UC Berkeley: Admission, Fees & Eligibility (2024)

The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley, Berkeley, Cal, or California) is a public land-grant research university in Berkeley, California. It was established in 1868 as the University of California and is the state’s first land-grant university and the founding campus of the University of California system.
UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in the United States. It is known for its strong academics, research, and student activism. Some of its notable alumni include 31 Nobel laureates, 14 Turing Award winners, 22 Pulitzer Prize winners, and 11 Academy Award winners.

UC Berkeley Rankings and Strengths

Rankings

• #20 in National Universities (2023) – US News & World Report
• #8 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings (2023)
• #10 in QS World University Rankings (2024)
• #15 in ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities) (2023)
• #12 in CWUR (Center for World University Rankings) (2023)

Strengths

• #3 in Engineering by US News & World Report
• #1 in Computer Science by US News & World Report
• #4 in Physics by US News & World Report
• #5 in Chemistry by US News & World Report
• #10 in Biology by US News & World Report

UC Berkeley Programs and Courses

Popular Majors

Interdisciplinary Programs

• Environmental Studies
• Public Policy
• Urban Planning

Example Courses

Undergraduate

In-state: $14,226

Out-of-state: $43,980

Graduate

Academic: $10,825

Professional: $37,984

In addition to tuition and fees, students also need to factor in the cost of living, which is high in the Bay Area. The average cost of living for a student in Berkeley is about $25,000 per year.

There are a number of financial aid options available to students at UC Berkeley, including scholarships, grants, and loans. The university also offers a work-study program that allows students to earn money while they are attending school.

Admission Requirements

• GPA: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, but aim for a GPA of 3.8 or higher to be competitive.
• SAT or ACT scores: The average SAT score for admitted students is 1470, and the average ACT score is 34.
• Recommendations: Submit three letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors who can speak to your academic abilities and character.
• Personal essays: Write two personal essays that showcase yourself and explain your desire to attend UC Berkeley.
• Extracurricular activities: Get involved in extracurricular activities to demonstrate your well-roundedness and engagement.

Additional Factors Considered

• Your intended major: UC Berkeley wants students interested in its programs and who can excel in them.
• Your residency status: In-state students are given preference.
• Your financial need: UC Berkeley strives to make education accessible to all students.

If you’re interested in applying to UC Berkeley, you can start the application process on the university’s website. The application deadline for Fall 2023 is November 30, 2022.

Tips for Admission

• Take challenging courses: Demonstrate your capability to handle UC Berkeley’s rigorous academics.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities: Showcase your well-roundedness and passion.
• Write strong personal essays: Craft compelling essays to stand out from other applicants.

• Sather Tower (Campanile): Also known as the Campanile, it is the most recognizable landmark on the UC Berkeley campus. It is a 307-foot tall bell tower that was completed in 1914.
• Haas School of Business: One of the top business schools in the world. It is located on the south side of campus and is known for its innovative curriculum and focus on social responsibility.
• Hearst Memorial Mining Building: A beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture. Completed in 1903, it is home to the university’s College of Engineering.
• Moffitt Library: The largest library on the UC Berkeley campus, located in the center of campus and a popular study spot for students.
• Sproul Plaza: The heart of the UC Berkeley campus, a large open space used for protests, demonstrations, and events.
• Doe Library: The second largest library on the UC Berkeley campus, located on the north side, housing humanities and social sciences collections.
• California Memorial Stadium: Home of the UC Berkeley Golden Bears football team, seating over 60,000 people and located on the east side of campus.
• Greek Theatre: An outdoor amphitheater used for concerts, plays, and events. It seats over 12,000 people and is located on the west side of campus.
• Telegraph Avenue: A popular shopping and dining district just off campus, known for its eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.

Internship and Opportunity Options at UC Berkeley

On-Campus Internships

UC Berkeley offers a robust internship program that connects students with businesses and organizations in the Bay Area. Students can find internships in various fields, including engineering, business, computer science, and the humanities.

Off-Campus Internships

UC Berkeley students have the opportunity to find internships off campus as well. The university provides resources like the career center and online job boards to help students discover off-campus internship opportunities.

Co-ops

A co-op is a more structured and longer form of internship. It typically lasts for a semester or a year, and students earn academic credit for their work. Co-op experiences can provide valuable hands-on learning and industry exposure.

Research Opportunities

UC Berkeley’s status as a leading research university opens up research opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty members. These research opportunities span various fields and can serve as an excellent way to gain experience and enhance your resume.

Study Abroad

UC Berkeley students can also take advantage of study abroad programs to gain international experience. With programs available in diverse countries, studying abroad offers the chance to explore different cultures, languages, and academic perspectives.

Scholarship Opportunities at UC Berkeley

Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to California residents and AB540 eligible students with a 4.1 GPA or higher.

Fiat Lux Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to California residents with a 3.8 GPA or higher and a demonstrated commitment to public service.

Middle Class Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to California residents with a 3.5 GPA or higher and financial need.

New Leader Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated leadership potential.

Chancellor’s and Regents’ Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to the top students in the UC Berkeley freshman class.

In addition to these scholarships, UC Berkeley also offers a number of other scholarships, including scholarships for students from specific countries, scholarships for students from specific majors, and scholarships for students with specific interests.