As one of the top-ranked public universities (#5 on the Forbes List), UC Berkeley attracts a high volume of applicants every year from in-state, out-of-state, and international students. For the class of 2028, UC Berkeley received a staggering number of 124,242 applications and admitted only 13,701, bringing the admit rate to 11%, second only to UCLA at 9.0%; along with UCLA, UC Berkeley ranks as one of the most competitive public universities in the U.S.. UC Berkeley is an exciting choice for the artsy and the entrepreneurial, offering a laidback California vibe as well as the ambition of the many tech firms surrounding it. So, what are the latest admissions trends, and how does a willing applicant use them to their advantage?
Changing trends
As with other elite schools, UC Berkeley has become more selective as it receives more applicants. In 2020, the university received 88,064 applicants, with 15,390 students receiving offers; this number jumped up to 112,835 applicants after Berkeley adopted a test-optional admissions policy – the acceptance rate dropped 3%, down to 14% that year and has continued to decrease with every subsequent year.
Source: UC Freshman fall admissions summary
Geographical Diversity
State policies favour priority enrollment for in-state students (as residents pay taxes that support the operation of the UCs); however, It is interesting to note the gradual drop in California resident admits, notably from 20% in 2020 to 14% in 2023. The same trend is observed with out-of-state admits, dropping by half from 18% in 2020 to 8% in 2024. Some attribute the crisis in the state’s housing market to students opting to attend universities closer to home to save on rent prices. International admit rates have hovered between 8 and 5%. Out-of-state and international applicants face more competition due to limited spots and higher demand.
Standardized testing
The class of 2028 has reported an SAT score range of 1310-1530, with 82% of students submitting SAT scores, and an ACT score range of 30-35, with 41% of applicants choosing to submit ACT scores. UC Berkeley is test-free indefinitely, which has led to a further increase in applications and a more rigorous and competitive admissions process. Having said that, it is important to emphasize that UC Berkeley uses a holistic review process, which evaluates applicants based on criteria beyond academics, such as personal achievements, leadership, and community engagement.
A diverse student body
The university is making this move to increase admissions for underrepresented minority students and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. There has been a gradual increase in representation since 2022. African American students made up 3.6% of the incoming freshman batch in 2022 and 4.1% in 2024. Asian, Latin American, and White representation has stayed more-or-less the same, hovering between 52 and 51%, 21 and 22%, and 30%, respectively.
Source: Fall Enrollment Data for New Undergraduates
Increased competitiveness
UC Berkeley has consistently ranked among the top public institutions globally and attracts a plethora of students interested in research, entrepreneurship, and social impact. The application’s personal insight questions allow students to write their own narratives through thoughtful and reflective responses. If UC Berkeley seems like the right place for you, do not be discouraged by the statistics.
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