University of California, Davis Admissions: Acceptance Rate, GPA, SAT
Top vet school and agricultural sciences — increasingly competitive admissions.
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What it takes to get into UC Davis
UC Davis accepts roughly 37% of applicants — competitive but more accessible than the most selective Ivies.The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1190 and 1420 on the SAT, and the average unweighted GPA is around 3.97.
Numbers alone don't get you in. UC Davis reads holistically — they want to see academic rigor in your high school transcript (AP/IB/Honors course load), genuine intellectual curiosity, leadership in extracurriculars, a clear “spike” or area of demonstrated excellence, strong essays, and recommendation letters that vouch for your character.
Test-optional policies vary year to year. Even where tests are optional, applicants who submit scores in the 75th-percentile range typically have an edge. Check UC Davis's admissions page for the current cycle's policy.
What UC Davis Weighs in Admissions
Visual breakdown from Common Data Set Section C7
UC Davis Acceptance Rate
37% acceptance rate with SAT, GPA benchmarks and selectivity analysis.
How to Get Into UC Davis
Data-driven admissions strategy based on CDS weights and what actually matters.
How to Write the “Why UC Davis?” Essay
Research tips, common mistakes, and what admissions is actually looking for.
See Where You Stand
GPA vs SAT scattergram — compare your stats to admitted and rejected students.
Practice UC Davis Interview Questions
AI-scored mock interview with real alumni questions. 5-dimension feedback.
UC Davis Admissions FAQ
What is UC Davis's acceptance rate?
UC Davis admits approximately 37% of applicants based on the most recent reported Common Data Set figures. This rate has trended downward over the past decade as application volumes have grown.
What SAT score do you need for UC Davis?
Admitted students at UC Davis typically score between 1190 (25th percentile) and 1420 (75th percentile) on the SAT. Hitting or exceeding the 75th percentile gives you a meaningful edge.
What GPA do you need for UC Davis?
The average admitted student at UC Davis has an unweighted GPA of approximately 3.97 on a 4.0 scale — though weighted GPAs and course rigor matter just as much as the raw number.
Is UC Davis test-optional?
UC Davis's testing policy varies by cycle. Some years they are test-optional, some years test-required. Always confirm on the official admissions page before submitting.
Compare UC Davis with similar schools
Stats are approximate, drawn from publicly-reported Common Data Set figures. Confirm current numbers on UC Davis's official admissions site.