How tough is it to get into Berkeley?

Hey everyone, my dream school has always been Berkeley since I found my love for Computer Science. Can anyone share how challenging it is to get admitted there? Do they look only at grades or consider other aspects as well?

Berkeley, particularly for popular majors like Computer Science, is indeed highly selective. Admission rates in recent years have floated around the 11% mark, meaning they accept around 11 out of every 100 applicants. That being said, getting admitted is about more than just grades.

First and foremost, Berkeley examines an applicant's GPA and course rigor—meaning how challenging your courses were throughout high school. They're especially interested in seeing that you pursued advanced courses in your area of interest, in your case, Computer Science.

However, in addition to academic achievement, Berkeley takes into account other factors including your personal qualities, extracurricular activities, and essays. Being involved in a few extracurriculars related to your intended major, such as computer science clubs or coding competitions, can show that you're passionate about your field. Excellent Tier 1 and Tier 2 extracurricular activities, for example, winning a national or international coding competition, can significantly improve your chances, but Tier 3 and 4 activities, like being a leader in a computer science club, can also add value to your application.

The personal essays you submit as part of the UC application play a significant role as well. They provide an opportunity to showcase your passions, experiences, and personal qualities that aren't reflected in your academic records. A really good essay is one that is deeply personal and provides insight into who you are, beyond just your achievements.

For the 2024-2025 application cycle, UC Berkeley is also test-blind, meaning that SAT and ACT scores won't be considered in the admission. This focus on a holistic review allows more room for your essays and extracurriculars to shine.

Remember that getting into Berkeley is not an exact science and admissions can be unpredictable. However, with a strong academic record, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and powerful essays, you'll be well-positioned for consideration.