What are the requirements to get into UC Berkeley?
I'm a rising senior and I've always dreamed about going to UC Berkeley. I know it's a super competitive school, but I'm not totally sure what the actual requirements are to apply. I've looked at their website, but all the information about A-G courses, test-optional policies, and different GPA things is making my head spin.
Would anyone be able to clarify exactly which classes and credits I have to have done by the end of senior year? Also, do I need a certain GPA or are there any must-have extracurriculars for Berkeley? If you're a current or past applicant, what did you focus on for your application?
I'd appreciate any advice from people who have been through the process, especially if you're from California like me!
Would anyone be able to clarify exactly which classes and credits I have to have done by the end of senior year? Also, do I need a certain GPA or are there any must-have extracurriculars for Berkeley? If you're a current or past applicant, what did you focus on for your application?
I'd appreciate any advice from people who have been through the process, especially if you're from California like me!
4 months ago
•
46 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 4 months ago
Advisor
Getting into UC Berkeley requires planning, but it becomes much more manageable once you know the requirements.
Academic requirements:
UC Berkeley, like all UCs, requires completion of the A–G subject requirements by the end of senior year:
History/Social Science – 2 years
English – 4 years
Mathematics – 3 years (4 recommended)
Laboratory Science – 2 years (3 recommended)
Language Other Than English – 2 years (3 recommended)
Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year
College-Preparatory Elective – 1 year
You need at least a C in these courses. The UC system sets a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA (10th and 11th grade A–G courses), but UC Berkeley’s admitted average is much higher, usually in the 4.15–4.30 weighted range. Testing (SAT/ACT) is not considered.
Beyond academics:
UC Berkeley places strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement, leadership, and the Personal Insight Questions. They want to see initiative, creativity, and impact—students who will bring something unique to the campus.
My experience:
In my own application, I focused on showing depth and independence. I founded a nonprofit project called the Ethical Fashion Show, where I taught people how to use thrift stores and promote sustainable fashion. It grew into a community-wide effort: businesses supported it, newspapers covered it, and even the mayor showed up. I was very hands-on, reaching out to local businesses and running the event on my own. That experience showed initiative, leadership, and resilience.
Culturally, I highlighted my Polish language studies, which demonstrated commitment to personal growth and connection to my heritage. Academically, instead of taking many AP courses, I pursued a two-year transfer track at a junior college while in high school. That not only helped me knock out a significant number of classes, but it also proved I was ready to handle college-level work.
The takeaway:
Berkeley looks for more than just grades. They want students who challenge themselves academically, take initiative outside the classroom, and show through their essays who they are and what they value. Meeting the A–G requirements and aiming for a strong GPA is essential, but pairing that with authentic extracurriculars and essays that reveal resilience, independence, and passion is what makes an application stand out.
Academic requirements:
UC Berkeley, like all UCs, requires completion of the A–G subject requirements by the end of senior year:
History/Social Science – 2 years
English – 4 years
Mathematics – 3 years (4 recommended)
Laboratory Science – 2 years (3 recommended)
Language Other Than English – 2 years (3 recommended)
Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year
College-Preparatory Elective – 1 year
You need at least a C in these courses. The UC system sets a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA (10th and 11th grade A–G courses), but UC Berkeley’s admitted average is much higher, usually in the 4.15–4.30 weighted range. Testing (SAT/ACT) is not considered.
Beyond academics:
UC Berkeley places strong emphasis on extracurricular involvement, leadership, and the Personal Insight Questions. They want to see initiative, creativity, and impact—students who will bring something unique to the campus.
My experience:
In my own application, I focused on showing depth and independence. I founded a nonprofit project called the Ethical Fashion Show, where I taught people how to use thrift stores and promote sustainable fashion. It grew into a community-wide effort: businesses supported it, newspapers covered it, and even the mayor showed up. I was very hands-on, reaching out to local businesses and running the event on my own. That experience showed initiative, leadership, and resilience.
Culturally, I highlighted my Polish language studies, which demonstrated commitment to personal growth and connection to my heritage. Academically, instead of taking many AP courses, I pursued a two-year transfer track at a junior college while in high school. That not only helped me knock out a significant number of classes, but it also proved I was ready to handle college-level work.
The takeaway:
Berkeley looks for more than just grades. They want students who challenge themselves academically, take initiative outside the classroom, and show through their essays who they are and what they value. Meeting the A–G requirements and aiming for a strong GPA is essential, but pairing that with authentic extracurriculars and essays that reveal resilience, independence, and passion is what makes an application stand out.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years
Rating