UC Berkeley SAT Score Policy for 2025: What Applicants Need to Know

UC Berkeley SAT Score Policy 2025: Do SAT Scores Still Matter?

Anisha Agarwal logo
Updated on, Sep 18, 2025

byAnisha Agarwal

UC Berkeley SAT score requirement ranges on a scale of 1300 to 1530. Candidates need to consider 3 crucial factors before applying for admission to the university: SAT Scores, GPA, and Acceptance Rate. UCB GPA requirements are 3.8, and the acceptance rate is 11%. Except, UC Berkeley's SAT requirements focus on academic excellence, and extracurricular activities for a successful admission process.

You must have a clear knowledge of the UC Berkeley SAT Score and GPA requirements. 91% students who got admitted to the university have a 3.75+ GPA. There is no absolute SAT score requirement, but having at least a 1300+ score can strengthen your application. For an easy admission process, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1530 SAT and a 3.8 GPA or higher.

UC Berkeley Admission Stats 2025


UC Berkeley SAT Score Requirements 

UC Berkeley has certain SAT requirements that students need to consider before applying for any undergraduate program at the university. Based on the 25th percentile and 75th percentile, students' Berkeley SAT Score is calculated and taken into consideration. Furthermore, UC Berkeley average SAT is also important for students to be aware of, which includes a composite score of 1415. The 25th percentile score is 1300, and the 75th percentile score of 1530.

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UG Programs at UC Berkeley

The UC Berkeley SAT Score requirements for the 2024-25 are given in the table below:

Sections Average 25th Percentile 75th Percentile
SAT Math 725 660 790
SAT Reading & Writing 690 640 740
Total 1415 1300 1530

Considering that the UCB SAT scores are important, you need to ensure that you are able to acquire the UC Berkeley average SAT score of 1415 which is the minimum score students need to achieve. Berkeley SAT Scores are essential for students to consider and aim for significantly higher scores for acing the application process.

UC-Berkeley-SAT-score-requirement-2025


GPA Requirement for UC Berkeley

UCB also has a GPA requirement for admissions, which is a minimum of 3.89. Furthermore, if you do not meet the requirement for UC Berkeley GPA and have a score lower than 3.89, then you would need at least the UC Berkeley average SAT score of 1415 or higher to be eligible for admission. The table below shows the GPA range at UCB and the corresponding percentage of students who scored them.

GPA Range

Acceptance Rate

3.75+

91%

3.50–3.74

8%

3.25–3.49

1%

3.00–3.24

1%


UC Berkeley Application Process

Candidates can choose their subjects as UC freshmen or transfer students. Here are things that freshman candidates must keep in mind while applying for UC Berkeley:

  • Have passed both year 10 and 10+2 state board or CBSE exams with an average score of at least 70 and no less than 60.
  • Must have English Language proficiency with tests such as IELTS (minimum 6.5) and TOEFL (minimum 80, but UC Berkeley prefers 100)

Let us see the admission process to UC Berkeley:

  1. Filling out the application: Candidates must provide their entire academic background while applying to UC. Candidates need to input the correct information while filling out the application to confirm. For freshmen, courses and marks/grades must be added. The extracurricular activities (if taken), must indicate the topics and scores. 
  2. Recommendation letter: For the UC application, letters of recommendation should not be sent. Some campuses/majors may demand letters of recommendation as components of an additional application assessment. 

UC Berkeley Application Requirements

UC Berkeley admission requirements are different from other colleges. Students applying from abroad need to complete their high secondary and must have a certificate of the course. Here are the University of California Berkeley SAT requirements for the application form:

  • The application fee
  • Language proficiency test
  • Academic Transcripts
  • Recommendation letter
  • Personal insight questions

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UCB Admissions


UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate

The UC Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. The university has set competitive scores, ensuring highly selective admissions. For successful admission to UCB, you need to ensure that your application fulfills all its requirements, including a the highest SAT scores along with GPA. There are certain factors that the university considers, including:

  • Students having academic excellence
  • Students who are first-generation college-goers
  • Diverse cultural backgrounds of students
  • Top-notch holistic student profile

Total Applicants

Admitted

Enrolled

128,226

14,614

6,726

Considering that UC Berkeley SAT requirements, as well as the GPA requirement for UC Berkeley, is high for students implies that the university is highly selective of its students. Accordingly, students need to ensure that they have a high SAT Score and aim for the 75th percentile of 1530. Moreover, students need to undertake active SAT preparation for acing the exam thereby having high scores. Students can consider preparing from SAT sample papers for enhancing their efficiency in the exam.


FAQs

Ques: Does UC Berkeley require the SAT?

Ans: UC Berkeley, along with all other University of California schools, is test-optional for admissions. This means submitting SAT scores is not mandatory. 

Ques: What is the average SAT score for admitted students at UC Berkeley?

Ans: UC Berkeley doesn't release official averages, estimates suggest the range for admitted students is 1300-1530. 

Ques: Should I submit my SAT scores to UC Berkeley?

Ans: Submitting SAT scores could be beneficial. Having at least a 1300+ score can strengthen your application.

Ques: What is a good SAT score for UC Berkeley?

Ans: A score in the 75th percentile, around 1530 is considered competitive, but even lower scores can be considered with a strong overall application.

Ques: What if my SAT score falls outside the average range?

Ans: UC Berkeley emphasizes a holistic review, focusing on demonstrating your strengths in other areas like academics, extracurriculars, and essays.

Ques: What if I have a learning disability or test anxiety?

Ans: UC Berkeley offers accommodations for students with documented disabilities or test anxiety. Contact the university's Disabled Students' Program for more information.

Ques: What resources are available to help me prepare for the SAT?

Ans: The College Board offers various resources, including sample questions, and official study guides. You can also effectively prepare with Khan Academy for free.

Ques: Can I improve my SAT score through studying?

Ans: Dedicated studying can help you improve your SAT score. The amount of improvement depends on your study time and academic skills.

Ques: Is there a deadline for submitting SAT scores to UC Berkeley?

Ans: The deadlines for submitting application materials, including SAT scores, vary depending on your application term, check the UC admissions website for specific deadlines.

Ques: Do I need to submit SAT Subject Tests in addition to the SAT?**

Ans: SAT Subject Tests are not required for UC Berkeley admission process. However, check with the department pages you are interested in for their requirements.

Ques: Do SAT scores affect my eligibility for scholarships at UC Berkeley?**

Ans: UC Berkeley awards most financial aid based on financial need. Visit the university's official website for specific details.

Ques: What is the acceptance rate at UC Berkeley?

Ans: UC Berkeley GPA requirements are 3.8, and the acceptance rate is 11%. 91% of the candidates got admitted to the University of California, Berkeley have a 3.75+ GPA.

Ques: What are some tips for creating a strong UC Berkeley application?

Ans: Focus on academic excellence, and extracurricular activities, and maintain a good academic record for the university's values and community.

Ques: Where can I find more information about UC Berkeley admissions?**

Ans: Visit UC Berkeley Undergraduate Admissions website for detailed information and resources. You can find fees, GPA, and score requirements in detail.

Ques: What are some things to consider when making my college decision?

Ans: Consider factors like academic programs, campus environment, cost, and financial aid options. 

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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