Does UC Berkeley have rolling admissions?
As decision day is coming up, I’m trying to figure out how strict the deadlines are for the UCs, especially Berkeley. I heard some schools have rolling admissions and will look at applications as they come in, but I can’t seem to find a clear answer for UC Berkeley specifically.
Do they make decisions as they receive applications, or is it more of a set timeline where everyone hears back at the same time? I’m a little stressed about getting everything submitted on time, so knowing how flexible they are (or not) would help me plan. If anyone has gone through the process recently or knows how it works, would appreciate the info!
Do they make decisions as they receive applications, or is it more of a set timeline where everyone hears back at the same time? I’m a little stressed about getting everything submitted on time, so knowing how flexible they are (or not) would help me plan. If anyone has gone through the process recently or knows how it works, would appreciate the info!
2 weeks ago
•
11 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 2 weeks ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley does not have rolling admissions. Like all University of California campuses, Berkeley uses a strict timeline for undergraduate applications. Applications are only accepted once a year during a specific window, usually from November 1 to November 30 for the following fall term. All applications must be submitted within this time frame—there are no exceptions or extensions for late applications.
Berkeley (and all UCs) operate on a fixed review process. That means they do not review applications as they arrive or offer earlier decisions to applicants who submit sooner. Instead, after the November 30 deadline, all submitted applications are reviewed at the same time, and admission decisions are released on a set date, typically in late March.
So, if you’re hoping for any flexibility around deadlines or early notification, unfortunately the UC system does not provide that. For example, if you tried to submit your application in December, it would not be considered for the upcoming admissions cycle. This is very different from rolling admissions schools, which read applications as they are submitted and will often send decisions out on a rolling basis, too.
The main takeaway: make sure you submit your UC Berkeley application by the deadline, since there is no flexibility or rolling review. A good tip is to aim to submit a day or two early, just in case there are technical issues or a last-minute crisis—lots of students end up rushing on November 30, so the system can get overloaded.
If you stay organized and plan ahead, you’ll be in a great spot. If you need help with the application or brainstorming essay ideas, there are lots of resources out there to support you through this process!
Berkeley (and all UCs) operate on a fixed review process. That means they do not review applications as they arrive or offer earlier decisions to applicants who submit sooner. Instead, after the November 30 deadline, all submitted applications are reviewed at the same time, and admission decisions are released on a set date, typically in late March.
So, if you’re hoping for any flexibility around deadlines or early notification, unfortunately the UC system does not provide that. For example, if you tried to submit your application in December, it would not be considered for the upcoming admissions cycle. This is very different from rolling admissions schools, which read applications as they are submitted and will often send decisions out on a rolling basis, too.
The main takeaway: make sure you submit your UC Berkeley application by the deadline, since there is no flexibility or rolling review. A good tip is to aim to submit a day or two early, just in case there are technical issues or a last-minute crisis—lots of students end up rushing on November 30, so the system can get overloaded.
If you stay organized and plan ahead, you’ll be in a great spot. If you need help with the application or brainstorming essay ideas, there are lots of resources out there to support you through this process!
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years