UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate 2026-2028 & Requirements by Major

Hello! Here is an explanation of the University of California, Berkeley UCB or UC Berkeley acceptance rate 2026-2028 by major, admission statistics, and admission Requirements. 

 

Brief History of UC Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Cal, or California) is a public land-grant research university in Berkeley, California. Established in 1868 as the University of California, it is the state’s first land-grant university and the first campus of the University of California system.

It has fourteen colleges and schools offer over 350-degree programs and has enrolled 31,814 undergraduate and 13,243 graduate students. Berkeley has consistently ranked among the world’s top universities.

The university’s academic enterprise is organized into 14 colleges and schools, which, in turn, comprise 180 departments and 80 interdisciplinary units offering over 350-degree programs.

Colleges serve both undergraduate and graduate students, while schools are generally graduate only, though some offer undergraduate majors or minors.

1. College of Chemistry
2. College of Engineering
3. College of Environmental Design
4. College of Letters and Science
5. Graduate School of Education
6. Graduate School of Journalism
7. Haas School of Business
8. Goldman School of Public Policy
9. Rausser College of Natural Resources
10. School of Information
11. School of Law
12. Wertheim School of Optometry
13. School of Public Health
14. School of Social Welfare

UC Berkeley Extension (currently has two locations, in downtown Berkeley and downtown San Francisco).

We are going to cover, Class of 2026-2028 Acceptance Rate and Acceptance Statistics by Majors, SAT/ACT/GPA and Grade, UCB acceptance rate In-state and UCB acceptance rate Out-of-State and requirements, UCB acceptance rate transfer, UCB acceptance rate for in-state and Out-of-state students, early and international, early decisions, Special Students, and University of California, Berkeley 2026 Acceptance Rates.

 

Related Posts:

1. UC Berkeley acceptance rate
2. UC San Francisco acceptance rate
3. UC Davis Acceptance rate
4. UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate
5. UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate
6. UC Irvine acceptance rate
7. UC Riverside acceptance rate
8. UC Los Angeles acceptance rate
9. UC San Diego acceptance rate
10. UC Merced acceptance rate

 

 

 

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

What is UCB Acceptance Rate 2026/2028

The rate at which undergraduate students (students and students of refreshment) in UCB are accepted for admission to class of 2026, particularly as illustrated by the UCB Acceptance Rate 2026/2028 class statistics.

UCB Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2026

Category	Statistics
Applicants	128,210
Admitted Students	14,522
Acceptance Rate	11.33%

For the Class of 2026, UC Berkeley admitted approximately 11.33% of applicants, meaning about 11 students were accepted for every 100 applications received.

UCB Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2028

For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate dropped slightly to 10.98%, making Berkeley even more competitive.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Trend

The data shows a significant decline in acceptance rates over recent years, reflecting the increasing popularity and selectivity of UC Berkeley.

 

Why is UC Berkeley So Competitive?

Several factors contribute to Berkeley’s low acceptance rate:

• World-renowned academic reputation
• Top-ranked Computer Science and Engineering programs
• Strong research opportunities
• Location in the San Francisco Bay Area
• High graduate employment rates
• Test-free admissions policy that encourages more applications

These factors attract well over 120,000 applicants annually.

This shows how competitive the University is! 

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

UC Berkeley Admissions Statistics

Admission Year (Class)	Applications	Admitted Students	Acceptance Rate	Notes
Class of 2026	128,210	14,522	11.33%	One of the largest applicant pools in UC history
Class of 2027	125,910	14,677	11.66%	Slight increase in admission rate
Class of 2028	124,242	13,639	10.98%	Record-low recent acceptance rate
Class of 2029	126,843	14,502	11.43%	Small recovery in admit rate

 

UC Berkeley Admission Requirements for In-state & Out-of-State Students [Freshman & Transfer]

You’re at the start of an incredible journey. Let’s get going.

Choosing to study at UC is a major decision. But we’re confident you’re making the right one.

Each campus offers an incredible range of experiences and academic programs. Whether you want to be in a big city, nestled in a redwood forest or on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, there’s something for everyone.

The University of California Berkeley is calling you to come and be a part of it.

It’s a good idea to have everything prepared before you start your application so you’re not trying to track down information at the last minute.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

What You Need When Applying for UC Berkeley

Applying to the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is highly competitive, and the university uses a holistic review process. This means they look beyond grades to evaluate your academic strength, personal achievements, and potential impact.

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you need:

1. UC Application Form

All applicants must complete the University of California application portal, which includes:

• Personal information

• Academic history

• Activities and awards

• Course details (A–G requirements)

• Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

2. Academic Requirements (A–G Courses)

You must complete UC-approved high school courses:

• History/Social Science: 2 years

• English: 4 years

• Mathematics: 3–4 years (4 recommended)

• Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)

• Foreign Language: 2 years (3 recommended)

• Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year

• College-prep electives: 1 year

Strong performance in these subjects is essential.

3. GPA Requirement

While there is no official minimum, competitive applicants usually have:

• Unweighted GPA: 3.9 – 4.0

• Weighted GPA: 4.2 – 4.6+

Most admitted students are top of their class.

4. Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

You must answer 4 out of 8 essay questions, which assess:

• Leadership skills

• Academic interest

• Personal challenges

• Creativity and problem-solving

• Community impact

These essays are very important in admission decisions.

5. Extracurricular Activities

UC Berkeley looks for students who show impact outside the classroom:

• Leadership roles

• Community service

• Internships

• Sports or athletics

• Research projects

• Entrepreneurship or innovation

Quality matters more than quantity.

6. Letters of Recommendation (Rare)

Unlike many universities:

• UC Berkeley does NOT require recommendation letters

• Only some students may be asked for additional information after review

7. Standardized Tests (SAT/ACT)

• UC Berkeley is test-blind

• SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all

8. Application Fee

• About $80 per UC campus

• Fee waivers are available for eligible students

9. Major Selection

Applicants must choose a major, especially important for competitive programs like:

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Business Administration (Haas pathway)

• Biology & pre-med tracks

Some majors are significantly more competitive than others.

10. Additional Materials (If Required)

Depending on your program, you may need:

• Portfolio (Arts & Design majors)

• Supplemental materials (rare cases)

• Auditions (music or performing arts programs)

 

UCB Application Fees & Waivers For in state and International Students

Applicant Type	Application Fee
U.S. (In-State & Out-of-State)	$80 per UC campus
International Applicants	$95 per UC campus

Once your application has been submitted, you are expected to pay for all your campus choices, even if you cancel your application at a later date. The application fees are non-refundable.

 

UCB Fee Waivers

UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students who would otherwise be unable to apply for admission. The fee waiver program is for United States citizens, permanent residents, and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits.

Fee waivers can’t be applied to more than four campuses, regardless of their source (e.g. UC, College Board/SAT). If you apply to more than four, you’ll need to pay $80 for each additional choice.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

Applying For a Fee Waiver

Transcripts & Letters of Recommendation

For UC Berkeley admissions, your transcripts are the most important academic record, while letters of recommendation are generally not required. Instead, the university focuses more on your grades, course rigor, and personal essays to evaluate your readiness and potential.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

How to Apply to University of California Berkeley UCB 

• Visit https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply-now.html
• Click on “start your application” to get started. 
• Create account

Before you apply, make sure to read the Requirements below on the website.

 

What You’ll Need to Complete Your UCB Application

1. High School GPA is required
2. High School Rank is neither required nor recommended
3. High School Transcript is also required
4. College Prep Courses are required as well.
5. SAT/ACT is considered but not required
6. Recommendations are also considered but not required.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

What GPA Do You Need for UC Berkeley?

3.9 GPA

If you were wondering what GPA you need to get into Berkeley, here is the answer. Many schools mention a minimum GPA requirement, but a 3.9 GPA is the least grade to apply for without being rejected. UC Berkeley demands a 3.9 GPA, which means you must be the topper of your class and far above average.

 

Is UCB Hard to Get Into?

Yes! UC Berkeley is very hard to get into. Looking at the acceptance rate has shown it all but it is not something impossible! It is not a mission impossible! Just make sure to submit a very strong application!

 

Most Popular Majors in UC Berkeley

• Communications: 291 Graduates
• Social Sciences: 292 Graduates
• Cognitive Science: 306 Graduates
• Electrical Engineering: 336 Graduates
• Business: 344 Graduates
• Environmental Science: 385 Graduates
• Political Science and Government: 410 Graduates
• Cellular Biology: 577 Graduates
• Computer Science 606 Graduates
• Economics: 655 Graduates

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

Is UCB or UCLA Harder to Get Into?

UCLA is extremely selective and only enrols students who have a GPA of 3.9 or more. UC Berkeley requires a GPA of 3.89 from all its students.

The average SAT score should be between the SAT scale of 1405 and 1600. Average SAT score of 1415 to 1600 on the SAT scale.

 

What Major is UC Berkeley Known For?

The most popular majors at University of California–Berkeley include Social Sciences; Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Mathematics and Statistics; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.

UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions: UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate 2026-2028 & Requirements by Major

Is UC Berkeley getting more competitive?

Yes.

• Applications consistently exceed 120,000+ per year

• Acceptance rate dropped from ~17% (Class of 2024) to ~11% today

• Some majors admit far fewer students than the overall rate

What GPA do you need for UC Berkeley?

Category	GPA Range
Minimum UC requirement	3.0 (in-state), 3.4 (non-resident)
Competitive applicants	3.9 – 4.0 unweighted
Weighted GPA (typical admits)	4.3 – 4.6+

Most admitted students are top academic performers with rigorous coursework.

What are the most competitive majors at UC Berkeley?

Admission difficulty varies by major:

Major	Competitiveness
Computer Science	Extremely competitive (~6% or lower)
EECS (Engineering + CS)	Very competitive
Business (Haas pathway)	Highly selective
Engineering	Highly competitive
Economics	Competitive
Biology / Pre-Med	Competitive
Arts & Humanities	Less competitive (~20%+)

Which majors are easiest to get into?

Generally (relative terms only):

• Arts & Humanities

• Social Sciences

• Some interdisciplinary programs

But “easy” at UC Berkeley still means highly competitive overall.

Does UC Berkeley admit by major?

Yes.

• Your chosen major affects your admission chances

• STEM majors (CS, Engineering, Data Science) are significantly harder

• Some colleges within Berkeley have separate evaluation standards

What does UC Berkeley look for in applicants?

UC Berkeley uses a holistic review, considering:

• GPA and course rigor

• Academic performance trends

• Leadership and extracurricular impact

• Personal Insight Questions (essays)

• Creativity, initiative, and community involvement 

Is UC Berkeley test-optional?

No.

• UC Berkeley is test-blind

• SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all

What increases your chances of admission?

• 3.9+ GPA

• Strong AP/IB/Honors coursework

• Leadership roles

• High-impact extracurriculars

• Strong essays (PIQs)

• Clear academic direction aligned with your major

 

 

Conclusion

UC Berkeley remains one of the most selective public universities in the world, with acceptance rates between 10.9% and 11.6% for 2026–2028.

Admission is highly competitive and varies significantly by major, with STEM fields like Computer Science and Engineering being the toughest to enter.

Strong academics, leadership, and compelling essays are essential for success.