University of California, Berkeley: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 11% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1530 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 35 |
| Location | CA |
| School type | Public |
The University of California, Berkeley is a flagship public university in the San Francisco Bay Area. It accepts roughly 11% of applicants, which is unusually selective for a public institution. Competition for a spot is intense across virtually every major.
Calculate your chances at University of California, Berkeley free →How hard is it to get into UC Berkeley?
Berkeley's 11% acceptance rate is low for any school, and especially striking for a public university. For out-of-state and international applicants, the bar tends to be even higher than it is for California residents. Either way, the vast majority of applicants do not get in.
Admission rates also vary significantly by major. Engineering and computer science programs are among the most competitive. If you are applying to a high-demand program, factor that in when you think about your odds.
Test scores that make you competitive
Admitted students at the 75th percentile scored 1530 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT. Those are very high marks. If your scores are close, they work in your favor. If they are noticeably lower, Berkeley's holistic review still gives you a path, but your grades and personal insight essays need to be genuinely strong.
UC campuses have gone test-optional in recent cycles, though policy details can shift. It is worth checking the current UC admissions guidance to understand how test scores factor into your specific application year.
What UC Berkeley looks for
Berkeley uses a holistic review that considers academic achievement, personal qualities, and context. Grades and the rigor of your high school courses are the foundation. Taking the most challenging classes your school offers and doing well in them matters a great deal.
The UC personal insight essays are a significant part of your application. They are your chance to show who you are beyond a transcript. Berkeley also values intellectual curiosity and students who have used their time outside school in purposeful ways, whether through work, family responsibilities, research, arts, or community involvement.
Estimate your chances at UC Berkeley
The free CollegeCalcAI calculator gives you a personalized estimate of your odds at Berkeley based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. It is a quick way to get an honest read on where you stand before you invest hours in the application.
Frequently asked questions
What is UC Berkeley's acceptance rate?
Berkeley accepts about 11% of applicants overall. Rates vary by major, with high-demand programs like engineering and computer science being more competitive.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for UC Berkeley?
The 75th percentile SAT among admitted students is 1530 and the ACT is 35. Scores near those marks are competitive, though UC has moved toward a more holistic review.
Is UC Berkeley hard to get into?
Yes. An 11% acceptance rate from a massive applicant pool makes Berkeley one of the toughest public universities to get into in the country.
See your real odds at University of California, Berkeley
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.