What GPA is UC Berkeley looking for?

Hi guys! I’m really interested in UC Berkeley but I've heard it’s super competitive, especially the GPA requirements. Does anyone know what GPA they usually look for? Mine is around 3.8 weighted. Is it too low?

UC Berkeley is indeed quite competitive. While the UC system as a whole requires in-state applicants to have a GPA of at least 3.0, and out-of-state applicants to have at least a 3.4, UC Berkeley is one of the most selective UC campuses, and accepted students are usually well above this mark.

Especially since the whole UC system is currently operating under a test-blind admissions policy, where admissions officers do not consider SAT or ACT scores at all, a high GPA is crucial, as that is the main way schools will evaluate your readiness for college-level coursework.

For reference, accepted students at UC Berkeley usually have an unweighted GPA around 3.9. They do not report average weighted GPA, so the comparison to your 3.8 weighted is not one-to-one. Generally speaking, though, even though you are slightly below the average, you should still have hope, as GPA isn't the only factor UC Berkeley considers.

Berkeley, like many universities, also considers other factors such as your extracurricular activities and essays. While a high GPA is a crucial starting point, once you clear the initial academic threshold, these more intangible aspects are often what distinguish one talented applicant from another, rather than minor differences in GPA. A strong application will present a well-rounded view of your achievements and potential.

If you're looking for ways to strengthen the more subjective parts of your application to Berkeley, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle the UC application essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays/. Especially at highly selective schools like UC Berkeley, the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another, by showing what they have to offer beyond the numbers.

Overall, while comparing weighted to unweighted GPAs is tricky, you seem to be roughly in the range UC Berkeley looks for. If you have your unweighted GPA available, I'd suggest seeing how that mark stacks up, but either way, make sure to showcase your passions, dedication, and personal growth throughout your application. Good luck!