The University of California (UC) system is home to nine undergraduate campuses, each offering unique academic strengths, research opportunities, and campus cultures. While UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and UC Irvine often dominate discussions, UC Riverside, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Santa Barbara provide outstanding education and distinct experiences that may be the perfect fit for the right student.
This guide explores the admissions competitiveness, GPA expectations, popular and emerging majors, and campus environments of these four UC schools, helping students and families make informed decisions.
How UC Admissions Work: GPA Calculation & Selection Criteria
Before diving into individual campuses, it’s important to understand how the UCs evaluate applicants.
UC GPA Calculation
Unlike many other colleges, UC schools use a specific GPA calculation based on A-G coursework from 10th and 11th grade only. This is the UC-weighted and capped GPA, which includes extra points for AP, IB, or UC-approved honors courses, but only up to 8 semesters of weighted credit.
• Unweighted GPA: No extra points for honors/AP/IB
• Weighted and Capped GPA: Extra points for honors/AP/IB (up to 8 semesters)
• Fully Weighted GPA: Extra points for every honors/AP/IB course taken
The 13 Factors UC Campuses Consider
The UC system uses comprehensive review to evaluate applicants, considering:
✅ GPA and rigor of coursework
✅ Performance in A-G courses
✅ Extracurricular activities
✅ Leadership roles
✅ Special talents and achievements
✅ Personal insight essays
✅ Socioeconomic background
✅ Overcoming challenges
✅ First-generation status
✅ Family responsibilities
✅ Geographic location
✅ High school context
✅ Demonstrated interest (though this varies by campus)
The UCs do not consider SAT/ACT scores for admission or scholarships.
Comparing the 9 UC Campuses
1. UC Berkeley (UCB) – The Flagship & Innovation Hub
📍 Location: Berkeley, CA (San Francisco Bay Area)
📊 Admit Rate: ~11-15%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.17-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Rigorous academics, research, social activism
Popular Majors:
• Computer Science & Electrical Engineering
• Business Administration (Haas School of Business)
• Political Science & Public Policy
• Environmental Science
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Data Science (rapidly growing field)
• Global Studies
• Sustainability & Renewable Energy
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Highly independent, driven students who enjoy intellectual debate
🔹 Those passionate about research, activism, or entrepreneurship
🔹 Students looking for proximity to Silicon Valley and tech hubs
Distinguishing Factor: Ranked the #1 public university in the U.S., Berkeley is a powerhouse for research, STEM, and social impact.
2. UCLA – The Powerhouse & Entertainment Capital
📍 Location: Los Angeles, CA
📊 Admit Rate: ~8-12%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.18-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Film, medicine, sports, social mobility
Popular Majors:
• Business Economics
• Psychology & Neuroscience
• Film & Television
• Biology (Pre-Med)
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Computational & Systems Biology
• Public Health
• Digital Humanities
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Students who enjoy big city life, networking, and school spirit
🔹 Those drawn to entertainment, sports, or healthcare industries
🔹 Ambitious students looking for a balance of academics and social life
Distinguishing Factor: UCLA’s Film School, sports culture (Pac-12 powerhouse), and access to Hollywood make it a top choice for creative and athletic students.
3. UC San Diego (UCSD) – The STEM & Research Powerhouse
📍 Location: La Jolla, CA (San Diego)
📊 Admit Rate: ~23-30%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.12-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Science, engineering, and research
Popular Majors:
• Biology (Pre-Med)
• Computer Science
• Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
• Cognitive Science
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
• Oceanography & Climate Science
• Public Policy
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Analytical, research-oriented students who love STEM
🔹 Students who prefer a collaborative, low-key social scene
🔹 Future healthcare and tech professionals
Distinguishing Factor: UCSD operates a unique college system (like Hogwarts houses), where students are placed into different colleges with specialized themes and coursework requirements.
4. UC Davis – The Agriculture & Life Sciences Leader
📍 Location: Davis, CA (near Sacramento)
📊 Admit Rate: ~40-50%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.10-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Veterinary science, environmental studies, agriculture
Popular Majors:
• Animal Science & Pre-Vet
• Environmental Science
• Food Science & Nutrition
• Mechanical & Civil Engineering
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Sustainable Agriculture & Regenerative Farming
• One Health (human-animal-environmental health connections)
• Biotechnology
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Outdoorsy students who love sustainability and hands-on learning
🔹 Those interested in vet school, agriculture, or environmental policy
🔹 Students who prefer a tight-knit, community-driven campus
Distinguishing Factor: UC Davis has the top veterinary program in the world and offers extensive research in sustainability and climate science.
5. UC Irvine (UCI) – The Tech & Healthcare Hub
📍 Location: Irvine, CA (Orange County)
📊 Admit Rate: ~20-30%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.08-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Pre-med, computer science, business
Popular Majors:
• Computer Science
• Nursing & Public Health
• Criminology & Law
• Biomedical Engineering
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Game Design
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Future healthcare professionals, engineers, and business leaders
🔹 Students who enjoy a suburban, safe, and organized environment
Distinguishing Factor: UC Irvine is a major medical research center with strong pre-med and nursing programs.
6. UC Riverside (UCR) – The Rising STEM & Business Powerhouse
📍 Location: Riverside, CA (Inland Empire, 60 miles from Los Angeles)
📊 Admit Rate: ~55-66%
🎓 Average GPA: 3.7-4.1 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: STEM, business, and diversity
Popular Majors:
• Business Administration (highly ranked)
• Biology & Biomedical Sciences
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Psychology & Neuroscience
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Robotics & Intelligent Systems
• Public Policy
• Environmental Engineering
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Students interested in STEM, business, and healthcare careers
🔹 Those looking for a diverse, inclusive, and supportive environment
🔹 Students who want access to Southern California’s job market without the intense competition of UCLA/UCSD
Distinguishing Factor: UC Riverside has one of the fastest-growing engineering programs in the UC system and a top-ranked business school.
7. UC Merced – The Newest & Fastest-Growing UC
📍 Location: Merced, CA (Central Valley)
📊 Admit Rate: ~85-90%
🎓 Average GPA: 3.5-3.9 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: STEM, sustainability, and first-generation college students
Popular Majors:
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Biological Sciences (Pre-Med & Research)
• Psychology & Cognitive Science
• Environmental Science & Sustainability
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Public Health
• Data Science & AI
• Biomedical Engineering
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 First-generation college students looking for a supportive and close-knit environment
🔹 Students interested in STEM, sustainability, and research opportunities
🔹 Those who want a rapidly growing campus with state-of-the-art facilities
Distinguishing Factor: UC Merced is the newest UC (founded in 2005) and offers cutting-edge research opportunities for undergraduates, particularly in environmental science and engineering.
8. UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) – The Research & Liberal Arts Hybrid
📍 Location: Santa Cruz, CA (Coastal, near Silicon Valley)
📊 Admit Rate: ~47-55%
🎓 Average GPA: 3.8-4.2 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Research, environmental sciences, and social justice
Popular Majors:
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Marine Biology & Environmental Science
• Psychology & Cognitive Science
• Film & Digital Media
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Astrobiology
• Game Design & Interactive Media
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Students looking for a balance between research and liberal arts
🔹 Those passionate about the environment, social activism, and the arts
🔹 Students who enjoy a laid-back, nature-filled campus near the beach
Distinguishing Factor: UC Santa Cruz is one of the best UCs for undergraduate research and has a strong connection to Silicon Valley for tech internships.
9. UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) – The Academic & Coastal Paradise
📍 Location: Santa Barbara, CA (Beachfront campus)
📊 Admit Rate: ~27-37%
🎓 Average GPA: 4.05-4.3 weighted/capped
🔥 Known For: Engineering, physics, and social sciences
Popular Majors:
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Economics & Business
• Sociology & Global Studies
• Physics & Astrophysics
Emerging Majors & Programs:
• Environmental Science & Marine Biology
• Data Science & AI
• Technology Management
Who Thrives Here?
🔹 Students looking for academic rigor in a beautiful, relaxed setting
🔹 Future engineers, scientists, and business professionals
🔹 Students who enjoy outdoor activities, social life, and a balanced college experience
Distinguishing Factor: UC Santa Barbara is a Tier 1 research institution with a strong physics and engineering program and an unbeatable beachside location.
Need Help Choosing the Right UC? Let’s Talk!
The UC system offers incredible opportunities, but finding the best-fit campus can make all the difference in your student’s success. If your student needs help building a strong college list, navigating UC admissions, or writing compelling UC essays, I’d love to help.
📩 Reach out today for expert guidance!
Check back soon for more information on the UC Campuses!!
