University of Berkeley—How tough is it to get in?

Hey everyone! Just a stressed junior here who's dreaming of getting into Berkeley. I know it's a top university and admission is highly competitive. So realistically speaking, how hard is it to get accepted there? I mean, what should my grades, coursework, and extracurriculars look like? Any tips from current students or people who've been accepted would be hugely appreciated!

You're right that UC Berkeley is a highly competitive university. It has an average GPA of about 3.9, meaning that the student body is generally composed of students who excelled academically in high school, often taking several AP or IB classes. Just remember, while grades and coursework are important, they are not the only factors considered in admissions.

When it comes to extracurriculars, quality takes precedence over quantity. Admissions officers at UC Berkeley, like many competitive universities, are less interested in students who are well-rounded, and more interested in students who have a highly developed specialty, also known as a "spike." Many successful applicants have 8-10 extracurriculars of varying tiers. For example, being a member of a school club (Tier 4) coupled with having a leadership role in a club or being top 10 in a sport in the state (Tier 2 and 3) are combinations that can demonstrate a student's passion and capability in particular areas. Rarely, applicants might even have a Tier 1 activity like a national award or recognition on their resume.

Also, remember that essays play a huge role in your application. They allow admission officers to get to know you better as a person. Unfortunately, many students resort to cliche topics like sports victories, moving schools, or hard work in a challenging class. These topics can still work, but your essay must offer a unique perspective or be extremely personal to stand out. Singular experiences or moments of conflict can often make for compelling essay subjects.

Finally, as part of the UC system, Berkeley became “test-blind” starting the 2020-2021 application cycle. This means that neither SAT nor ACT scores will be considered in their admissions process for domestic or international students, even if you choose to submit them. Nevertheless, certain scholarships or programs may still require these scores.

It's natural to feel stressed about this, especially with such high stakes. However, try to focus on what you can control: your performance in classes, the depth of your extracurricular activities, and crafting a compelling personal narrative in your essays. Good luck!