Is UC Berkeley generally more selective than Arizona State University?

UC Berkeley is substantially more selective overall than Arizona State University. Berkeley receives an exceptionally large volume of applications for a limited number of undergraduate places and evaluates applicants in a highly competitive UC admissions process. Arizona State has a much broader-access mission and admits a far larger share of qualified applicants.

The difference is visible in the academic profiles each school typically attracts. Berkeley applicants often present very rigorous high-school coursework and strong performance in a competitive statewide and national pool, while ASU uses more transparent admission standards and offers multiple pathways for students who meet its academic requirements.

Selectivity also varies within each university. Berkeley’s most sought-after majors and colleges, including engineering, computer science-related fields, and business-oriented programs, can be especially difficult to enter. At ASU, certain programs and honors options may be more competitive than admission to the university as a whole, but they do not make ASU comparably selective overall.

For building a college list, Berkeley should be treated as a highly selective reach for most applicants, whereas ASU may fall anywhere from likely to target depending on your grades, course rigor, residency, intended major, and the specific ASU program you choose.