Getting into UC Berkeley - How difficult?

Question

Hi there, I’ve always wanted to go to UC Berkeley; it's my dream school. But I’m feeling kinda anxious about how intensely competitive it is. What’s the difficulty level? Should I breathe easy or prepare for the worst?

Accepted Answer

UC Berkeley is known for its competitive admissions process, and the difficulty level can be quite high. For the fall 2024 admissions cycle, UC Berkeley offered admission to over 13,700 first-year students, with a significant majority (79%) being California residents [source](https://news.berkeley.edu/2024/08/02/almost-80-of-uc-berkeleys-first-year-admits-are-from-california/). This reflects the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities primarily to in-state students.

The admissions process at UC Berkeley is based on a holistic review, which considers both academic and personal information presented in the application. This approach allows the university to admit a diverse undergraduate class [source](https://admissions.berkeley.edu/apply-to-berkeley/application-resources/selection-process/). The holistic review process, pioneered by UC Berkeley, has been adopted by most UC campuses, emphasizing a comprehensive evaluation beyond just grades and test scores.

In terms of selectivity, the university's admissions data should be used as a general guide rather than a precise predictor of individual chances. The [admissions data](https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses-majors/berkeley/freshman-admit-data.html) for first-year students provides a snapshot of the academic qualifications of applicants and those admitted, but it is important to approach these numbers with caution.

Overall, while UC Berkeley is indeed competitive, the holistic review process means that applicants have the opportunity to showcase a wide range of strengths and experiences. It's advisable to prepare thoroughly, focusing on both academic achievements and personal statements that highlight unique qualities and contributions. This balanced preparation can help mitigate anxiety and improve your chances of admission.

![UC Berkeley Admissions](https://www.collegeadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/uc-berkeley-admissions_thumb-scaled.jpg)

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Getting into UC Berkeley - How difficult?

Hi there, I’ve always wanted to go to UC Berkeley; it's my dream school. But I’m feeling kinda anxious about how intensely competitive it is. What’s the difficulty level? Should I breathe easy or prepare for the worst?

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