Ever wondered what it would be like to go deep-sea diving?
Bet you didn’t know that it was a UC Berkeley Chemistry Professor that made it possible… we didn’t!
UCB prides itself on a number of accomplishments and ranks highly in a number of areas. With a 14.8% average UC Berkeley acceptance rate 2020 for incoming, Out-of-State Freshmen, admissions are definitely competitive.
Don’t be intimidated! As always, we’re here to help.
Keep reading to learn more about UC Berkeley admissions requirements.
Table of Contents
Step #1: A 3.89 weighted GPA or higher
Wondering what GPA do you need to get into berkeley? Well it’s a 3.89! These are high expectations! But they’re not impossible to achieve. If attending Cal Berkeley truly is your student’s dream, you have some options to give their GPA a boost:
- If you struggle in school or are sitting just below those UC Berkeley admissions requirements, look into tutoring. Yeah, it’ll cost you some money now, but it can easily pay off later with scholarships and your student’s college diploma.
- Help yourselves to FREE academic resources by becoming a Student-Tutor member. Click here to learn more!
Step #2: 1415 on the 1600 SAT scale
This college really does pride itself on pursuing excellence — they’re not playing around UC berkeley requirements. That’s why I can’t stress it enough — use your resources. Study for the SAT as well as the ACT very carefully because they put high emphasis on the scores you achieve on those two tests during your UC Berkeley application.
ALSO, take note: for Chemistry or Engineering Majors: The SAT 2 Subject Tests are strongly recommended.
Which brings us to our next point…
Step #3: Research your major/program
You wouldn’t call a heart surgeon to come fix your TV.
What’s our point here?
An electrician and a heart surgeon “fix” things, but they have completely different skill sets to do it. Likewise, different majors and programs have requirements that are specific to them so you have to identify your college major that you will be taking.
You can figure out what major/program you’re interested in by using UCB’s Academic Guide for Undergraduate Degrees. This is a convenient tool on their website that allows you to select your student’s interests and find majors that they would like.
When you click on a major, you’ll find the information your student needs as far as any prerequisites, specific acceptance scores, and all that jazz.
If you want additional information, contact someone in the specific program’s department.
Step #4: Take your UC Berkeley Admissions Test no later than December of your graduating year
Basically, you won’t be considered otherwise! To keep your student on track for this as far as test preparation, you can make use of a planner.
How does a planner help?
Well, the best way to stay on track with this is to break your one big goal of Taking the UC Berkeley Admissions Test into smaller, SMART goals that will get you there over time. Remember, a SMART goal is all of the following:
Step #5: Have a stellar UC Berkeley Admissions Essay
Alright, look alive! This is one of the most important things considered in admissions to Cal Berkeley.
Is it really that important?
What, don’t believe me? 😉 The Institutional Research Department at UCB lists the Admissions Essay/Personal Statement as “Very Important” in terms of acceptance, along with “Rigor of Secondary School Record”, “Academic GPA”, and “Standardized Test Scores — so there ya go!
If you aren’t confident with your essay writing skills, here is a list of some articles by Student-tutor that you might find helpful:
1. How to write an informative essay
2. How to write an argumentative essay
3. Compare and Contrast Essay: The definitive guide
4. How to Start an Essay: Your Ultimate Guide to a Winning Introduction
5. How to Write a Good Essay | The Ultimate Guide
6. How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
Wondering what you should write about?
We looked through the essays of students who were accepted to UCB to find some trends.
1. Elevated Language
2. Family-Orientation
3. Specific and Individually-Centered Examples
4. Reflective Insight
Step #6: Use the comments section of your essay
If your GPA is lower than what is stated above, there is a chance you can still get in. UC Berkeley reviews students’ applications with a holistic approach.
Holistic? What does that mean?
It means that IF your GPA is lower than the average accepted, or IF your test scores are sub par, you have a chance to say why.
And guess where you can say it?
The comments section of your essay! Unrelated to the prompt of your Admission Essay, this is where you can explain to UC Berkeley what happened, and they will take it into consideration.
Step #7: Optimize your Extracurricular Activities
UCB is interested in what your student does with their time. Here’s a chance to ask what your student’s been up to, so…
Do they exhibit leadership skills? Do they work well in groups?
Specifically, Cal Berkeley pays attention to the following when considering admission:
- Character and Personality Traits
- Volunteer Work
- Work Experience
You’re in luck, because we have an article just for this! Follow the steps to create the perfect Extracurricular profile for your student’s UCB application.
Step #8: Create a MyFinAid Account
UC Berkeley has what is called a MyFinAid Account. If you are eligible for financial awards such as scholarships, this is how you view those awards.
AND to make it easier for you, UC Berkeley has this all laid out for you in a lovely tutorial video!
As with all schools, there are various scholarships available for UCB students. For example, the Berkeley College Achievement Award: Incoming full-time and part-time students with a 2.50 grade point average (GPA) or higher will be considered for receiving up to $3,000 a year.
To see other awards available you can view the entire Financial Aid Catalog of UC Berkeley.
Conclusion
Alright, let’s review. To pass the UC Berkeley admissions requirements and be a Golden Bear, we recommend the following:
- A 3.89 weighted GPA or higher
- 1415 on the 1600 SAT scale
- Research your major/program (Use UCB’s Academic Guide!)
- Take your UC Berkeley Admissions Test no later than December of your graduating year
- Do well on your UC Berkeley Admissions Essay (Remember the points I gave you!)
- Use the comments section of your essay (if needed)
- Optimize your Extracurricular Activities
- Access scholarships and other awards through your MyFinAid Account
Have any other helpful information about UC Berkeley admissions requirements for us? Tell us in the comments below!
Todd VanDuzer
Latest posts by Todd VanDuzer (see all)
- Why Finding the Right Thing to Study Matters: Setting the Foundation for Success - July 26, 2023
- How USA Staff Onboarding Benefits From Innovative Software - July 26, 2023
- Top 7 Best Reasons to Get an MBA - June 7, 2023
- How to Support Your Child When They Go to College - April 29, 2023
- How to Maximize Your Job Search with Expert Resume Writers Experienced in Your Field - April 20, 2023
Hey Todd, Not sure if you would be able to answer this question, but I am sure you can point me in the right direction to get more information. My organization employs a 15 year old young lady who is determined to attend UCB but has been home schooled for middle and high school, and will be enrolling into online school this year and possibly for the rest of her high school years. I was just wondering what steps we can start taking to get her better chances of getting into UCB, considering she does not have transcripts or any… Read more »
I would highly recommend you check out our webinar replay I did! This gives some important tips on standing out! https://student-tutor.clickfunnels.com/mm-web-class-replay
Hi Todd, im a sophomore in high school I’m 15 years old and i would like to know if U.C Berkeley is a good place to major in writing?
There are a lot of great places to major in writing. With that said, I would recommend you look at a College that does not cost a lot and focus on getting solid writing internships. It doesn’t matter that much what school you go to if you are trying to be a writer. It matters more what internships and job experience you have. I would highly recommend you start a blog and start posting content weekly by interviewing journalist to build your resume and connections! You can learn a step by step process how to do that by watching our… Read more »
I am 15 years old and have started on my associates degree in Life Sciences. Can I join Cal Berkeley as an undergraduate or do I have to transfer my degree?
You would have to ask the admission office about this! Not 100% certain!
Hi, my name is Nagib Shariff and i am a Junior at Hercules high school and i would like to know if UC Berkeley is the right college for me!! Ever since i been a little kid i have always wanted to go to UC Berkeley. I would like to know if anyone would give me a scholarship, i am willing to work as hard as possible. GO BEARS!!!!!
Watch this webinar! It will give you some tips to stand out.https://brightfuture.student-tutor.com/mm-web-class-replay
Hi, Todd. I am a high school Sophomore from Oregon and was wondering if they looked at things such as extra-curricular activities for their Health Sciences/Education department (or would just increase my chances of being accepted anyway)? My school offers a program called HOSA, which is a club for “future health professionals”. Would this be something that would be considered in the Admissions process, and would it be helpful?
A lot of things can help! I recommend you watch this webinar which can help you further! https://brightfuture.student-tutor.com/mm-web-class-replay
Hi, I’m now a sophmore in highschool and would just like to know how involved I should get in school. The only thing I did last year was cheer and I’m wanting to join some clubs next year. My question is, does having extra curricular activities increase your chances of getting accepted into the school?
I recommend you watch this webinar. https://brightfuture.student-tutor.com/mm-web-class-replay
Hello Todd! Some of the information here is not necessarily accurate for every student. I was admitted to Berkeley for the fall of this year and there are some things which I noted as imported in the admissions process. First is that the UC system has a holistic admissions process, but not as holistic as, say, Ivy League, Stanford, and MIT level schools. Unless you are a borderline student, Berkeley will not ask for letters of recommendation, your art portfolio, an interview, or extra essays. They are also not interested in your score in the 1600 point SAT if you… Read more »
Thanks for the tips! I am going to leave this comment here for everyone to see!
Hi Todd!
Although i’m only 13, Berkeley is my dream school.
I’m very interested in genetic studies but my I am worried that my GPA (3.65) isn’t good enough. Is there anything that you would recommend that I should do or some tips on how to do better?
Thanks!- Sydney Theis
Stand out! Watch this webinar it will show you how to. brightfuture.student-tutor.com/mm-web-class-replay
Hey Todd i’m 14 years old is U.C. Berkely really the place for quantim physics in engineering? I would like to know because i want to be ahead of the game.
Hello Joseph. Have you looked into our teenage mastermind program? We are offering some full ride scholarships right now. If you want to get into UC Berkeley and be surrounded by other ambitious teenagers like yourself this would be perfect!
Learn more here: https://student-tutor.com/digital-age-skills/
I am Kenneh. My dream is to pursue my geology major at Ucb. I wanted to know if the SAt and the Act are requirements for only the high school students, or they are also requirements for those holding associate degree.
I would contact UC Berkeley admissions and find out. We specialize in helping teenagers / high school students get into undergraduate school. I am not 100% certain how it would be if you have a 2-year associate degree.
Hi Todd!
Does Berkley have any good courses for quantum computing?
Prefferably PhD courses.
I’m 1 4 years old and I’ve heard that Berkley is one of the top universities for quantum computing. Is it?
I am sorry Shivani! I am not 100% certain if they do or do not. I would suggest giving them a call! Are you looking to study quantum computing? Have you developed a game plan to get into UC Berkley?
Hi! Im from Mongolia. I just have a IBT-Toefl 112 point. Do you think i have a chance?
Hey Batsukh! Send me an email! I am giving out 2 scholarships per country right now for our mastermind program to get into elite schools like UC Berkeley. I think you might be a good fit! todd@student-tutor.com
Hi Todd,
I’m only 14 years old but I’m working hard to get to where I want to be. Cal Berkeley is my DREAM college. What should I do to insure that I pursue my dreams?
Hello, Grace! Keep following our blog we are going to be releasing some very exciting information that will help you do just that! As for now we recommend keep your unweighted GPA above a 3.8, try to become a PSAT merit scholar your junior year, and score in the 95% on the SAT or ACT your junior or senior year. Check out our SAT/ACT related articles or give us a call so we can help you when the time comes!
Hi!
I’m an undergraduate student from India. How do I convert my GPA( out of 10) into the weighted or unweighted GPA?
And is there any other requirement in particular to those students from India?
Hello! I am sorry I am not 100% certain how you would go about doing that. May I suggest you contact the admission office and ask them.
Hello Todd,
So if I wanted to Major in Business at UC Berkeley and I didn’t have good math grades throughout high school (ex: c’s) but I excelled in Language Arts and possibly other helpful subjects that would contribute to a Business Major , would they consider that or totally veto my application?
Hi Samantha, You’re going to want to talk to an Admissions Representative at UCB. Here is the specific phone number for the Undergraduate Admissions at HAAS, the Berkeley School of Business: 1-510-642-1421. They will be able to tell you your options in more detail. Of course, any elite university will almost always tell you that grades are not the only factor in determining whether you’ll be accepted. This is technically true, but normally students who are accepted on these terms bring something else unique to the plate that causes them to stand out from their peers. Example: Starting your own… Read more »
I LOVE YOU
Thanks!
Hi! My name is Elsie McLaughlin, and I am a high school junior from Rhode Island. I was wondering if Berkeley looks at the specific classes you take in relation to the field of study you want to go into. For example, I would like to major in Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology, and am taking (AP) courses next year more focused on art, history, and language rather than science and math. I will not be taking a science or math course next year, but will have taken 3 years of a lab science and 3 years of math. Will… Read more »
Hi Elsie,
Thanks for commenting! Most universities do look at this, especially in more “high-intensity” majors such as engineering. Since you provided the name of the major in question, I was able to find its specialized information on the website, along with the contact information for that department/major within UC Berkeley: http://guide.berkeley.edu/undergraduate/degree-programs/ancient-egyptian-near-eastern-art-archaeology/#contacts I would suggest that you contact the relevant department at UCB to get more detailed information on the matter — and thanks for reading! 🙂
Sooo Berkeley, as with all schools in the UC system, does not look at your regular GPA and most CERTAINLY does not look at your weighted GPA. The entire UC system calculates a special number called the UC GPA. They weight the grades of certain classes more than others. For instance, grades received in health class have no weight in the UC GPA, and honors classes carry no more weight than non-honors versions of the same class. Your high school GPA and weighted GPA are entirely irrelevant to the UC Application.
Cassandra, Thank you for the comment, I’m glad to see you were engaged by this article. We do extensive research on our articles before publishing in order to give students the best possible resources we can offer. Thankfully, this article was no exception! Just to double-check, we gave the Admissions Office at UC Berkeley another call to inquire about which GPA’s they look at during the admissions process. In fact, UC Berkeley does look at both unweighted, and weighted GPA. By that knowledge, the UC Berkeley Student Profile gives some insight into the standard GPA’s for students who currently attend… Read more »
Hi Cassandra, The UC does indeed have their unique way of calculating GPA. First, they only use grades beginning with the summer after 9th grade through 11th grade in their calculation. To determine if a class is considered honors, you need to review the articulation between your school and the UC. https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution (your school may call a class honors but it may not be deemed as such by the UC and not eligible for weight in the GPA.) Last, Berkeley and UCLA are the only two schools in the UC systems that don’t cap the weighted GPA to 8 semesters… Read more »