What's the admission rate for UC Berkeley?

I'm trying to gauge how competitive it is to get into UC Berkeley. Can someone tell me what the current admission rate is? Any tips on improving my chances of getting in would be super helpful too!

UC Berkeley is highly competitive. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, the admission rate was approximately 11%, meaning that only about eleven in every hundred applicants were accepted.

To increase your chances of admission, there are a few things you can focus on. Academics are paramount - UC Berkeley values a high GPA and rigorous course load, so maximizing both is important. If other commitments are affecting your academic performance, you may need to evaluate which are most important to you.

In addition, the University of California system uses what are known as Personal Insight Questions, which give you an opportunity to showcase your unique experiences, perspectives, and passions. Being authentic and using these essays as tools to illustrate your character and resilience can go a long way.

Next, consider the competitiveness of your chosen major. Certain majors at UC Berkeley are more competitive than others, and admission rates can fluctuate based on major. For instance, Computer Science is a particularly competitive major.

However, keep in mind that UC Berkeley is test-blind, meaning they will not consider your SAT or ACT scores, so these standardized tests do not factor into the admission decision. You can focus on other aspects of your application, like your extracurricular activities, to make up for it. Your extracurriculars should show deep engagement and leadership, ideally in activities related to your prospective major or career field.

Lastly, it's essential to ensure that your application communicates your unique story, talents, passions, and future potential, as all this helps you stand out among thousands of highly qualified applicants.