UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate: Admissions Statistics

UC Berkeley is the top public university in the U.S. and ranks eighth in the world, according to the Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Rankings. It also holds the No. 1 spot on the Wall Street Journal’s 2025 Best Colleges list and Forbes’ ranking of America’s top colleges. With all these recognitions, it’s no surprise that getting in is tough—UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 is just 11%.

So, what does UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate mean for you? Does it make your chances of getting in better or tougher?

In this blog, we’ll look into UC Berkeley’s acceptance rates and cover everything from yield and transfer rates to waitlist trends. We’ll look at how these numbers have shifted over the years, what they mean for applicants, and offer some quick tips to help you improve your chances of getting in.

• What Is UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate?
• UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Trends
• No Early Action and Early Decision for UC Berkeley
• How to Get Accepted into UC Berkeley
• UC Berkeley Transfer Acceptance Rate
• UC Berkeley Waitlist Acceptance Rate
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate?

UC Berkeley reported an acceptance rate of 11% for the Class of 2028. Here’s the breakdown:

As you can see, UC Berkeley received 124,242 applications from all over the country and the world and accepted only 13,701. The school also hit over 120,000 applications for the third year in a row, which proves its reputation is only getting stronger. More and more students are aiming for a spot, and competition is tougher than ever.

The university gives priority to California residents, while out-of-state and international students face lower admit rates. According to the UC first-year admissions summary, the admit rate for California residents is significantly higher than for non-residents and international applicants.”

Even with all that interest, Berkeley remains one of the hardest UC schools to get into—second only to UCLA. Every year, these two campuses get the most applications and have the lowest acceptance rates in the UC system. So, if you’re applying, be ready to bring your A-game!

UC Berkeley yield rate

Another important figure to look at is the yield rate—basically, how many accepted students actually choose to enroll. For the Class of 2028, UC Berkeley had a 46% yield rate. Out of 13,701 admitted students, only 6,272 decided to enroll.

That’s pretty impressive, especially since it’s just 4 percentage points behind UCLA, which had a 50% yield rate. In fact, this is UC Berkeley’s second-highest yield rate in the last decade! The only time it was slightly higher was for the Class of 2026, which hit 46.3%—the same year UC Berkeley saw its highest number of applications in the last 10 years.

Take note: the national average yield rate for public colleges is only 25%, only around half of UC Berkeley’s. Clearly, Berkeley’s appeal isn’t slowing down anytime soon. A high yield rate is a big deal for universities because it shows how many admitted students actually choose to enroll. It means students see the school as their top choice, not just a backup.

It also helps universities plan ahead. Since they have a good idea of how many students will actually show up, they can better manage housing, class sizes, and faculty needs. A school with a high and steady yield doesn’t have to guess as much when it comes to enrollment.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Trends

Has UC Berkeley always had super low acceptance rates? Not really! Over the last 10 years, there have been times when the school has been a bit more generous with admission offers.

Let’s look closer at UC Berkeley’s acceptance rates over the past decade to see how things have changed and when the numbers started dropping:

Over the last decade, UC Berkeley’s acceptance rates have been steadily dropping. Back in 2015 (Class of 2019), the acceptance rate was around 17%. It stayed fairly stable for a few years but started to dip more noticeably after 2018, hitting just 11.7% in 2023 (Class of 2027).

So, what’s behind the drop? It’s no surprise that UC Berkeley’s reputation as one of the top universities keeps drawing more and more applicants. To give you an idea, applications jumped from 78,893 in 2015 to 125,910 in 2023. That’s a massive increase! However, the school’s ability to enroll students hasn’t grown as fast. Housing, classroom space, and faculty resources all limit how many students they can take in each year, making admissions even tougher.

This means getting into UC Berkeley is more competitive than ever. You’ll need an impressive academic record, along with strong extracurriculars and a standout personal story to set yourself apart. It’s also smart to have a backup plan—apply to a mix of schools with different selectivity levels so you have more options. The competition may be fierce, but with careful planning and preparation, you can still make your college dreams happen.

UC Berkeley acceptance rate vs Ivy League schools

UC Berkeley is often put side by side with Ivy League schools and other top universities in the country—and for good reason. But how does UC Berkeley compare to the Ivies when it comes to acceptance rates? Let’s take a look:

With an 11% acceptance rate, UC Berkeley is just as tough to get into as some Ivy League schools. It might not have the ultra-low rates of places like Harvard, Yale, or Columbia, but you’ve got to consider the sheer number of applications Berkeley gets every year.

For the Class of 2028, UC Berkeley had 124,242 applicants, while Harvard only received 54,008—not even half of Berkeley’s total. This shows just how popular UC Berkeley is among students looking for a top-tier college experience.

While UC schools generally have higher acceptance rates than elite private schools, many are still considered “reach” schools, and some even qualify as “super reach” institutions. Berkeley is definitely in that category, consistently ranking as one of the most sought-after universities in the country. Even if you’re a top student in California with stellar grades and impressive extracurriculars, there’s no guarantee you’ll get in—it’s that competitive.

No Early Action and Early Decision for UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley, like the other UC schools, doesn’t offer Early Action or Early Decision. Instead, it sticks to a Regular Decision process, which means everyone’s application is reviewed at the same time.

This approach isn’t random—UC Berkeley gets a huge number of applications every year (we’re talking over 100,000!), and the school wants to make sure every applicant gets a fair and equal review.

UC Berkeley application deadline

UC Berkeley’s application deadline is November 30 every year. This goes for both freshmen and transfer applicants since the UC system doesn’t offer Early Action or Early Decision. Make sure you get your application in on time—late submissions aren’t accepted.

Admissions decisions are usually released in late March for freshmen and late April to early May for transfers. You’ll find out your results through the UC Application Portal, so keep an eye on your emails for any updates!

How to Get Accepted into UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley has a pretty strict admissions process, and you can see it in the steadily dropping acceptance rates over the years. Like we said earlier, being at the top of your class just isn’t enough anymore. Since UC Berkeley uses a holistic review process, your entire application needs to shine.

Here’s another important thing to know: UC Berkeley, along with the rest of the UC schools, has a test-blind policy for SAT and ACT scores. This means your test scores won’t be considered for admission or scholarships. You can still send them in, but they’ll only be used for things like course placement after you enroll or meeting basic eligibility requirements.

Also, keep in mind that UC Berkeley doesn’t require or accept letters of recommendation for the general application process. So, you must focus on making the rest of your application—like your essays and extracurriculars—really stand out! How do you do that? Here are a few pointers you can follow:

Target GPA

You need to have the following GPA to qualify for UC Berkeley:

• 3.0 GPA in your A-G courses from 10th and 11th grade
• 3.4 GPA if you’re a non-resident

Just hitting the minimum requirements won’t guarantee you a spot at UC Berkeley. The competition is tough—really tough. The average GPA of admitted students is 4.22, which means most applicants are taking advanced, honors, or AP courses and getting top grades.

A 4.22 average GPA says a lot about how selective Berkeley is. Compared to other universities across the country, it ranks among the hardest schools to get into. So if you’re aiming for a spot, strong academics are a must!

Extracurriculars

UC Berkeley isn’t just looking for students with perfect grades—it wants thinkers, leaders, creators, and changemakers. Your passions and talents whether in sports, the arts, community service, research, or any other pursuit matter just as much as your GPA.

UC Berkeley is all about energy, innovation, and diversity. Maybe you bring a unique perspective, a bold idea, or a deep passion for making an impact. That’s what will set you apart. The campus thrives on fresh voices and people who aren’t afraid to challenge the norm, so showing how you’ll add to that culture is going to change the game.

Most importantly, be yourself. UC Berkeley values curiosity, leadership, and real-world impact, so let your personality and passions shine. Show them what drives you, what excites you, and why you belong at Cal!

Personal Insight Questions

As a first-year applicant, you’ll choose four out of eight questions to answer, with each response limited to 350 words. The choice is yours, so pick the ones that truly reflect your story, experiences, and personality.

Imagine UC Berkeley as a person. If you were meeting face-to-face, what would you want them to know about you? These questions are your chance to share what makes you unique—your creativity, leadership, challenges you’ve overcome, or anything that defines you. No matter which prompts you choose, make sure your personality comes through, just like it would in real life.

Check out all the questions here and start brainstorming your responses!

Also, if you’re looking for a clear, no-nonsense guide to getting into UC Berkeley, we’ve got you covered! Our step-by-step breakdown of the admissions process walks you through every requirement with plenty of insider tips to help your application shine.

UC Berkeley Transfer Acceptance Rate

UC Berkeley’s transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 was 22.3%, which shows how competitive it still is. But here’s the thing: transfer students actually have a better shot compared to first-year applicants.

Out of 21,513 transfer applications, 4,792 students were admitted, which is a pretty solid number. UC Berkeley has consistently had higher acceptance rates for transfer students, not just this year but likely for a long time now.

Here’s a 10-year data on the school’s transfer acceptance rates from the UC Berkeley Common Data Set:

For UC Berkeley’s transfer admissions, the acceptance rate hit its highest point at 26.2% for the Class of 2027, with 5,074 students accepted out of 19,342 applications. On the flip side, the lowest transfer acceptance rate was 18.9% for the Class of 2019, when 3,268 students were admitted from 17,285 applications.

Over time, you can see a steady rise in the number of transfer applications, with a big jump to 21,513 applications for the Class of 2028. This increase brought the acceptance rate to 22.3%, showing that while more students are trying to transfer, the competitiveness shifts year by year.

You’re considered a transfer applicant if you’ve graduated from high school and taken college-level courses afterward. When UC Berkeley reviews transfer applications, they’re not just looking at numbers. They’re considering the full picture of your academic journey. Sure, things like your GPA and completed coursework are straightforward, but they also take a more well-rounded approach to understand your overall potential.

To stand out as a transfer applicant, you’ll need a strong academic record and solid preparation. Most admitted transfer students have a GPA above 3.5 and have finished (or are close to finishing) their major prep courses. Just like the other UC schools, UC Berkeley gives priority to students from California community colleges and only accepts transfer students for the fall quarter.

Important dates and requirements

UC Berkeley’s transfer application deadline is November 30 each year, so mark your calendar! This deadline applies to all transfer applicants since Berkeley only admits transfers for the fall semester. Don’t miss it! Late applications aren’t accepted, no exceptions.

To apply as a transfer student, you’ll need to meet a few requirements by the spring before you transfer:

• Junior standing. Complete 60 semester (or 90 quarter) transferable units.
• GPA. Have at least a 3.2 GPA in transferable courses.
• Required coursework:
  • Two transferable English courses (composition or critical thinking & writing).
  • One transferable math course (with intermediate algebra or higher as a prerequisite).
  • Four transferable courses from at least two of these areas:
    • Arts & Humanities
    • Social & Behavioral Sciences
    • Physical & Biological Sciences

• Progress in your major prep courses. You should be making steady progress on the courses required for your intended major.

You’ll also need to tackle the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). There’s one required question, plus three others you choose from a list of seven. It’s totally up to you which ones you answer, so pick the ones that let your personality and experiences shine. You can find the questions online, so start brainstorming your answers now.

And remember, the PIQs are all about you—your story, your values, and what makes you unique. Berkeley’s guidance on each question is there to help, but the goal is to focus on being authentic and sharing what’s important to you.

UC Berkeley Waitlist Acceptance Rate

UC Berkeley’s waitlist acceptance rate has been pretty interesting over the last few years, as it showed a big jump from one year to the next. Unlike UCLA, which has the lowest waitlist acceptance rate among the UC schools, UC Berkeley tends to be a bit more generous with admitting students off the waitlist. Of course, there are no guarantees, just like with other top schools.

Let’s take a look at the numbers:

UC Berkeley hasn’t shared the waitlist acceptance rate for Fall 2024 yet, but here’s what we do know: for Fall 2023, 7,001 students were placed on the waitlist, and 1,191 of them were admitted, giving it a solid acceptance rate of 17%. That’s a huge jump compared to Fall 2022, when only 44 students out of 8,456 waitlisted applicants were admitted—an incredibly low 0.5%.

When waitlist acceptance rates are high, it usually means that the school didn’t meet its enrollment target with the students it initially admitted. Fewer admitted students may have decided to enroll than the school anticipated, leaving more spots open for those on the waitlist.

What to do if you’re waitlisted

Getting waitlisted at UC Berkeley isn’t a no—it’s more like a “maybe.” Berkeley sees you as a strong candidate but doesn’t have room for you just yet. The waitlist is their backup plan, giving them a pool of great applicants to pull from if some admitted students decide not to enroll.

Here’s what you can do to stay in the game:

• Confirm your spot. Make sure you officially accept your place on the waitlist by following UC Berkeley’s instructions. If you miss this step, you won’t be considered.
• Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI). Send a short, heartfelt note to Berkeley’s admissions office. Reaffirm your excitement about joining Berkeley and share any new accomplishments or updates since you submitted your application.
• Keep your grades strong. Stay consistent with your academics and stay involved in your extracurriculars. Berkeley values dedication and strong performance, even after applications are in.
• Stay realistic. The waitlist process can be unpredictable. While it’s fine to hope for good news, also focus on the schools where you’ve been admitted to make sure you’re ready to start your college journey on the right foot.

The best way to avoid the uncertainty of the waitlist is by submitting a strong application right from the start. But if you do land on the waitlist, following these steps can help you stand out as a committed and qualified applicant!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is UC Berkeley’s latest overall acceptance rate?

For the Class of 2028, UC Berkeley had an 11% acceptance rate. Out of 124,242 applicants, only 13,701 were admitted, making it one of the most competitive years yet.

2. What is UC Bekerley’s transfer acceptance rate?

UC Berkeley had a 22.3% transfer acceptance rate for the Class of 2028. Out of 21,513 transfer applicants, 4,792 students were admitted.

3. What is UC Berkeley’s waitlist acceptance rate?

UC Berkeley hasn’t released the waitlist acceptance rate for Fall 2024 yet. For Fall 2023, 7,001 students were put on the waitlist, and 1,191 were admitted, giving a 17% waitlist acceptance rate.

4. What is UC Bekerley’s GPA requirement?

To qualify for UC Berkeley, you need a 3.0 GPA in your A-G courses from 10th and 11th grade, or a 3.4 GPA if you’re a non-resident.

5. Does UC Berkeley accept standardized test scores?

No, UC Berkeley does not consider standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT for admissions or scholarships. The UC system is test-blind, meaning test scores are not used in the admissions process. However, you can still submit scores later for things like course placement or to meet certain requirements once you’re admitted.

Takeaways

UC Berkeley is one of the top public universities in the U.S. Because of this, the school is a highly competitive choice for prospective students.

• UC Berkeley reported an overall acceptance rate of 11% for the Class of 2028, one of the lowest in the past ten years, with a yield rate of 46%.
• While Berkeley’s acceptance rate is higher than the Ivy League’s, it ranks on par with those elite schools in prestige, thanks to the large number of applicants and consistently high yield rate each year.
• The transfer acceptance rate at UC Berkeley for the Class of 2028 is 22.3%, while the waitlist acceptance rate is 17% for the Class of 2027.
• California residents need a minimum 3.0 GPA, while non-residents must have at least a 3.4 GPA to qualify. To be truly competitive, aiming for a 4.2 GPA or higher will give you a much better shot.
• Given the highly competitive admissions at UC Berkeley, working with a college admissions consultant can be a great way to boost your application and help you stand out from the crowd.