What Are the Public Ivies, and How Hard Are They to Get Into?

The Public Ivies are a group of highly selective public research universities widely recognized for offering an elite academic experience. The nine most commonly cited are the University of Michigan, UCLA, UC Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Florida, and the College of William and Mary.

Here is how each school looks by the numbers and what you need to know strategically.

The University of Michigan has an overall acceptance rate of approximately 15.6%, based on 98,310 applicants for Fall 2024. SAT scores for enrolled students range from 1360 to 1530, and ACT composites from 31 to 34. Michigan superscores all four standard ACT sections (English, Math, Reading, and Science). Michigan recently added binding Early Decision for the 2025-26 cycle on top of its existing Early Action option, though round-specific acceptance rates are not publicly reported.

UCLA admitted approximately 9.4% of applicants for Fall 2025 out of 145,070. It is fully test-blind, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered for admissions under any circumstances. There is no Early Action or Early Decision program; UCLA uses the UC system's single application window. California residents were admitted at roughly 9.6%, domestic nonresidents at 11.2%, and international applicants at 6.4%.

UC Berkeley admitted approximately 11.4% of its 126,796 Fall 2025 applicants. Like UCLA, it is test-blind and uses no EA/ED programs. California residents were admitted at about 13.6%, domestic nonresidents at 10.3%, and international applicants at 6.1%.

Georgia Tech admitted approximately 12.7% of applicants based on its 2025 first-year profile, but the in-state versus out-of-state gap is significant: 16% for Georgia residents versus 9% for non-Georgia applicants. That 9% out-of-state rate makes Georgia Tech more selective than Cornell or Dartmouth for students from outside the state. Georgia Tech superscores only three ACT sections: English, Math, and Reading. Science and Writing are completely excluded from its review. There is zero benefit to retaking the ACT to improve your Science score if Georgia Tech is on your list.

UVA admitted approximately 17% of its 58,966 applicants for 2024-25, but the round breakdown is highly strategic. Early Decision carries a 28% offer rate, Early Action sits at 18%, and Regular Decision drops to just 12%. The in-state advantage is also substantial: 26% overall for Virginia residents versus 13% for out-of-state applicants, with the gap widening further in ED (31% in-state vs. 23% out-of-state). UVA superscores all four ACT sections. SAT composites for admitted students generally range from 1410 to 1540, and ACT composites from 32 to 35.

UNC Chapel Hill admitted approximately 15.3% of 66,535 Fall 2024 applicants. SAT ranges for enrolled students are 1400 to 1520, and ACT composites 29 to 34. UNC has Early Action but no binding Early Decision. Notably, the in-state EA admit rate was approximately 39.5% in the most recent available data, a very significant advantage for North Carolina residents. UNC superscores only English, Math, and Reading on the ACT; Science is optional to report and not used in calculating your composite.

UT Austin admitted approximately 26.6% of applicants based on College Board data, with SAT ranges of 1230 to 1480 and ACT of 29 to 34. UT Austin is the only Public Ivy that does not superscore the ACT at all. It uses the highest composite from a single test sitting, meaning multiple attempts to combine section scores provide no benefit. Focus on one peak performance day.

The University of Florida admitted approximately 24.2% of applicants, with enrolled students scoring 1330 to 1470 on the SAT and 29 to 33 on the ACT. UF has nonbinding Early Action with a November 1 deadline and January notification. It superscores English, Math, and Reading only; Science is explicitly excluded from admissions evaluation.

William and Mary admitted 37% of applicants for the Class of 2029, with no published residency gap in the headline rate. SAT ranges for enrolled students are 1390 to 1520, and ACT composites 32 to 34. William and Mary superscores all four standard ACT sections, and if you submit both SAT and ACT scores, the school will use whichever is more advantageous.

The strategic takeaway on ACT preparation is worth spelling out clearly. Michigan, UVA, and William and Mary use and superscore all four sections, so every section matters. Georgia Tech, UNC, and UF use only English, Math, and Reading, so prepping for or retaking to improve Science is wasted effort at those schools. UT Austin does not superscore at all, so one excellent single-sitting performance matters more than multiple attempts. UCLA and Berkeley are test-blind, so ACT preparation is irrelevant for those applications entirely. No Public Ivy requires ACT Writing, and none use it in admissions evaluation.

For in-state applicants, the residency advantage at Virginia, Georgia, and North Carolina is real and substantial, but it does not guarantee admission. These schools remain highly selective even for residents. For out-of-state applicants, understand that several Public Ivies have out-of-state admit rates that rival or exceed those of private Ivy League schools, and your application strategy should reflect that. Success at the Public Ivy level requires the same preparation as applications to the most selective private universities: a strong academic profile with depth, compelling essays, and a test strategy calibrated to each specific school's policies.