Which UC is the Easiest to Get Into?

The University of California (UC) system is a prestigious network of public universities, attracts thousands of students each year. Known for their rigorous academics and vibrant campus life, each UC campus offers unique opportunities. Navigating the application process can be daunting, especially since all UCs have varying acceptance rates and admission criteria. To make this process simpler, we’ve ranked all 10 UC campuses from easiest to hardest to get into based on acceptance rates and GPA ranges for the 2024 school year. 

Further, we will highlight what makes each campus unique. The following rankings are based on acceptance rates and interquartile GPA ranges (UCs no longer require test scores) during the 2024 school year.

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UC Acceptance Rates and Rankings for 2024

1. UC Merced

UC Merced, the newest campus in the UC system, offers a welcoming environment with a relatively very high acceptance rate of 91.7%. This campus focuses on sustainability and research opportunities, providing students with hands-on experiences in various fields. It boasts a wide range of disciplines and clubs for students to get involved in. Additionally, the campus is situated near beautiful natural landscapes, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on undergraduate research and hands-on learning
• A focus on sustainability and environmental studies
• Great location and atmosphere 
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 3.41 - 4.04

2. UC Riverside

UC Riverside has an acceptance rate of about 76.4%, making it one of the more accessible UC campuses. Known for its diverse student body and strong academic programs, particularly in the fields of agriculture, engineering, and business, UC Riverside provides a vibrant campus life and numerous extracurricular activities. The campus is also home to the University of California, Riverside Botanic Gardens, which offers students a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to study plant sciences.

Highlights:

• Diverse student population and inclusive campus culture
• Strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business
• Beautiful botanic gardens for study and relaxation
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 3.66 - 4.15

3. UC Santa Cruz (UCSC)

UC Santa Cruz, located in the picturesque coastal town of Santa Cruz, boasts an acceptance rate of 51%. This campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, with redwood forests and ocean views. UCSC offers unique academic programs, particularly in environmental studies, biology, and the arts. The campus emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to explore various fields and engage in innovative research.

Highlights:

• Emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and creative approaches to education
• Strong programs in environmental science, biology, and the arts
• Scenic campus with redwood forests and ocean views
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 3.4 - 4.22

4. UC Davis

UC Davis, with an acceptance rate of approximately 42.1%, is renowned for its research programs, particularly in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences. 

Location: Located near California’s capital, Sacramento, UC Davis provides students with a vibrant campus life and numerous opportunities for internships and community engagement. The campus is also known for its strong commitment to sustainability and social justice, making it an excellent choice for students passionate about these issues.

Highlights:

• Strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental sciences
• Vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities
• Commitment to sustainability and social justice
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.00 - 4.26

5. UC Santa Barbara (UCSB)

With an acceptance rate of around 32.9%, UC Santa Barbara is a highly competitive campus known for its stunning coastal location and rigorous academic programs. UCSB excels in research, particularly in the fields of physics, engineering, and environmental studies. The campus also offers a rich cultural scene, with numerous events, clubs, and organizations that cater to a diverse student population. Its beautiful beaches and active lifestyle make UCSB a popular choice for students seeking both academic and recreational opportunities.

Highlights:

• Excellent programs in physics, engineering, and environmental studies
• Vibrant campus culture with numerous events and activities
• Beautiful coastal location and outdoor recreational opportunities
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.13 - 4.29

6. UC Irvine

UC Irvine, with an acceptance rate of approximately 25%, is known for its academic rigor and strong research programs. The campus offers a wide range of disciplines, including biological sciences, engineering, and business. UC Irvine is also recognized for its diverse student body and commitment to inclusivity. The campus is situated in a prime location, providing easy access to Los Angeles and San Diego, making it a convenient choice for students interested in internships and job opportunities in the region.

Highlights:

• Strong programs in biological sciences, engineering, and business
• Diverse student body and commitment to inclusivity
• Prime location with access to major cities for internships and jobs
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.04 - 4.27

7. UC San Diego (UCSD)

UC San Diego, with an acceptance rate of about 26.8%, is recognized for its outstanding research programs, particularly in the fields of science, engineering, and medicine. The campus is known for its innovative approach to education, emphasizing collaboration and interdisciplinary studies. UCSD is also home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, a leader in marine and earth sciences. With its beautiful coastal location and commitment to sustainability, UCSD attracts students who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

Highlights:

• Strong research programs in science, engineering, and medicine
• Innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education
• Home to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and a commitment to sustainability
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.10 - 4.28

8. UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley is one of the most prestigious public universities in the world, with an acceptance rate of around 11%. Known for its rigorous academic standards and exceptional faculty, Berkeley excels in a variety of fields, including engineering, computer science, and the social sciences. The campus has a rich history of activism and cultural engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities to get involved in social issues. Its location in the San Francisco Bay Area offers unparalleled access to tech companies and research institutions.

Highlights:

• Renowned for strong programs in engineering, computer science, and social sciences
• A rich history of activism and cultural engagement
• Proximity to Silicon Valley and major research institutions
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.15 - 4.29

9. UC Los Angeles (UCLA)

UC Los Angeles (UCLA) is another highly competitive campus, with an acceptance rate of approximately 9%. Known for its world-class academic programs and vibrant campus life, UCLA offers a diverse range of disciplines, including film and television, business, and the health sciences. The campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, providing students with ample opportunities for internships and networking in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. UCLA’s strong emphasis on research and innovation makes it an attractive choice for aspiring scholars.

Highlights:

• World-class programs in film and television, business, and health sciences
• Vibrant campus life with numerous cultural and social activities
• Prime location in Los Angeles for internships and networking
• GPA of middle 25%-75% students: 4.20 – 4.30

10. UC San Francisco (UCSF)

UC San Francisco primarily focuses on graduate and professional education, and thus the estimated acceptance rate is difficult to pinpoint. It does not have an undergraduate acceptance rate, but getting into UCSF medical school is still tremendously competitive.

UCSF is known for its exceptional programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy, and it consistently ranks among the top institutions in healthcare education and research. The campus is dedicated to improving health through innovative research and public service, making it an ideal choice for those committed to advancing healthcare.

Highlights:

• Top-ranked programs in medicine, nursing, and pharmacy
• Focus on healthcare research and public service
• Strong commitment to improving health outcomes globally

Conclusion

Navigating the admissions process for the University of California system can be challenging, especially with varying acceptance rates and academic strengths across the campuses. By understanding which UC schools are easier to get into, you can strategically apply to institutions that align with your personal goals and interests.

From the welcoming environment of UC Merced to the prestigious halls of UC Berkeley and UCLA, each UC campus offers a unique experience and valuable opportunities for students. Whether you’re passionate about environmental studies, engineering, or healthcare, there’s a UC campus that’s perfect for you.

As you embark on your college search, keep these rankings and highlights in mind. Make sure you take the time to research each campus further to find the best fit for your academic journey. Remember, different schools are good for different majors, so apply these rankings to your situation accordingly. To keep up to date with application deadlines, check out another one of our blog posts. Further, for detailed admission rates, visit the University of California Admissions page.

Good luck, and may your future be filled with exciting educational opportunities at one of California's renowned universities!

P.S.- Do you want to calculate your chances of getting into any particular university? Sign up to Kollegio now! 

By Suvan Sarveswaran