As the Start of Winter has passed and the November 1 EA/ED deadline is behind us, the application season may seem to be winding down. But don’t forget, the University of California deadline looms at the end of November.
The UC system comprises nine undergraduate campuses: UCLA, UCB, UCSD, UCSB, UCI, UCD, UCSC, UCR, and UCM. All are known for their strong academic reputations, prime locations, and bright career prospects—especially UCLA and UCB, which are dream schools for many students.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the latest admission trends for the nine UC campuses for the class of 2020!
UCLA – University of California, Los Angeles
2020 U.S. News Rank: 20
Overall Admission Rate: 12%
GPA: 3.92–4.00
Weighted GPA: 4.34–4.46
SAT Scores: 1370–1540
ACT Scores: 30–35
Popular Majors: Computer Science, Physics, Architecture, Materials Engineering, Film Production, Psychology, Economics, etc.
As the most applied-to UC campus, UCLA received a staggering 111,000 applications last year and admitted 13,747 freshmen. Although admission rates vary by school, the overall rate was just 12%, and only 8% for international applicants.
At the same time, with applicant numbers climbing year after year, admitted students’ standardized test scores have risen noticeably, especially for popular tracks like engineering, medicine, and the arts. Students interested in these fields are advised to prepare early for standardized tests and aim for top scores.
UC Berkeley – University of California, Berkeley
2020 U.S. News Rank: 22
Overall Admission Rate: 16.8%
GPA: 3.89–4.00
Weighted GPA: 4.29–4.00
SAT Scores: 1350–1540
ACT Scores: 30–35
Popular Majors: Computer Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Statistics, History, Music, etc.
While UC Berkeley’s overall admission rate is a bit higher than UCLA’s, the international admit rate hovers around just 9%, meaning competition remains fierce.
The good news is that in recent years, UC Berkeley has placed more emphasis on an applicant’s overall fit and qualities, so admitted student scores can vary widely without a hard cutoff.
Therefore, students whose test scores aren’t exceptionally high are advised to put extra effort into extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and crafting standout essays—this can boost your chances to some degree.
UCSB – University of California, Santa Barbara
2020 U.S. News Rank: 34
Overall Admission Rate: 29.7%
Weighted GPA: 4.04–4.28
SAT Scores: 1300–1510
ACT Scores: 27–34
Popular Majors: Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, etc.
Thanks to its coastal location, UCSB embraces a “Study hard, play hard” ethos—rigorous academics in a free-spirited environment.
This openness extends to admissions, with an international admit rate as high as 35%. While standardized scores aren’t overly stringent, students with higher GPAs tend to be favored.
Notably, the admissions office has clearly stated that attending UCSB’s summer session can increase your chances. If you’re keen on UCSB, you might want to consider its summer program.
UCI – University of California, Irvine
2020 U.S. News Rank: 36
Overall Admission Rate: 26.6%
GPA: 3.76–4.00
Weighted GPA: 3.97–4.25
SAT Scores: 1195–1435
ACT Scores: 27–33
Popular Majors: Economics, Business, Engineering, Humanities, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.
Often joked about as “California’s internet celebrity school,” UCI’s academic prowess is nothing to scoff at—especially in STEM fields, earning it the nickname “Southern California’s Silicon Valley.”
As a relatively young UC campus, UCI boasts a strong ranking, and the city of Irvine itself is very safe and livable, leading to steadily rising applicant numbers.
Happily, UCI has a higher admission rate and admits the most international students among UC campuses. In terms of test scores, UCI prefers students whose profiles match well with the school, with scores neither too high nor too low—applicants in this sweet spot have a good chance of being admitted.
UCSD – University of California, San Diego
2020 U.S. News Rank: 37
Overall Admission Rate: 32%
Weighted GPA: 4.03–4.28
SAT Scores: 1320–1510
ACT Scores: 28–34
Popular Majors: Biology, Medicine, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Engineering, etc.
UCSD is renowned for its STEM programs and has a rigorous academic atmosphere. Its most distinctive feature is the college system, reminiscent of the houses in Harry Potter’s Hogwarts.
The seven colleges have varying admission rates, but this has nothing to do with your major choice—it just reflects different preferences in student profiles, teaching styles, and curriculum. Overall, UCSD receives the second-highest number of applications in the UC system (after UCLA) but admits a larger pool of students. If you want to immerse yourself in academics and love STEM, don’t miss out.
UCD – University of California, Davis
2020 U.S. News Rank: 39
Overall Admission Rate: 39.1%
GPA: 3.76–4.00
Weighted GPA: 4.00–4.26
SAT Scores: 1260–1480
ACT Scores: 28–34
Popular Majors: Environmental Studies, Engineering, Business, Biology, Medicine, etc.
UCD has the largest campus in the UC system and offers strong value, making it increasingly popular year by year.
Known for its “rural” charm, UCD truly excels in agriculture and environmental fields. Students aiming for these areas will need relatively high test scores.
But beyond the most popular majors, UCD is quite welcoming to international applicants. For students focused on research and academic development, it’s worth considering.
UCSC – University of California, Santa Cruz
2020 U.S. News Rank: 84
Overall Admission Rate: 51.5%
Weighted GPA: 3.76–4.16
SAT Scores: 1220–1420
ACT Scores: 25–32
Popular Majors: Computer Science, Engineering, Humanities & Arts, Social Sciences, etc.
Often called a “Public Ivy,” UCSC benefits from its prime location near Silicon Valley, giving computer science and engineering students strong job prospects.
Although the actual number of enrolled international students remains modest, applications keep climbing, and the admission rate is relatively high. Students with more modest academic profiles can definitely consider applying.
UCR – University of California, Riverside
2020 U.S. News Rank: 91
Overall Admission Rate: 56.3%
Weighted GPA: 3.69–4.11
SAT Scores: 1140–1380
ACT Scores: 22–30
Popular Majors: Social Sciences, Business, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Psychology, Engineering, etc.
Compared to other UC campuses, UCR flies somewhat under the radar, but it is also a research-focused institution with strong cultural diversity and inclusivity. It is very friendly toward international students, and undergraduates can work alongside award-winning faculty on research projects.
UCM – University of California, Merced
2020 U.S. News Rank: 104
Overall Admission Rate: 72.6%
Weighted GPA Range: 3.45–4.00
SAT Scores: 1020–1280
ACT Scores: 18–26
Popular Majors: Computer Science & Engineering, Biological Sciences
As the youngest UC campus, UCM may be unfamiliar to many students. Even those who apply often treat it as a safety school and don't actually enroll.
However, UCM has developed rapidly since its founding, adding more schools and programs, and its applicant pool grows each year. At present, the small class sizes offer distinct advantages. Students interested in computer science or biological sciences should give it a shot.
In short, the UC system places considerable weight on standardized test scores because they most directly reflect academic ability. We hope students can maintain a strong GPA and achieve excellent SAT/ACT scores; those aiming for top schools might also consider taking several AP courses.
Moreover, UC admissions officers pay more attention to personal experiences and extracurricular activities, hoping to see in the essays the environment in which students have grown and learned.
For instance, describing a hobby or a problem-solving process that showcases the student’s outstanding qualities and abilities. Additionally, essays should have a genuine and sincere tone, avoiding flashiness in favor of getting straight to the point.
