2026 Admissions Data Update for Popular UC Campuses: Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego

The University of California has released its latest admissions data for fall 2026. As the three UC campuses receiving the most applications and attention, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego showed different admissions trends this year. Applications continued to rise at Berkeley and UCSD, while their admission rates declined. UCLA admitted more students, increasing its overall admission rate from 9% last year to 11%.

However, admitted students at all three campuses continued to demonstrate very strong academic performance, and competition for popular colleges and majors remained much more intense than the overall campus data suggests.

UC Berkeley: Applications Continue to Rise as the Admission Rate Falls to 10.5%

UC Berkeley received 133,157 freshman applications this year and admitted 13,919 students. The university expects 6,477 students to enroll. Compared with last year, applications increased by approximately 5%, while the number of admitted students decreased by about 3.7%. As a result, the overall admission rate fell from 11.4% to 10.5%. This shows that applications to Berkeley continue to rise while enrollment capacity has not increased at the same pace, making admission even more competitive.

Berkeley admitted students from the waitlist again this year. A total of 5,170 students accepted a place on the waitlist, and 411 were eventually admitted, resulting in a waitlist admission rate of approximately 8%. This is an improvement from last year, when Berkeley did not admit any students from the waitlist. However, an 8% rate still means that waitlist admission is unlikely. Students who receive a waitlist decision should first secure a place at another college rather than relying on Berkeley as their primary path to admission.

The middle 50% range for admitted students’ unweighted GPAs was 3.91 to 4.00. Based on a typical high school course load, this generally means grades close to straight As, with no more than approximately one or two Bs. The middle 50% range for weighted GPAs was 4.36 to 4.73. In addition to nearly all As, this range reflects a highly rigorous course load. Students would generally need to complete multiple UC approved AP, IB, or Honors courses to reach this level of weighted GPA.

However, when most admitted students’ grades are concentrated near the top of the scale, a high GPA only places an applicant within the competitive range. It does not create a clear distinction by itself. The rigor of the student’s course selection, the clarity of their academic interests through activities, and the ability of their essays to communicate personal direction and impact can all continue to influence the final decision.

Berkeley reviewed more than 159,000 applications this year, and its enrollment yield remained above 51%. More than half of admitted students ultimately chose to attend Berkeley, showing that the university continues to attract a large share of highly qualified applicants.

For application guidance and campus resources, Berkeley introduced the UC Berkeley Unlocked series of online events, offering application presentations, information sessions, and comprehensive admissions guidance. The university is also continuing its efforts to provide two years of undergraduate housing and is adding housing options such as Bancroft Fulton and Heumann House.

Several teaching and research facilities are under construction or renovation, including CDSS Gateway, Moffitt Library and the Free Speech Movement Cafe, Heathcock Hall, Bakar Labs for Energy and Materials, and the Undergraduate Academic Building. Berkeley also plans to reduce campus carbon emissions by 60% before 2030 and continue expanding its investment in clean energy and materials research.

UCLA: The Overall Admission Rate Rises, but Differences Among Colleges Remain Significant

UCLA received 146,700 freshman applications this year and admitted 15,942 students. The university expects 6,775 students to enroll. Applications increased by approximately 1.1% from last year, while the number of admitted students increased by about 16.4%. As a result, the overall admission rate rose from 9% to 11%.

Although UCLA’s overall admission rate increased this year, this does not mean that every major became easier to enter. Admission rates vary substantially among colleges, so students should not evaluate their chances based only on the university’s overall rate of 11%.

The UCLA College of Letters and Science received 102,709 applications and admitted 13,020 students, resulting in an admission rate of 13%. The School of Engineering received 30,499 applications and admitted 2,279 students, for an admission rate of 7%. Both the School of Theater, Film and Television and the School of the Arts and Architecture had admission rates of 5%, while the School of Music admitted 23% of applicants.

The School of Nursing was the most competitive. It received 5,869 applications and admitted only 37 students, resulting in an admission rate of approximately 1%, or about one admission for every 159 applicants.

The School of Engineering admitted approximately one out of every 13 applicants, so preparation in mathematics and science remains especially important. Programs in theater, film, art, and architecture consider not only academic performance but also preparation within the field and specialized application materials. The College of Letters and Science had a relatively higher admission rate, but it still received more than 100,000 applications and remained highly competitive.

UCLA’s admitted students had an average unweighted GPA of 3.95, which generally corresponds to approximately one B during high school. Their average weighted and capped GPA was 4.24. Based on a typical course load, this usually means grades close to straight As and at least approximately five AP or Honors courses. Among admitted students, 21% were first generation college students and 23% came from low income families.

This year, UCLA offered waitlist positions to 19,293 students. Of the 11,352 students who accepted a place, 1,036 were eventually admitted. This resulted in a waitlist admission rate of approximately 9.1%, down from 11.1% last year. The waitlist can still provide an opportunity, but it should not be treated as a primary admissions strategy.

UCLA also reminded applicants to report every course they have taken, including Dual Enrollment courses. The university is using the National Student Clearinghouse to verify college enrollment records, and failing to report a course may affect the application review. Students must also maintain their original course rigor and academic performance after admission and should not repeat transferable college courses for which they have already earned credit. College coursework may also affect future major eligibility and major GPA calculations. Before applying, students should confirm whether they should submit an application as a freshman or a transfer student.

UCLA introduced a new Digital Humanities major and a Bachelor of Arts program in Arts and Architecture. The Arts and Architecture program includes three areas of focus: Computational Art, Design, and Games. UCLA also added minors in Health Humanities, Real Estate, and Sports Leadership and Management. These changes reflect the university’s continued expansion of interdisciplinary programs, creative technology, and career focused study.

In addition, UCLA experienced a 9% increase in transfer applications and a small increase in applications from students outside California. The university has also begun preparing for its role in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Village.

UC San Diego: Applications Rise as Waitlist Opportunities Decline Significantly

UC San Diego received 141,700 freshman applications this year and admitted 38,600 students, resulting in an overall admission rate of 27.2%. Compared with last year, applications increased by approximately 3.7%, while the number of admitted students decreased by about 0.6%. The admission rate therefore fell from 28.4% to 27.2%. Although the decline was modest, the continued growth in applications and slight reduction in admissions show that competition is becoming more intense.

UCSD expects 7,500 to 8,000 students to enroll this year, down from last year’s estimate of 8,500. This reflects a reduction in the size of the incoming class. The change in waitlist admission was even more significant. This year, 19,400 students accepted a place on the waitlist, and 1,100 were eventually admitted. The waitlist admission rate was approximately 5.7%, compared with about 19% last year. As a result, students should be even more cautious about treating the waitlist as a likely path to admission.

Among admitted California residents, 35% were first generation college students and 35.6% came from low income families. The middle 50% GPA range for admitted students was 4.12 to 4.28, nearly unchanged from last year’s range of 4.12 to 4.29. Overall academic performance therefore remained very strong.

UCSD introduced or updated several majors this year, including Business Data Science, Clinical Psychology, and Experimental Psychology. These additions further expand the university’s undergraduate offerings in data science and psychology.

Applicants should pay particular attention to selective majors. UCSD identifies Data Science and Public Health as selective majors. Within the School of Engineering, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering are also selective.

If a student’s first choice is a selective major, UCSD strongly recommends listing an alternate major. The university’s overall admission rate of 27.2% does not represent the actual level of competition in these popular fields. Students planning to apply in data science, computer science, engineering, or public health should consider both their first choice and alternate major carefully.

How to Understand This Year’s Changes at the Three Campuses

Applications to Berkeley continued to increase this year, but the number of available admission offers did not grow at the same pace. Its admission rate fell further to 10.5%. With admitted students’ GPAs already concentrated near the top of the scale, course rigor, extracurricular experiences, and essay content have become even more important.

Although UCLA’s overall admission rate rose from 9% to 11%, the differences among its colleges remain substantial. The College of Letters and Science admitted 13% of applicants, the School of Engineering admitted 7%, and the School of Nursing admitted only 1%. Students must consider the specific college and major when evaluating their chances rather than relying only on UCLA’s overall admission rate.

UCSD’s overall admission rate remained higher than those of Berkeley and UCLA, but applications continued to rise, the incoming class became smaller, and the waitlist admission rate fell from approximately 19% to 5.7%. For applicants to selective majors, the actual level of competition will be much higher than the campuswide rate of 27.2%.

Overall, all three universities continue to expect very strong grades and rigorous coursework. Academic performance determines whether students meet the basic competitive standard, but major selection, course preparation, extracurricular direction, and application content still have a direct influence on the final outcome.

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