Education and Training

University of California Berkeley: FAQ

Q1: What is the acceptance rate and average GPA of admitted freshmen at University of California Berkeley? What is the student to faculty ratio?

A1: The acceptance rate at UC Berkeley is 17.3%. The average GPA of admitted Freshmen is 4.19. At the University of California Berkeley there is a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1.

Q2: What is campus life like at University Of California Berkeley?

A2: “Life at Berkeley doesn't stand still. With over 35,000 students from around the world and a vibrant urban setting, it's no wonder the campus community talks about a "fear of missing out."” There are always events and performances for students to enjoy. Students can also take part in recreational sports and other student organizations.

Q3: Is financial aid available at UC Berkeley? If so how much financial aid is offered?

A3: Students attending UC Berkeley are offered financial aid through grants, scholarships, loans and federal work-study. 65 percent of UC Berkeley’s undergraduates receive some type of financial aid.

Q4: How many degree programs does University of California Berkeley offer to students?

A4: The students of UC Berkeley have more than 350 degree programs to choose from. UC Berkeley offers many degree programs in fields such as engineering, business, science, and many more.

Q5: Does UC Berkeley have a study abroad program for its students?

A5: “Since 1962, UC Berkeley students have studied abroad, internationalizing the Cal campus and creating a community of globally informed students and alumni.” Students can go just about anywhere in the world to enhance their college learning experience. Studying abroad helps to prepare students for life after college.

Q6: What if an incoming student doesn’t know what they want to study?

A6: UC Berkeley has over 13,000 courses that undergraduates can take. This gives undergraduates many choices to choose from. Undergraduates can also take part in the student-run democratic education, or De-Cal. Students in the De-Cal program can choose and facilitate their own classes. This allows students to try out several different fields and majors so that they can find one that they enjoy.

Q7: What do admissions officers expect to see on an undergraduates application?

A7: Freshmen must have completed their a-g courses, a grade point average of 3.0 or better, and met the examination requirement for the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. It is also recommended that students that are interested in the College of Engineering or College of Chemistry should take the Math 2 or a science subject test. Not only do admissions officers look at an applicant's academic achievement, but they also look at their achievements and experiences outside of school such as athletics and employment.

Q8: What important dates and deadlines do I need to remember?

A8: Applications are available by August 1 and the application deadline is October 30. The SAT test deadline is December 31. UC Berkeley will notify you in early January that they have received your application. At the end of march freshmen decisions will be posted.

Q9: What is the average cost for a student living on campus for one year?

A9: The average cost for a student living on campus is about $33,418 a year. Tuition on its own costs $13,510 per year.

Q10: Why should someone want to attend the University of California Berkeley?

A10: UC Berkeley is ranked as the number one public university in the nation. “A Berkeley education earns our graduates an additional $26,333 each year in income over those who did not go to college.”