UC Berkeley
Top public university in Berkeley, CA known for engineering and computer science. Founded in 1868 as the flagship campus of the University of California system, Berkeley was the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement in the 1960s and remains known for student activism. The College of Engineering and Haas School of Business both rank as elite, backed by one of the largest research budgets of any public university. With roughly 33,000 undergraduates, Berkeley offers an unusually wide range of majors and research opportunities for a public school.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education. Figures reflect the most recently published class — always confirm current-cycle numbers on UC Berkeley's official admissions site before applying.
📅 Application Deadlines
📝 Required Supplements
- UC Application
- 4 Personal Insight Questions
✍️ What Should Your UC Berkeley Essay Focus On?
- Show intellectual curiosity and personal growth
- The PIQs are about depth, not length — be specific
- Show how you'll contribute to the Berkeley community
- Demonstrate resilience and personal growth
🎯 What Is UC Berkeley Looking For in Applicants?
- Academic excellence able to stand out within a class of roughly 33,000 undergraduates
- Intellectual curiosity suited to a campus with a long history of activism and independent thought
- Personal growth and resilience, shown through how an applicant has responded to real challenges
- A specific, believable plan to contribute to campus life at a very large public university
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