Prospective Freshmen FAQs
| What makes Berkeley different from other universities? |
Ask this question to one hundred different people on campus and you’ll receive one hundred different answers. Topping the list, though, are UC Berkeley’s:
- History as the founding campus of the University of California, chartered in 1868.
- World-class instruction with 7 Nobel Laureates currently on the faculty.
- Ranking as the No. 1 public university in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report (2009).
- True diversity with no single ethnicity holding the majority and more than 100 countries represented in the undergraduate student body.
- Unrivaled location where you can surf, hike and snowboard all in one day; plus, San Francisco is just a short ride away.
- Find out why Berkeley can be a fit for you...sign up for your own personalized web page at: pictureyourself.berkeley.edu
| What kind of classes do you offer in my major? |
With more than 100 designated majors, plus the option to custom design your own, Berkeley’s course offering is as diverse as its student body. Whether you want to take Cities and the Arts, Elementary Sanskrit or Computational Nanoscience, search online by curricula or course to find a world of options. To find out more about majors, including the department links, sign up at pictureyourself.berkeley.edu. For a list of majors, see our Viewbook on the Online Publications page.
| How do I find out more information about Berkeley student life? |
Since college isn’t just about classes and grades but rather is a total package of intellectual, emotional and social growth, Cal’s Office of Student Life is there to help you get involved and stay connected to over 1,000 different activity groups. Can’t find anything you like? Start your own club!
| How do I apply to Berkeley and can I apply Early Decision? |
Berkeley uses the UC common application, so you only have to submit one application for any and all of the UC campuses. The best way to apply is online. It produces the most complete application, but you can also print out a copy and send it in or ask that a form be sent to you.
The current fall application is available in early October, and you have the month of November to file. The deadline for all applicants is November 30. Berkeley does not have an Early Decision or Early Action plan. Complete application timetable and other information can be found on the Current Applicants page of our website.
| Does Berkeley require teacher or counselor recommendations? Should I have an interview? |
No. If we need more information from you, we’ll let you know. We also don’t conduct admissions interviews.
| How can I prepare for Berkeley? What courses should I take? |
If you’re applying to the UC, you need to know about the "a-g" course pattern required for UC eligibility. You should take more than the minimum requirement and also take advantage of as many honors and AP-level courses as are offered at your high school, plus college-level courses, if they're available.
You may want to take advantage of some of the College Prep Online services offered by Berkeley such as free test preparation and tutorials.
| Which of my courses will count for honors credit on the UC Application? |
You can get extra points for up to eight semesters of UC-certified honors-level courses taken in the last three years of high school to determine UC eligibility, but Berkeley will also consider all approved honors-level courses in the comprehensive review for selection. Ask your teacher or guidance counselor or check UC Doorways to see if a course is approved.
| Which of my community college courses will transfer for Berkeley credit? How much? |
The ASSIST website has all of the information on transferable course credit for California community colleges and other schools in the UC and CSU systems. If you earned credit at another college or university, those courses will be evaluated after you apply.
| Will I get college credit for my AP or IB courses? How much? |
Yes. You can get credit for AP scores of 3 or above and/or for IB (higher-level) exam scores of 5 or above. The amount of credit will depend on your score and the College you’re applying to. Learn more in our Quick Reference Guide.
| Does Berkeley have Pre-Medical and Pre-Law programs? |
Berkeley has excellent programs to prepare you for graduate or professional schools and high success rates for those applying to top law and medical schools. For more information, visit our Online Publications page and download the Pre-Med or Pre-Law flier.
| Who do I talk to about playing for Berkeley sports teams? |
Berkeley is part of the PAC-10 Conference (Go Bears!) So if you’re interested in playing D-I at Cal, have your coach contact our coach. You can also find out more about NCAA recruiting practices at CalBears.com.
| What does it take to get into UC Berkeley? |
This is a difficult question because every student has individual strengths and weaknesses. That’s why every application is read and evaluated in our comprehensive review process and no grade or test score cut-offs or formulas are used.
Most students who get into Berkeley have taken some of the most challenging courses their school offers and have done very well. The required SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Assessment plus Writing Test and SAT Subject test scores are also considered in the review as well as the Personal Statement – your chance to tell us your accomplishments, challenges and opportunities during high school. For more information, visit the Online Publications page and download the Freshman Admission flier.
| What are my chances of getting into UC Berkeley? |
Berkeley is among the most selective universities in the country, becoming more competitive each year. Generally the campus is able to admit about one in four freshman applicants.
| Does Berkeley prefer ACT or SAT scores? |
Both ACT and SAT scores are equally accepted for admission. And remember, no matter which exam you choose, subject tests are required.
| How important is participating in extracurricular activities? |
From Taiko to the Rubberband Club leadership, passion and talents abound. Berkeley values a diverse student body where interests run the gamut. In our comprehensive review, you will be looked at as a total person. Sustained passion for and involvement in extracurricular activities help us see your potential as a leader and your ability to contribute to our campus community. So achievement in these areas may influence our decision, but it may or may not be a deciding factor.
| What should I write about in my Personal Statement? |
The Personal Statement is a chance to let us see a part of you that isn’t revealed in your courses, grades, list of activities and test scores. For details about the Personal Statement, see the flier on our Online Publications page.
| As a student with a disability, should I reveal my disability on my application or in my Personal Statement? |
The Admissions Office recognizes that an applicant’s disability circumstances might affect the reliability of their GPA and test scores. Although you are neither required nor expected to reveal any information about your disability, medical, psychological or other personal circumstances, you may contact the Admissions Office at 510- 642-3175 about opportunities for having your disability taken into account that do not require you to disclose your disability on your application. Any information concerning your disability will be held in strict confidence in accordance with University policy and federal and state laws.The Personal Statement is a chance to let us see a part of you that isn’t revealed in your courses, grades, list of activities and test scores. For details about Students with Disabilities, see the flier on our Online Publications page.
| What does it cost to attend Berkeley and how do I apply for financial aid/scholarships? |
Whether you’re planning on living on campus, off campus or with your parents, check out our Tuition, Fees and Financial Aid chart. Our Financial Aid FAQs for Prospective Students can help you in applying for aid.
| Is there financial aid available for undocumented students? |
If you are an undocumented student, you can’t get state or federal financial aid, but there are websites like Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Salvadoran-American Leadership and Educational Fund, Educators for Fair Consideration and Fastweb.com that have scholarship information.
| How can I talk to an admissions representative? |
Check to see if a Berkeley rep is visiting your high school or attending a pre-college program in your area. You can also call our office at 510-642-3175 to talk with an admissions officer, Monday-Friday, between 9 am and noon and 1 pm and 4 pm (PST).
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