UC Berkeley admissions—what's important?

Hi there! My top choice is UC Berkeley, and I'm wondering if anyone can give me some insight into what they value in applicants. Like, do they care more about GPA, extracurriculars, or something else? Thanks in advance!

Hey! UC Berkeley is a fantastic choice, and I'm glad you're considering it. When it comes to their admissions process, they do use a holistic review, which means they consider all aspects of your application. That being said, some factors can be more important than others.

First and foremost, they'll look at your GPA and the rigor of your coursework. Berkeley wants to see that you've taken challenging classes and have done well in them. This demonstrates your academic capability and your commitment to learning.

Extracurriculars are also important, but focus on quality over quantity. It's better to have a few activities where you've shown commitment, leadership, and growth, than a long list with minimal involvement.

Additionally, your personal insight questions carry considerable weight in the admissions process. Be sure to craft thoughtful and compelling responses that showcase your unique qualities, experiences, and passions.

Finally, UC Berkeley does not require standardized test scores anymore, so extra emphasis is placed on the factors I mentioned above.

To sum up, while GPA and coursework are very important, the rest of your application, including your extracurriculars and essays, plays a significant role in the admissions decision as well. Best of luck to you!