What Is the Easiest UC to Get Into? Rankings + Tips

Whether you’re from the Golden State or another corner of the world, you’ve probably thought about earning a degree at a University of California (UC) school.

Founded in 1869, the prestigious UC system has nine campuses for undergrads (plus one for grad students) and is home to over 295,000 students. These schools are some of the top public universities in the U.S., known for their rigorous academics and vibrant campus life. Because they’re so popular, getting in can be tough, with thousands of students applying every year.

To help you out, we’ve ranked all nine undergrad UC schools from easiest to hardest to get into based on acceptance rates. We’ll also give you tips to improve your application and increase your chances of getting into your dream UC.

• Easiest UC to Get Into
• UC Schools Ranked by Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Easiest UC to Get Into

UC Merced is the easiest UC to get into, with a relatively high acceptance rate of 91.7%. According to the school’s latest statistics, UC Merced accepted 29,233 students out of 31,875 applicants. That means the majority of applicants were admitted.

Additionally, the GPA range for the middle 25% to 75% of admitted students is between 3.41 and 4.04. Students with solid grades, but not exactly perfect ones, still have a good chance.

This doesn’t mean, though, that UC Merced is any less of a great school. It’s known for its excellent academics and strong focus on research. They offer a wide range of programs, and the faculty is top-notch, with many professors being leaders in their fields.

Why are UC schools so competitive and hard to get into anyway? Even though California has a lot of colleges, many students still consider UC schools their top choice, which is why so many apply. In fact, UC received over 250,000 applications for fall 2024, which represents a 1.5% increase compared to the year before.

Students are drawn to UC schools because of their high rankings and strong academic reputation. The UC system also offers a wide variety of majors, extracurricular activities, and resources. Students enjoy access to museums, art galleries, concert halls, observatories, and even botanical gardens—all right on campus.

While UC schools are definitely competitive, the good news is that some UC campuses have higher acceptance rates than others. Here’s a quick look at the different undergraduate acceptance rates across the UC system:

While UC Merced has the highest acceptance rate, remember that “easiest to get into” is subjective. How competitive a school is can depend on many factors, like your major and personal interests. It’s also important to think about things like location, campus life, and specific programs, not just the acceptance rate.

It’s good to have a general idea of how competitive each UC is, but the best approach is to look into each school to find the best fit for you academically and socially. Consider your GPA, extracurricular activities, and more. These factors can give you a better idea of your chances at each UC and other schools across the country.

UC Schools Ranked by Acceptance Rate

Below, we’ve listed the UC campuses by their acceptance rates, from highest to lowest. Since UC San Francisco is a graduate and professional school, it’s not included in this list, which focuses only on the nine undergraduate campuses.

1. UC Merced

• Acceptance rate: 91.7%
• GPA: 3.41 – 4.04

Established in 2005, UC Merced is the newest campus in the UC system, with the highest acceptance rate of 91.7%. It focuses on sustainability and research, with all its buildings being LEED certified, meaning they’re designed to be environmentally friendly.

If your budget is a concern, you’ll be happy to know that UC Merced is generous with financial aid. In fact, during the 2022-2023 academic year, 84% of students received some form of financial assistance. The school also accepts many community college students, with 96% of admitted transfer students coming from a California community college.

Located in California’s Central Valley, the UC Merced campus is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a great choice if you love outdoor activities. Since it’s smaller and newer, you’ll likely feel you have a bigger role in shaping campus life.

2. UC Riverside

• Acceptance rate: 76.4%
• GPA: 3.66 – 4.15

UC Riverside has an acceptance rate of around 76.4%, making it one of the more accessible UC schools. It’s known for its high-ranking agriculture, engineering, and business programs. It’s also ranked #1 in the country for social mobility, meaning the university helps students from diverse backgrounds achieve success and move up in life.

UC Riverside offers a vibrant campus experience with tons of extracurricular activities to get involved. Plus, the campus is home to the UC Riverside Botanic Gardens, where you can relax and even study plant sciences. Students here report feeling welcomed and supported by professors, unlike at larger UCs, where it’s easier to feel like another face in the crowd.

3. UC Santa Cruz

• Acceptance rate: 65%
• GPA: 3.87 – 4.22

Located in the scenic coastal town of Santa Cruz, UCSC has an acceptance rate of 65%. The campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, with redwood forests, California mountains, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

UCSC offers unique academic programs, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and the arts. It’s also recognized for its groundbreaking cancer research. The campus promotes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging you to explore different fields and get involved in innovative research.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds—a small, liberal arts college feel combined with the resources of a large public university—UCSC could be the perfect fit for you.

4. UC Davis

• Acceptance rate: 42.1%
• GPA: 4.00 – 4.26

If you prefer a small-town vibe over the beach or a big city, there’s UC Davis. Located in a quieter part of Northern California, near Sacramento, UC Davis is surrounded by farmland. With little to do in the surrounding area, the university makes up for it with a lively on-campus social scene and plenty of extracurricular activities.

UC Davis is known for its excellent veterinary school, which is ranked first in the U.S. and second in the world! It also offers strong research programs, especially in agriculture and environmental sciences. With an acceptance rate of about 42.1%, UC Davis is considered a solid safety school in California for college-bound students.

5. UC Santa Barbara

• Acceptance rate: 32.9%
• GPA: 4.13 – 4.29

UC Santa Barbara is a leading research university and one of the best colleges in California. Known for its breathtaking coastal location and strong academic programs, the university stands out in fields like physics, engineering, and environmental studies. It’s also renowned for its Koegel Autism Center and the second-best sociology department of all the UC schools.

The campus has a vibrant cultural scene, including many events, clubs, and organizations for its diverse student body. With its beautiful beaches and active lifestyle, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a balance of academics and recreation. Remember, though, that because of its success and popularity, admissions at UCSB can be competitive, with the current acceptance rate at 32.9%.

6. UC Irvine

• Acceptance rate: 28.8%
• GPA: 4.04 – 4.27

UC Irvine, with an acceptance rate of 28.8%, is known for its strong academic programs in computer science, software engineering, biological sciences, public health, and business. Located in the thriving suburb of Irvine, one of the safest cities in the U.S., it’s a great choice if campus safety is your utmost priority.

While it’s a large public university, UC Irvine has a close-knit community vibe. Students often mention feeling supported by their professors, and the campus social scene is generally more low-key than other UCs.

Additionally, if you’re aiming for a UC school but aren’t sure about your chances, UC Irvine could be a great option. Through California’s Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, community college students with strong grades who meet the requirements are guaranteed admission.

7. UC San Diego

• Acceptance rate: 26.8%
• GPA: 4.10 – 4.28

If you love the ocean, you’ll want to attend UC San Diego. Located in the beautiful coastal community of La Jolla, UCSD is popular for its strong biology and science programs, often placing in the country’s top 10. It’s also home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, making it one of the best colleges for marine biology.

UCSD has a more laid-back campus culture than UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, or UC Berkeley. Whether that’s good or not depends on how important the social scene is to you. While the campus is divided into six residential colleges, it’s still massive, with students mentioning that getting across campus for back-to-back classes can be tricky.

The university’s acceptance rate is 26.8%, meaning it’s one of the more selective UC schools. To get in, try to maintain a GPA above 4.0.

8. UC Berkeley

• Acceptance rate: 11%
• GPA: 4.15 – 4.29

UC Berkeley is a world-leading public university with an acceptance rate of 11%. It’s known for its challenging academics and top-notch faculty, especially in engineering, computer science, and social sciences.

The campus has a long history of student activism and cultural events, giving you plenty of chances to get involved in important social causes. Being in the Bay Area also means you’re close to many tech companies and research opportunities.

UC Berkeley takes a holistic approach to applications, meaning they look at more than just your grades. They consider things like your essays, personal values, and life experiences. That said, Berkeley is incredibly competitive, so most students who get in have high GPAs. For example, the average GPA of students accepted to Berkeley is between 4.15 to 4.29.

9. UCLA

• Acceptance rate: 9%
• GPA: 4.20 – 4.30

It’s no surprise that UCLA tops this list. With a 9% acceptance rate, it’s one of the hardest colleges to get into in California and the hardest UC school to get into.

Ranked as the #1 public university in the U.S., UCLA is known for its top academic programs and thriving campus life. With majors like film and television, business, and health sciences, there’s something for everyone. Plus, it’s right at the heart of Los Angeles, giving you tons of opportunities for internships and networking in one of the most exciting cities in the world.

All of this makes UCLA super competitive. For Fall 2024, the university received 173,651 applications, making it the most applied-to college in the country. With an acceptance rate of less than 10%, it’s the only UC school that selective. To improve your chances, you’ll need to create a strong, well-rounded application that helps you stand out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the UC school with the highest acceptance rate?

UC Merced has the highest acceptance rate of all the UC undergraduate schools. Based on its latest stats, it’s around 91.7%, meaning a large portion of applicants are accepted. As the newest campus in the UC system, it has the smallest student population, but many students feel they have an active role in shaping the campus culture.

2. What is the best UC campus?

While the definition of “best” UC campus is highly subjective and depends on personal preferences, UC Santa Cruz is often regarded as the most beautiful UC campus based on its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and California’s gorgeous mountains. Other popular campuses include UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and UC Berkeley, all of which offer outstanding natural views, excellent architecture, and impressive gardens.

3. How can I improve my chances of getting into a UC school?

To increase your chances of getting into a UC school, maintain a strong GPA and make sure your classes meet the UC’s A-G subject requirements, including history, math, and English. Since UC is test-blind and doesn’t consider SAT or ACT scores, they’ll pay more attention to your grades and other accomplishments, like research, internships, or college courses. It’s also a great idea to show your passion by starting projects or getting involved in extracurricular activities related to your interests.

Takeaways

• Among UC schools, UC Merced has the highest acceptance rate at 91.7%. Meaning, most applicants get accepted. This makes it the easiest UC to get into.
• However, how “competitive” a school is depends on many factors, not just how easy it is to get in. Make sure to research and find the UC campus that best matches your academic and personal goals.
• Each UC school offers strong academic programs and a great campus life, making them a top choice for many students, both from California and beyond.
• Since the UC system is so prestigious, it gets thousands of applications every year. To stand out, you’ll need to maintain a strong GPA and get involved in meaningful extracurricular activities.
• Work with a college admissions consultant to help you navigate the tough UC application process and increase your chances of getting into your dream school.