University of California, Berkeley（UC Berkeley）
The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is a flagship public research university founded in 1868 and located in Berkeley, California. Ranked #17 in National Universities and #2 among Top Public Schools, UC Berkeley is known for its rigorous academics, cutting‑edge research and long history of social activism.
School Profile
Location: Berkeley, California
Type: Public
Founded: 1868
Address: 110 Sproul Hall #5800, Berkeley, CA 94720
Phone: (510) 642‑6000
School Website: berkeley.edu
What You Need to Know to Apply UC Berkeley
Admissions Stats
Acceptance Rate: 12.0%
Average High School GPA: 3.9
Average SAT Scores: N/A
Average ACT Scores: N/A
Application Information
Application Platforms: UC Application
Test-Optional Policy: Yes
Application Deadlines: Regular Decision (12/2)
Required Materials: Transcript, Recommendation
Affordability & Academic Value
Tuition & Fees
Tuition & Fees : $51,032
Room & Board (Food & Housing): $23,544
Academics
4-Year Graduation Rate: 81%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
UC Berkeley Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)
The Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) are a key part of the UC application. Applicants choose four questions out of eight and answer each in up to 350 words. These short essays allow admissions officers to learn about you beyond grades and test scores.
What Are the PIQs?
The eight prompts cover a range of themes. They invite you to reflect on leadership, creativity, talents or skills, educational opportunities or barriers, significant challenges, academic passions, community impact, and a catch‑all “Why You?” question. By choosing four, you can highlight the dimensions of your life and character you most want UC Berkeley to know.
Where to Find More Guidance
For a deep dive into each prompt, strategies on selecting the right questions and examples of standout responses, please see our dedicated post on UC Personal Insight Questions. That article offers prompt‑by‑prompt analyses and tips to help you craft compelling essays that showcase your unique story.
What Is the UC Berkeley Application Checklist
1. Submit
Completed UC Application via the UC Application portal (opens Aug 1).
Personal Insight Questions: Respond to four PIQs (350 words each).
Activities & Awards: List extracurriculars, work experience and honors.
Application Fee or Fee Waiver.
2. Request
Academic History: Provide high school course and grade information within the application; official transcripts are requested only after acceptance.
Letters of Recommendation: Only if you receive an invitation from UC Berkeley (up to two letters). Invitations are sent October–December; letters are due Jan 10.
3. Report
Final Official Transcripts: After admission, submit your final high school transcript and any college transcripts.
Exam Scores (Optional for Placement): AP, IB or other exam scores can be submitted for placement or credit purposes; SAT/ACT scores are not used in admission decisions but may be used for placement if provided
IvyMax Alumni Admitted by UC Berkeley
Academic Profile
High School GPA: 4.4
Standardized Testing: SAT 1520
AP Coursework: 9 AP Courses taken
AP Exam Performance: 5 scores of 5
Future Aspirations
Driven by a passion for entrepreneurship and social impact, this IvyMax student envisions using business as a force for good. She hopes to build innovative enterprises that blend technology, finance and sustainability, empowering communities and tackling global challenges through bold, responsible leadership.
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