What qualities does UC Berkeley look for in applicants?
I'm starting to build my college list and UC Berkeley is one of my top choices. I want to make sure I focus on the things that actually matter to them when it comes to applications. I keep hearing that all the UCs are kind of unpredictable, but also that Berkeley has its own vibe and preferences.
Does anyone know what specific traits or achievements stand out to them? Is GPA more important than extracurriculars, or do essays play a bigger role? If you got in or know anyone who did, what do you think made the difference? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the competition, so any advice on what Berkeley is actually looking for would really help.
Does anyone know what specific traits or achievements stand out to them? Is GPA more important than extracurriculars, or do essays play a bigger role? If you got in or know anyone who did, what do you think made the difference? I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the competition, so any advice on what Berkeley is actually looking for would really help.
1 month ago
•
42 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 1 month ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley is one of the most selective UCs, and while admissions can feel unpredictable, there are consistent qualities they look for.
Academic excellence is foundational. Berkeley expects strong grades, especially in rigorous courses such as honors, AP, IB, or college-level. The GPA range for admitted students is very high, often above 3.9 weighted, although holistic review means context matters, including school difficulty or personal challenges.
Beyond grades, Berkeley values intellectual curiosity and initiative. They want students who genuinely enjoy learning and who pursue their interests beyond the classroom. This can include academic clubs, research, arts, leadership roles, or projects that show persistence and impact.
Essays carry significant weight. Since UC applications do not include teacher recommendations, the four PIQ essays are how admissions officers get to know you. The strongest essays reveal authenticity, resilience, and personal growth. Applicants who stand out often write about challenges they have overcome, passions they have pursued deeply, or ways they have made a unique contribution to their community.
Berkeley also values depth over breadth. Sustained commitment to one or two meaningful activities is more compelling than shallow involvement in many. Having a clear focus, whether that is through winning competitions, leading an initiative, or starting a project, can make an application stronger.
Ultimately, successful applicants present a cohesive application with strong academics, authentic passion, and a sense of what they will uniquely bring to the Berkeley community.
From my own experience, what mattered most were the essays. My SAT score was only slightly above average, and while I had good grades, my magnet school was very challenging, so my GPA was lower than it might have been at another school. I was worried about that. What made the difference, I believe, was that I poured my heart into my essays. I printed out over a hundred pages of drafts. I would listen to my favorite songs to get into the right emotional space and tried to capture who I truly was. I wrote about nonprofit work, organizing a city event, and how those experiences and even failures helped me cope with the grief of losing an important family member. That honesty and depth mattered.
So while strong academics help, I believe the essays can be the tipping point. If you put your heart and soul into them, showing not just what you did but who you are and why it mattered, it can make all the difference. I am grateful I did that, and I would love to help you do the same.
Academic excellence is foundational. Berkeley expects strong grades, especially in rigorous courses such as honors, AP, IB, or college-level. The GPA range for admitted students is very high, often above 3.9 weighted, although holistic review means context matters, including school difficulty or personal challenges.
Beyond grades, Berkeley values intellectual curiosity and initiative. They want students who genuinely enjoy learning and who pursue their interests beyond the classroom. This can include academic clubs, research, arts, leadership roles, or projects that show persistence and impact.
Essays carry significant weight. Since UC applications do not include teacher recommendations, the four PIQ essays are how admissions officers get to know you. The strongest essays reveal authenticity, resilience, and personal growth. Applicants who stand out often write about challenges they have overcome, passions they have pursued deeply, or ways they have made a unique contribution to their community.
Berkeley also values depth over breadth. Sustained commitment to one or two meaningful activities is more compelling than shallow involvement in many. Having a clear focus, whether that is through winning competitions, leading an initiative, or starting a project, can make an application stronger.
Ultimately, successful applicants present a cohesive application with strong academics, authentic passion, and a sense of what they will uniquely bring to the Berkeley community.
From my own experience, what mattered most were the essays. My SAT score was only slightly above average, and while I had good grades, my magnet school was very challenging, so my GPA was lower than it might have been at another school. I was worried about that. What made the difference, I believe, was that I poured my heart into my essays. I printed out over a hundred pages of drafts. I would listen to my favorite songs to get into the right emotional space and tried to capture who I truly was. I wrote about nonprofit work, organizing a city event, and how those experiences and even failures helped me cope with the grief of losing an important family member. That honesty and depth mattered.
So while strong academics help, I believe the essays can be the tipping point. If you put your heart and soul into them, showing not just what you did but who you are and why it mattered, it can make all the difference. I am grateful I did that, and I would love to help you do the same.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years