COLLEGE PROFILE
How to Get Into UC Davis in 2026
Top vet school and agricultural sciences — increasingly competitive admissions.
Quick Answer
University of California, Davis has a 37% acceptance rate with a middle 50% SAT range of 1190-1420 and average GPA of 3.97. Top vet school and agricultural sciences — increasingly competitive admissions. Founded 1905 in Davis, CA.
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance Rate | 37%Selective |
| SAT Range (25th-75th) | 1190 - 1420 |
| Average GPA (Unweighted) | 3.97 |
| Undergraduate Enrollment | 31,200 |
| School Type | Public |
| Location | Davis, CA |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Test Policy | Test-Blind |
| Need-Blind | No |
| Meets 100% Need | No |
Data source: IPEDS College Navigator and institutional Common Data Set (most recent available year). Data lags approximately one year.
What UC Davis Values Most (CDS Data)
Who Gets Into UC Davis: 4 Composite Profiles
These are composite profiles based on publicly available admissions patterns. They do not represent real individuals.
The Academic Powerhouse
Near-perfect GPA and test scores. Strong in STEM or humanities. Multiple AP/IB courses with 5s and 7s. Research experience or independent project.
The Community Builder
Founded or led a significant student organization. Demonstrated measurable community impact. Strong essays connecting service to personal growth.
The Specialized Expert
Deep expertise in one field — national competition winner, published research, or professional-level skill. Clear spike that makes the application memorable.
The Versatile Contributor
Strong across multiple areas without being the best at any single one. Excellent writer who connects diverse experiences into a coherent narrative.
UC Davis Essay Strategy
UC Davis's supplemental essays are your chance to demonstrate genuine fit. The "Why UC Davis?" essay must reference specific programs, professors, courses, or campus resources. Generic essays about prestige or location are immediately recognizable and ineffective.
Read the UC Davis Essay GuideApplication Strategy: ED vs EA vs RD
At 37% acceptance rate, strong applicants have solid chances in any round. Focus on essay quality over application timing.
Read our ED vs EA vs RD strategy guide →Use the UC Davis Fit Worksheet
Score your profile against UC Davis's admissions criteria. See where you stand across 7 dimensions calibrated to real CDS data. Free, no signup required.
Get Your Free UC Davis Fit ScoreFrequently Asked Questions
What is UC Davis's acceptance rate?
University of California, Davis's acceptance rate is approximately 37% based on the most recent Common Data Set. This rate can vary by year and by application round (ED, EA, RD).
What SAT score do I need for UC Davis?
The middle 50% SAT range for UC Davis is 1190-1420. Scoring above 1420 does not guarantee admission, and scoring below 1190 does not mean rejection — holistic review considers the full application.
What GPA do I need to get into UC Davis?
The average unweighted GPA of admitted students at UC Davis is approximately 3.97. Course rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment) matters as much as the GPA number itself.
Does UC Davis have Early Decision?
Check UC Davis's admissions website at ucdavis.edu/admissions for the most current information on early application options. Policies can change year to year.
Is UC Davis test-optional?
UC Davis is test-blind — they do not consider test scores. Test policies can change each admissions cycle.
How many students attend UC Davis?
University of California, Davis has approximately 31,200 undergraduate students. As a public university, it offers a large campus community with diverse academic programs.
What is UC Davis known for?
Top vet school and agricultural sciences — increasingly competitive admissions.
More UC Davis Resources
Written by AdmitPath team
Data sourced from IPEDS College Navigator and UC Davis's Common Data Set. CDS publication year noted — data may lag one year.
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