats available.

2. Use It to Strengthen Your Strategy

The acceptance rate is a useful metric for planning your college list and realistic goals, but it shouldn’t be the sole factor you rely on.

Instead, combine it with:

• Academic profile comparisons

• Essay strength

• Extracurricular experiences

• Demonstrated interest and impact

Factors That Influence Admissions at Berkeley

1. Rising Application Numbers

The number of applicants has grown consistently, even while available seats remain mostly fixed. Greater interest naturally leads to lower acceptance percentages.

2. Holistic Review

Berkeley practices a holistic admissions process, meaning they review each application in full — not just GPA or test scores. Essays, leadership, context, personal achievements, and community contributions all matter.

3. Major Competitiveness

Some majors (like Engineering, Computer Science, and Economics) are more competitive than others — both at Berkeley and elsewhere. This means acceptance within a major can be lower than the overall campus rate.

5 Tips for Applicants Based on Acceptance Trends

1. Build a Balanced List

Include target schools (like UC Berkeley if you feel competitive) and solid match and safety options where your profile aligns well.

2. Present a Strong Academic Profile

Challenging coursework (AP/IB/honors) and a strong GPA help you stand out.

3. Nail the Personal Insight Questions

UC essays are a place to tell your story — not just your achievements but your why and who you are.

4. Show Impact, Not Just Activity

Admissions teams value meaningful commitment over long lists of titles with no story.

5. Get Feedback & Revision Support

Counselors, mentors, or advisors can help you refine your voice and polish your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate for 2025?

For the Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 admit cycle), Berkeley’s acceptance rate was approximately 11.4% based on reported applications and admits.

2. Is Berkeley More Competitive Than UCLA?

Overall, UCLA tends to have a slightly lower acceptance rate than UC Berkeley, indicating marginally higher selectivity. Both are exceptionally competitive within the UC system.

3. Does the Acceptance Rate Include All Majors?

Yes, overall acceptance rate includes applicants across all majors. However, some majors (especially STEM fields) often receive more applications relative to capacity, making them more competitive than the campus average.

4. Does Being In-State Help Me?

Being a California resident means Berkeley must consider you for admission due to state policies prioritizing in-state applicants. However, both in-state and out-of-state applicants face rigorous review.

5. Should Acceptance Rate Affect My Application Strategy?

Absolutely, but don’t let it discourage you. Use acceptance data to build a balanced college list, but focus on strengthening the parts of your application you can control like essays, recommendations, activities, and personal narrative.

6. How Do I Improve My Chances at Berkeley?

Berkeley evaluates applicants holistically. Some ways to improve your profile include:

• Strong academic coursework

• High-impact extracurriculars

• Compelling personal insight essays

• Demonstrated leadership

• Clear goals related to your intended major

7. Is Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate Going to Keep Getting Lower?

While trends show increased competition, acceptance rates can fluctuate due to applicant volume, institutional goals, and larger admissions policy shifts. It’s wise to stay informed each year but also focused on your preparation.

Final Thoughts 

UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate are currently around 11-12% which reflects a deeply competitive process. However, it’s only one piece of the admissions puzzle.

If you approach your application strategically, tell your story authentically, and build a balanced list, you put yourself in the best position to succeed  whether at Berkeley or another great fit.

Need Personalized Guidance?

Every student’s journey is unique. If you want help crafting essays, refining your activities, or developing your application strategy, we’re here to support you every step of the way.