Hey, anyone on here applied and got accepted into UC Berkeley? I'm really lost on their admission requirements. I know they're competitive, but can someone break down the requirements for me? Much appreciated!
Sure, I'd be more than happy to help you understand UC Berkeley's admissions requirements.
First, when submitting your application, you will need to complete the University of California application. This is the common application for all UC schools. The application filing period for UC schools is October 1 to November 30, so you'll want to make sure you're ready to submit by that deadline.
UC Berkeley, like other UC schools, looks at several factors when considering admissions. The application review is holistic, which means that they don’t just look at your academic achievements.
Academically, UC Berkeley considers your grades in high school, particularly in A-G courses (required courses by UCs), the rigor of your high school curriculum, your class rank, and your GPA in 10th and 11th grades.
However, starting from the 2024-2025 application cycle, UC Berkeley has gone test-blind, which means SAT and ACT scores are not considered at all in the admissions process. This is a shift from previous years when test scores were considered one component of the admissions application.
The personal insight questions, which are part of the UC application, are very important. These give you an opportunity to tell the admissions committee more about who you are, what's important to you, and what you've accomplished outside the classroom.
Extracurricular activities are also highly valued. The school wants to see that you've used your time outside of class productively, whether that means participating in clubs at your school, working a part-time job, or volunteering in your community. They categorize these activities into different Tiers, with Tier 1 being the highest.
Lastly, UC Berkeley, like other top schools, likes it when students are high achievers in a particular area, also known as having a "spike." They aren't necessarily looking for "well-rounded" students, it's more about showing passion and dedication in one or two areas.
I hope that helps clarify UC Berkeley's admissions process!
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