UC Davis has ascended to the ranks of the nation’s top 10 public universities, rivaling esteemed institutions like UC Berkeley and UCLA. Renowned for its robust offerings in engineering, computer science, and biology, UC Davis attracts a significant portion of its undergraduate population—55%—to STEM disciplines.
The university’s reputation for delivering exceptional education at a remarkably affordable cost has made it a sought-after destination for ambitious students. As a result, UC Davis now grapples with a surge in applications and a corresponding increase in rejections, reflecting its heightened desirability among aspiring scholars.
What is The UC Davis Acceptance Rate?
For the Class of 2025, UC Davis received a staggering 87,141 freshman applications, ultimately extending offers to 42,726 applicants. Surprisingly, this resulted in a higher acceptance rate of 49%, marking a notable increase compared to the 46% and 39% acceptance rates observed in the preceding two application cycles.
What is The UC Davis SAT/ACT Policy, class rank, and GPA?
As a test-blind institution, UC Davis disregards standardized test scores in its admissions process, placing greater emphasis on GPA. For the Class of 2025, successful applicants boasted a mid-50% GPA range of 3.95-4.25.
Reflecting on the Class of 2024, all enrolled students ranked in the top decile of their high school graduating class. During the era when standardized tests were factored in, the median ACT score stood at 28.
What is The Admission Insights at The UC Davis?
- All University of California schools, including UC Davis, have implemented a test-blind policy, signaling a shift away from standardized test scores in the admissions process.
- In the fall of 2021, 38% of incoming students at UC Davis were first-generation college students, reflecting the university’s commitment to providing access to higher education for underrepresented communities.
- A significant portion of students entering UC Davis in the 2021-22 academic year, accounting for 31%, were recipients of Pell Grants, indicating support for students from low-income backgrounds.
- Freshman applications to UC Davis experienced an 8.7% increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing interest in the university among prospective students.
- UC Davis has consistently enrolled the highest number of California resident undergraduates among all UC campuses since 2010, reaffirming its popularity and reputation as a top choice for in-state students.
What is The UC Davis Demographics?
Let’s delve into the demographics of UC Davis undergraduates:
Geographically, the majority of students originate from California and benefit from in-state tuition. Here’s the breakdown for the Class of 2025:
- California residents: 81%
- Non-residents from other U.S. states: 5%
- International students from other countries: 14%
In terms of ethnic identity, the composition of the Class of 2025 is as follows:
- Asian: 34%
- Hispanic: 22%
- African American: 4%
- White: 21%
The largest numbers of international students hail from these countries:
- China
- India
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Japan
When looking at the gender distribution across the entire student body, there is a notable imbalance with more female students:
- Male: 40%
- Female: 57%
What is The UC Davis Yield Rate?
UC Davis’s yield rate, which indicates the percentage of accepted students who choose to enroll, stood at 25%. In comparison to other UC schools, UC Berkeley boasts a yield of 40%, UCLA sits at 44%, and UC San Diego has a yield of 17%.
What is The Admission Criteria at The UC Davis?
UC Davis emphasizes three factors as “very important” in their admissions process: the rigor of the secondary school record, GPA, and application essays. Additionally, they consider factors like talent/ability, extracurricular activities, volunteer experience, and character/personal qualities as “important.” With the removal of standardized testing requirements for the Class of 2025, UC Davis has embraced a more holistic approach to application review.
According to the admissions office:
“UC Davis employs a holistic review process, evaluating each application based on 14 faculty-approved criteria aimed at selecting applicants with excellent prospects for success and who will contribute to the campus’s intellectual and cultural diversity.” They assess aspects such as: “Quality of your senior-year program, special talents, achievements, awards, special skills, interests, and experiences that demonstrate potential for leadership and community service.”
The UC Davis Application Process Key Tips
If you’re aiming to join the ranks of over 87,000 hopeful applicants vying for a spot at UC Davis, here’s what you need to know:
- UC Davis follows a holistic admissions process but doesn’t conduct interviews.
- Demonstrated interest isn’t a factor in UC Davis’s admissions decisions.
- The university considers the number of UC-approved honors courses, AP courses, IB courses, or dual enrollment courses you’ve taken.
- Be sure to invest ample time and effort into the supplemental essays required by UC Davis.
- In the previous application cycle, there were eight prompts in total, and applicants were asked to choose four to respond to. Each response should not exceed 350 words.
Conclusion
UC Davis stands as a beacon of academic excellence and diversity, drawing in thousands of eager applicants each year. With its holistic admissions approach and commitment to excellence, UC Davis offers a pathway to success for students from all backgrounds. As you embark on your journey to join the Anteater community, remember to put your best foot forward, showcase your unique talents and experiences, and craft thoughtful responses to the supplemental essays. Your future at UC Davis awaits!