UC Davis
Top public research university in Davis, CA known for agriculture, environmental science, and veterinary medicine. Founded in 1905 as a University Farm for UC Berkeley, Davis grew into a full-fledged campus and now houses the Weill School of Veterinary Medicine, ranked No. 1 in the nation for ten consecutive years. Beyond agriculture, the campus has built strong programs in environmental science, engineering, and the life sciences, backed by a sprawling, bike-friendly campus culture. With roughly 32,000 undergraduates, Davis offers a hands-on, land-grant approach to research that's distinct from its urban UC counterparts.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education. Figures reflect the most recently published class — always confirm current-cycle numbers on UC Davis's official admissions site before applying.
Test Scores & Chances
UC Davis does not have a published middle-50% SAT/ACT band on file, so this guide shows no chance estimate yet. Sign up free and a counselor can still help you plan around UC Davis's testing policy.
Application Deadlines
Source: UC Davis admissions, 2026–27 (fall 2027 entry), verified Oct 2026.
Required Supplements
- UC Application
- 4 Personal Insight Questions
Requirements vary by cycle. Confirm what UC Davis currently asks for on its official admissions site.
What Should Your UC Davis Essay Focus On?
- Connect your interests to real research or hands-on work, not just abstract academic goals
- The PIQs reward specificity — describe an actual project, experiment, or commitment rather than a general trait
- Show how you'd contribute to a close-knit, community-oriented campus known for its collaborative culture
- Demonstrate genuine curiosity about sustainability, agriculture, or life sciences if that's a draw — generic pre-med or pre-vet interest won't stand out
What Is UC Davis Looking For in Applicants?
- A track record of hands-on engagement — research, farm work, environmental projects — rather than only classroom achievement
- Academic excellence able to stand out within a class of roughly 32,000 undergraduates
- Authentic interest in agriculture, environmental science, or veterinary/life sciences, given the campus's land-grant roots
- A specific, believable contribution to a collaborative, community-driven campus culture
See where you stand at UC Davis.
Skora estimates your chances from UC Davis's acceptance rate and its admitted students' test scores, then gives you feedback on every essay. Free to start.
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