UC Irvine
Top public research university in Irvine, CA known for computer science and biological sciences. Founded in 1965, UC Irvine houses the Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences, one of fewer than fifty independent computing schools in the country and the only one in the UC system. The campus also carries a Nobel Prize in Chemistry from research on the ozone layer, alongside strong programs in biological sciences and criminology. With roughly 29,000 undergraduates, UC Irvine combines research depth with a newer, master-planned campus culture.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education. Figures reflect the most recently published class — always confirm current-cycle numbers on UC Irvine's official admissions site before applying.
Test Scores & Chances
UC Irvine 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 Irvine's testing policy.
Application Deadlines
Source: UC Irvine admissions, 2026–27 (fall 2027 entry), verified Oct 2026.
Required Supplements
- UC Application
- 4 Personal Insight Questions
Requirements vary by cycle. Confirm what UC Irvine currently asks for on its official admissions site.
What Should Your UC Irvine Essay Focus On?
- Be specific about a technical or scientific interest — vague references to 'STEM' won't stand out at a school built around a dedicated computing school
- The PIQs are about depth, not length — pick one or two experiences and go deep
- Show how you'd contribute to a still-growing, research-oriented campus community
- Demonstrate resilience and personal growth through concrete examples, not general statements
What Is UC Irvine Looking For in Applicants?
- Academic excellence able to stand out within a class of roughly 29,000 undergraduates
- Genuine interest in computing, biological sciences, or research, reflecting the campus's technical reputation
- A specific, believable plan to engage with a research-heavy but still-developing campus community
- Evidence of real problem-solving or initiative, not just credentials
See where you stand at UC Irvine.
Skora estimates your chances from UC Irvine's acceptance rate and its admitted students' test scores, then gives you feedback on every essay. Free to start.
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