What is University of California, Berkeley's acceptance rate?

University of California, Berkeley's acceptance rate is 11%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.

What SAT or ACT score do you need for UC Berkeley?

Admitted students typically score about 1370–1530 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 31–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.

Is UC Berkeley test-optional?

University of California, Berkeley's current testing policy is: Test-blind. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

University of California, Berkeley Acceptance Rate & How to Get In (11%)

11%

Acceptance rate

1370–1530

SAT (mid 50%)

31–35

ACT (mid 50%)

Test-blind

Testing

How hard is it to get into UC Berkeley?

With a 11% acceptance rate, University of California, Berkeley is highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant. It enrolls roughly 32,000 undergraduates (urban setting) in Berkeley, CA. At this level, strong grades and scores are the baseline, not the differentiator — your essays and what makes you distinctive carry real weight.

What it takes to get in

SAT: admitted students land around 1370–1530 (middle 50%). Aim for the upper end to be competitive.
ACT: the middle 50% is about 31–35.
GPA: admitted students average around 3.93. Rigor (APs/IB/honors) matters as much as the number.
Testing policy: Test-blind. Confirm on the school's site, since policies shift each cycle.
Essays: at UC Berkeley's selectivity, the application essays are often what separates similar applicants. Make them specific and authentically yours.

Cost

Published tuition is about $48,200 out-of-state ($14,700 in-state) per year before aid. Many students pay less after financial aid — check the school's net price calculator.

Notable programs

Computer Science · Engineering · Business (Haas) · Public Policy

See the Common App personal-statement guide

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UC Berkeley admissions FAQ

What is University of California, Berkeley's acceptance rate?: University of California, Berkeley's acceptance rate is 11%, which makes it highly selective — a reach for nearly every applicant.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for UC Berkeley?: Admitted students typically score about 1370–1530 on the SAT (middle 50%) and about 31–35 on the ACT. Scores at or above this range strengthen your application, but they are one factor among many.
Is UC Berkeley test-optional?: University of California, Berkeley's current testing policy is: Test-blind. Always confirm on the school's admissions site, as policies change by cycle.

Sources & official links

UC Berkeley official website
UC Berkeley on College Scorecard (U.S. Department of Education)
Admissions figures compiled from the Common Data Set and IPEDS.

Figures are the most recent available from Common Data Set, IPEDS, and public reports, and are approximate. Always confirm details on University of California, Berkeley’s official admissions site.