What GPA do you need to get into UC Berkeley computer science?

You will be able to declare Computer Science as your major when you complete your remaining technical prerequisites with a Berkeley grade point average of at least 3.30 in the 3 prerequisite courses (CS 61A, 61B/BL, and 70), and complete the application form required by the department.  

This GPA calculation only utilizes courses taken on the UC Berkeley campus. You can calculate your CS GPA using this CS Pre-Major GPA Calculator.

While there are only 3 prerequisite courses required to declare the major, there are additional lower division courses (described here) required for the CS major. To be minimally prepared for this major, you should have completed equivalents of at least Math 1A, 1B, and Math 54 at your community college. 

You should assume that your first semester will be spent completing technical requirements that you were unable to take at your community college. In some cases, it will take 2 semesters to do this. Since admissions decisions for this major will be based on the technical prerequisites taken at Berkeley, it is important that you maximize your potential for doing well. We recommend that you take only 2 technical courses a semester. However, since you need to complete lower division requirements as soon as possible, it may be necessary to take 3 technical courses your first semester of enrollment.

There are CS and lower division math courses offered through UC Berkeley Summer Session. If possible, it is advantageous to take one of these courses prior to starting your Fall semester. 

CS Transfer Course Equivalency FAQ

Sample Programs for Incoming Transfer Students

GPA/Prerequisites to Declare the CS Major

Students must meet a GPA requirement in prerequisite courses to be admitted to the CS major. Prerequisite and GPA requirements are listed below.

Major Declaration Policies

• Per campus policy, students can retake and earn credit for a class in which they received a grade of D+ or lower. Beginning Spring 2017, prerequisite courses which have been retaken will be averaged to calculate the major application GPA (For example: CS 61A = D; CS 61B = A-; CS 61A = A-; CS 70 = A; averaged GPA = 3.1). 
• If a student receives an NP in a pre-req, it will be factored as an F (0.0 grade points) when their CS major application is reviewed. 
• If a student completes equivalent courses to our prerequisite courses (CS 61A, CS 61B, CS 70) at another institution, at least one course must be completed at UC Berkeley to calculate the major application GPA. 
•  Students who do not meet the minimum prerequisite and GPA requirements for the Computer Science major, may choose to appeal the major declaration decision after they have submitted an initial application to the major. Find our more about the Major Declaration Appeal Process.

Lower Division Requirements

All courses taken for the major must be taken for a letter grade. Students must complete all the lower division course requirements with a passing letter grade to graduate. 

Students admitted to UC Berkeley Fall 2017 or later:

• Math 1A (Calculus I) *can be satisfied with at least a “3” on the AP AB or BC Calculus exam, at least a “5” on the IB Math Higher Level, or at least a "B" on A-Level Math

• Math 1B (Calculus II) *can be satisfied with a “5” on the AP BC Calculus exam or at least a "B" on A-Level Further Math

• EECS 16A(Designing Information Devices and Systems I) or Math 54(Linear Algebra and Differential Equations)  *effective Fall 22 EECS 16B is no longer a requirement
  

• CS 61A (Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs)

• CS 61B/BL (Data Structures)

• CS 61C (Machine Structures)

• CS 70 (Discrete Mathematics and Probability Theory) *Math 55 is accepted for math/cs double-majors, but CS 70 is recommended. Math grade will be used in the GPA calculation. Students need to be declared in math first.

A top-ranked US university that received a staggering 128,196 applications in the latest admissions cycle, the University of California, Berkeley is one of the most competitive institutions in the United States. UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate is estimated to be under 12%, making it the hardest to get into within the University of California system, with the average admitted student boasting a weighted GPA of 4.25 or higher, alongside impressive test scores and stand-out extracurriculars!

UC Berkeley Overview

Founded in 1868 in Berkeley, California, the University of California, Berkeley was originally born with the hope, originating from the state’s constitution, to “contribute even more than California’s gold to the glory and happiness of advancing generations.” 

Set in Northern California’s Bay Area, Berkeley is an energetic city situated about 20 minutes east of the city of San Francisco and about an hour north of Silicon Valley giants like Apple, Google and Facebook. Considered one of the US’s most prestigious public universities, UC Berkeley is home to 14 schools and colleges, including a number of renowned graduate and professional schools like the Haas School of Business, the Division of Computing, Data Science & Society, the School of Law and the Graduate School of Journalism.

UC Berkeley has consistently been socially and academically regarded as one of the top universities in the nation. The 2022 US News National University Rankings place the university at 22nd in the US, and the 2022 QS World University Rankings place it at 32nd in the world, positioning UC Berkeley among (and even above) many of the most competitive universities across the globe! Alongside other UC schools, we’ve listed UC Berkeley as second to only the University of California, Los Angeles.

This high achieving institution offers over 350 degree programs, including more than 150 undergraduate majors and minors across 50 fields of study. Its diverse student population consists of 17.5% international students and 21% transfer students, and nearly one quarter of current freshmen are first-generation college students.

UC Berkeley Academic Statistics

A Day in the Life: UC Berkeley Student

UC Berkeley’s Acceptance Rate in 2022

UC Berkeley has not officially released their acceptance rate for the class of 2026; however, given that the university received 128,196 applications and accepted around 15,000 students, its acceptance rate is expected to be just below 12%.

UC Berkeley Admissions Statistics 2021/22

How hard is it to get into UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley is one of the most difficult universities to be accepted into, and this difficulty is only exacerbated by its hefty increase in applicants over the years as well as recent threats to its enrollment capacity. This increase in applicants is reflected in UC Berkeley’s acceptance rate, which has been cut nearly in half in the last decade, dropping from 21% in 2012 to under 12% in 2022. Students that are accepted to UC Berkeley typically boast a weighted GPA of 4.25-4.61 and the same trend of excellence in their extracurriculars.

Getting into UC Berkeley is undeniably challenging, but it’s not impossible — especially with a comprehensive personal profile that goes beyond impressive grades and test scores to demonstrate who you are, what’s important to you, and how you’ll contribute to UC Berkeley’s community.

UC Berkeley Admissions Statistics From the Last Decade

UC Berkeley has seen a 140% increase in the number of applications and a 44% decrease in acceptance rate between 2011 and 2022, meaning the competition is plentiful and fierce!

UC Berkeley Admission Requirements

UC Berkeley has a selection of minimum requirements for students to be considered for admission — but the great majority of successful applicants far surpass these requirements. While there are always outliers, your academics are among the first criteria admissions officers will look at as an early ‘cutting factor’ to wade through a massive pool of applicants. So strong academics are a must!

GPA Requirements

The minimum GPA requirement for UC Berkeley applicants is 3.0, but to be truly competitive, students should aim for a GPA of at least 3.89 (unweighted) or 4.25 (weighted) for the best chances of gaining admission.

SAT/ACT Requirements

UC Berkeley and all the University of California schools do not consider SAT or ACT scores when making application decisions or awarding scholarships. Test scores can be submitted and used as an alternative to fulfill minimum eligibility requirements or for course placement after acceptance and enrollment.

Check our blog on ACT vs SAT to find out which test you should take!

Essay Requirements

When it comes to the University of California personal questions, you will have eight questions to choose from. From there, you only need to answer 4. Should there be an aspect of you that you want to share, but don’t get the opportunity to, additional comments will be available to include those extra details. See these personal insight questions to start thinking about how you want to answer.

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.  
2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.  
3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?  
4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom. 
7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?  
8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

For more information about the Personal Insight Questions please visit this helpful page on the UC application website.

International Student Requirements

UC Berkeley students represent over 50 countries. International students can apply as a freshman or as a transfer student using the UC application.

For students whose primary language isn’t English but demonstrate English proficiency, UC Berkeley accepts results from any of the following language tests:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
• Duolingo English Test (Fall 2021/2022 only, under review for Fall 2023)

If you submit the TOEFL test results to one UC campus, they will automatically go to all campuses you apply to. You must submit IELTS and DET results to each campus separately.

With hundreds of students applying to UC Berkeley and many thousands applying across the University of California system’s nine campuses, the UC application was created to streamline the process.

Key Application Deadlines

The application timeline for University of California applicants is as follows:

Key Deadlines for UC Schools

UC Application Sections at a Glance

About You

This section is where you include basic information about you and your family.

Campuses & Majors

In this section, you’ll select which campuses you’d like to apply to and mark your major if you have one. You may choose “undecided” if you haven’t chosen a major yet.

Academic History

This section is where you’ll record your high school courses and grades.

Test Scores

The UC schools do not consider ACT and SAT scores in their admission decisions. If you need an alternative method of fulfilling your minimum eligibility requirements, you may add these scores as part of your application.

You will record your scores for AP exams, IB exams, TOEFL or IELTS, and International exams on separate pages. If you haven’t taken these tests yet, you’ll need to indicate if you’re planning on taking them in the future.

Activities & Awards

Record the activities and awards you’re most proud of and the ones that you believe would make you a great candidate for UC Berkeley admission. Six categories classify the awards and honors:

• Award or honor
• Educational preparation programs
• Extracurricular activity
• Other coursework
• Volunteering/Community service
• Work Experience

Scholarships & Programs

In this section, you can select any scholarship categories that apply to you. The UC system offers support services while you’re at a UC. If you’re interested in their Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), you indicate it in this section.

How does UC Berkeley evaluate applications?

The University of California uses a system called a 13-Factor Comprehensive Review System to evaluate applicants. Each campus works with the UC Office of the President to set specific goals and determine how many first-year and transfer students they expect to enroll each fall.

UC Berkeley seeks to enroll students who will contribute to their dynamic learning community. They look for applicants with leadership skills, initiative, tenacity, and intellectual curiosity. While grades and curriculum choices indicate academic achievement, UC Berkeley considers a broad range of criteria when determining who they admit. The criteria include quantitative and qualitative factors as well as academic and personal accomplishments.

Professionally trained readers review each application using the following faculty-approved criteria. You can find the full explanations for each criterion here.

• A full record of achievement in college preparatory work in high school
• Personal qualities of the applicant
• Likely contributions to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus
• Achievement in academic enrichment programs.
• Other evidence of achievement
• Opportunities
• Challenges

Check out our blog to learn more about ways you can stand out to colleges!

How to Stand Out in Your UC Berkeley Application

With impressive students all around the world applying to UC Berkeley, what differentiates those who are accepted from those who are not?

Academically, the university’s admissions committee will consider:

• Your weighted and unweighted GPA through your last two years of high school
• Planned academic schedule for the 12th grade
• The pattern of your grades over time
• The AP, IB, honors, and transferable courses a student has access to and takes advantage of
• How an applicant’s achievement in courses measures up to competitors
• AP, IB, and SAT subject test exam scores

Beyond academics, UC Berkeley looks for students with extracurriculars and responses to their personal insight questions that demonstrate these characteristics:

• Leadership ability
• Tenacity
• Initiative 
• Insight
• Originality
• Motivation
• Intellectual independence
• Maturity
• Character
• Responsibility
• Demonstrated concern for others and the community

Personal Insight Questions

When considering your answers to the UC personal insight questions, admissions officers will look for evidence of initiative, service to others, leadership, cultural engagement, persistence, motivation, and special potential. Achievement is considered within the context of the opportunities available to the applicant. 

When discussing hardships, write about how you have confronted and overcome them and reflect on how you have learned from obstacles to highlight the character traits that UC Berkeley wants on their campus. 

Recommended Courses

Courses that are not mandatory to take or report, but could benefit your college application, include

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Honors courses
• Transferable college courses you have completed

Extracurriculars for UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley takes a holistic approach to assessing applications, meaning that both academic and non-academic features of an application are important. The university wants students who will contribute to the intellectual and cultural vitality of their campus.

Extracurriculars that show how likely an applicant is to do this can make a big difference in admissions outcomes. For more tips on how to maximize your extracurriculars for UC Berkeley, check out our ebook: How to Build an Extracurricular Profile for Top US Universities.

How Crimson helped Dafi get into UC Berkeley

Is UC Berkeley Right For You?

There are multiple factors that come into play when considering whether a university is a right fit for you. To start, consider these questions:

• Does UC Berkeley excel in programs related to your planned area of study?
• Does living on an urban campus in Northern California sound like a fitting environment for you?
• Will the university culture and social life match your personality? University life goes beyond academics — what will your average day look like attending this college?

Before choosing UC Berkeley, examine the pros and cons and determine if they align with your interests, goals, and personality. If your academics and expectations align with UC Berkeley, you should apply! If not, you might like one of the other UC schools more — or you may want to check out these other leading US universities!

Final Thoughts

The University of California, Berkeley appeals to students all over the world for many reasons. Its academic rigor, high achieving programs and alumni, and ideal location are just a few of the factors that attract ambitious high school students. 

Accepting opportunities available in your school and community is an important way to showcase the type of person you are now, and the potential you will bring with you to campus. 

To maximize your chances of admissions success, it’s critical to get started early on your college application and ensure you have plenty of time to build a personal profile that showcases your strengths, priorities and potential.

Crimson’s global network of university admissions experts are themselves former and current students at the high-caliber institutions our students strive for, and they’re available to help you craft an application that demonstrates the exact qualities that make you a good fit for UC Berkeley.

Schedule a free consultation today to begin your journey to your dream university!

What Makes Crimson Different

UC Berkeley FAQs

Where is UC Berkeley located?

UC Berkeley’s sprawling campus is the oldest and largest in the University of California system. It encompasses 1,232 total acres spread across the city of Berkeley, which sits between an expanse of multiple regional parks and preserves and the San Francisco Bay. Its main campus, housing the majority of its academic buildings, sits on the lower 178 acres adjacent to the city’s downtown area. With sunny beaches about an hour away and snowy mountains about three hours away, recreational opportunities abound for UC Berkeley students!

What is UC Berkeley known for?

UC Berkeley is known broadly for its academic excellence and rigor as well as the breadth of its study offerings. Its Computer Science program is one of the best in the country and it is consistently ranked among the top five research universities in the world.

UC Berkeley’s undergraduate programs are divided amongst six divisions: the Arts & Humanities Division, the Biological Sciences Division, the Mathematical & Physical Sciences Division, the Social Sciences Division, the Undergraduate Studies Division and the Division of Computing, Data Science and Society.

How many students are at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley’s total enrollment is 45,057 — including 31,814 undergraduate students and 13,243 graduate students. International students comprise about 17% of the total student body (7,892 overall) and about 12% of the undergraduate population.

In UC Berkeley’s class of 2025, 74.1% of students attended public school, and 26.6% are first generation. Out of incoming transfer students, 48.6% are first generation.

What is UC Berkeley’s Ranking?

The 2022 US News National University Rankings place UC Berkeley at 22nd in the US and the 2022 QS World University Rankings place it at 32nd in the world.

What are the Best Majors at UC Berkeley?

Although there is no shortage of study pathways available to UC Berkeley admits, its most popular majors are the following:

• Social Sciences (19%)
• Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (12%)
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences (10%)
• Engineering (10%)
• Mathematics and Statistics (6%)
• Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies (6%)
• Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (4%)
• Physical Sciences (4%)
• English Language and Literature/Letters (3%)

Big Questions Ep. 13: UC Berkeley

What GPA do you need to declare CS at Berkeley?

What is the lowest GPA Berkeley has accepted?

What is a good GPA to get into UC Berkeley?