UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate and What It Means for Applicants

For many students, UC Berkeley sits at the very top of their college wish list. Known for academic intensity, global research impact, and a culture that rewards independent thinking, Berkeley attracts one of the largest and strongest applicant pools in the country. With that popularity comes selectivity, which is why understanding the UC Berkeley acceptance rate is an important first step for any applicant. 

However, numbers alone do not tell the full story. The UC Berkeley acceptance rate varies significantly depending on residency status, major, and whether a student applies as a first year or transfer. Below, we break down what the data actually means and how students should interpret their own chances. 

What Is the UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Today 

For the 2025 to 2026 academic year, the overall UC Berkeley acceptance rate for first year applicants is 11.4 percent, with 14,451 students admitted out of 126,842 applicants. This keeps Berkeley firmly in the highly selective category and aligns with acceptance rates from recent cycles. 

While the headline number matters, the reality of the UC Berkeley acceptance rate depends heavily on who you are and how you apply. 

Here is how admission rates break down for first year students: 

• California Residents: 15.1 percent 
• Out-of-State Residents: 7.3 percent 
• International students: 3.4 percent 

These numbers highlight just how competitive Berkeley has become for non-California applicants. Understanding UC Berkeley selectivity means recognizing that residency status plays a major role in outcomes. 

Transfer Acceptance Rate at UC Berkeley 

One area where the UC Berkeley acceptance rate looks very different is for transfer applicants. For Fall 2025, Berkeley admitted 24 percent of transfer students, with 5,603 admits out of 23,322 applicants. 

It is important to note that nearly all admitted transfers come from California community colleges. This reflects UC Berkeley’s strong commitment to the California public education system and explains why transfer outcomes look more favorable than first year results. For students attending California community colleges, the chances of getting into UC Berkeley as a transfer are meaningfully higher than applying straight from high school. 

How Selective Are Specific Majors at UC Berkeley 

One of the biggest misconceptions students have is assuming the UC Berkeley acceptance rate applies evenly across all majors. In reality, Berkeley evaluates applicants by college and sometimes by major, and the differences can be dramatic. 

Estimated first year admission rates by college include: 

• College of Engineering: Approximately 7 to 9 percent overall, with Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences often closer to 2 to 4 percent 

• College of Chemistry: Around 6 percent 

• Haas School of Business specialized programs: Approximately 4 to 14 percent for direct freshman entry pathways 

• College of Letters and Science: Roughly 11 to 13 percent, aligning with the overall UC Berkeley acceptance rate 

• Rausser College of Natural Resources: Around 18 percent 

• College of Environmental Design: Approximately 7 percent 

• College of Computing, Data Science, and Society: Highly competitive, with Computer Science admit rates reported as low as 4 percent 

These differences matter when assessing UC Berkeley selectivity. Two students with similar academic profiles can have very different outcomes depending on where they apply within the university. 

Academic Profile of Admitted Students 

Berkeley evaluates applicants holistically, but academic strength is non-negotiable. Most admitted students fall within the following ranges: 

Weighted GPA: Approximately 4.31 to 4.65 

Unweighted GPA: Approximately 3.89 to 4.0 

UC Berkeley is test free, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all in the UW undergraduate admissions style process used by the UC system. This places even more emphasis on grades, course rigor, and sustained academic performance. Understanding the chances of getting into UC Berkeley means recognizing that strong grades alone are not enough. Berkeley looks for intellectual curiosity, initiative, and evidence that a student will thrive in a fast paced and independent academic environment. 

What the UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Really Tells You 

The UC Berkeley acceptance rate should not discourage strong students, but it should encourage strategic thinking. Berkeley is not simply looking for top grades. It is looking for students who align with its academic culture, values, and expectations. 

Students who perform best in the UC Berkeley admissions process tend to show: 

• Academic rigor across all four years 

• Clear intellectual interests tied to coursework or activities 

• Evidence of initiative and depth rather than surface level involvement 

• Strong writing within the UC personal insight questions 

When evaluating UC Berkeley selectivity, it is also important to remember that Berkeley receives more applications than almost any university in the country. Many highly qualified students are denied simply due to space constraints. 

Final Thoughts for UC Berkeley Applicants 

The UC Berkeley acceptance rate reflects one of the most competitive admissions environments in the United States. That said, students who understand how Berkeley evaluates applications and position themselves thoughtfully can still be strong contenders. 

Rather than focusing only on raw numbers, applicants should focus on fit, preparation, and clarity of purpose. That is ultimately what improves the chances of getting into UC Berkeley far more than obsessing over percentages. 

At PathIvy, we help students assess selective public universities like Berkeley within the broader context of their academic goals. Our counselors work closely with students to build balanced college lists, strengthen applications, and approach highly selective schools with confidence and strategy. 

Frequently Asked Questions for UC Berkeley Applicants

Is UC Berkeley harder to get into than Ivy League schools? 

In many cases, yes. The UC Berkeley acceptance rate is comparable to or lower than several Ivy League schools, especially for out of state and international students. 

Does UC Berkeley consider SAT or ACT scores? 

No. UC Berkeley is test free and does not review standardized test scores as part of the admissions process. 

Are my chances better if I apply to a less competitive major? 

Applying to less impacted colleges can improve the chances of getting into UC Berkeley, but students should still choose majors that align with their academic interests. 

Is UC Berkeley more transfer friendly than first year admissions? 

Yes. Transfer applicants, particularly from California community colleges, face a significantly higher acceptance rate.