UC Davis GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into UCD
The University of California, Davis (UC Davis) is a prestigious public research university known for its exceptional programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, environmental sciences, and engineering. As one of the top-tier UC campuses, UC Davis attracts highly qualified students from around the world.
Quick Answer: UC Davis typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.7+ and a weighted UC GPA of 4.0+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.78-4.00 (unweighted).
UC Davis GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.89
4.0 scale
Average UC GPA
4.11
UC weighted system
Middle 50% Range
3.78 - 4.00
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
37.0%
Moderately selective
UC GPA Calculation for UCD
Understanding UC GPA System:
UC Davis uses the standard UC GPA calculation method:
- Only includes a-g courses from sophomore and junior year
- Maximum of 8 semesters of honors points (capped at 4.0)
- Only California-approved honors/AP/IB courses count for extra weight
- Out-of-state students: only AP/IB courses get extra points
GPA Requirements by College
| College/Program | Average UC GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering | 4.25 | 4.1 |
| College of Biological Sciences | 4.18 | 4.0 |
| College of Agriculture (CAES) | 4.02 | 3.8 |
| College of Letters & Science | 4.08 | 3.85 |
| Undeclared/Exploratory | 4.12 | 3.9 |
UC Davis Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 85,304
- Students Admitted: 31,547
- Acceptance Rate: 37.0%
- Enrolled Students: 5,716
- Yield Rate: 18.1%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1430
- Average ACT: 32
- Top 10% of Class: 82%
- California Residents: 82%
- International Students: 14%
Admission Rates by Residency
GPA Analysis for UC Davis
What GPA Do You Need?
California Residents: UC GPA of 3.8+ competitive, 4.0+ target
Out-of-State/International: UC GPA of 4.0+ competitive, 4.1+ target
Engineering/Pre-Vet: UC GPA of 4.1+ highly recommended
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
UC Davis Strengths & Opportunities
Top Programs:
- Veterinary Medicine (#1 in nation)
- Agriculture & Environmental Sciences
- Engineering (particularly Biological & Agricultural)
- Food Science & Technology
- Psychology & Human Development
- Economics & Business
Research Opportunities:
- Undergraduate Research Programs
- Agricultural Research Station
- California National Primate Research Center
- Bodega Marine Laboratory
- Energy Efficiency Center
- Sustainable agriculture initiatives
Application Strategies for UC Davis
UC A-G Course Requirements
Required Course Pattern:
- History: 2 years
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)
- Laboratory Science: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Language other than English: 2 years (3 recommended)
- Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year
- College Preparatory Electives: 1 year
Personal Insight Questions Strategy
UC Davis Values:
UC Davis looks for students who demonstrate:
- Environmental consciousness and sustainability focus
- Leadership in community service and outreach
- Interest in solving real-world problems
- Collaborative spirit and teamwork skills
- Academic curiosity and research potential
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
If Your GPA is Below 4.0
- Strong Test Scores: SAT 1500+ or ACT 34+
- Agricultural Experience: FFA, 4-H, farm work, or agricultural research
- Environmental Leadership: Sustainability projects or environmental activism
- Community Impact: Significant volunteer work or community service
- Unique Background: First-generation college student or rural background
- Research Experience: Science fair participation or independent projects
UC Davis-Specific Application Tips
- Sustainability Focus: Highlight environmental awareness and green initiatives
- Agricultural Interest: Show understanding of food systems and agriculture
- Research Experience: Demonstrate scientific curiosity and methodology
- Community Service: Emphasize service to others and making a difference
- Collaborative Spirit: Show examples of teamwork and cooperation
- UC Davis Knowledge: Demonstrate understanding of campus culture and values
UC System Comparison
| UC Campus | Average UC GPA | Acceptance Rate | Average SAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 4.43 | 11.4% | 1530 |
| UCLA | 4.31 | 8.8% | 1520 |
| UC San Diego | 4.28 | 23.8% | 1480 |
| UC Davis | 4.11 | 37.0% | 1430 |
| UC Irvine | 4.08 | 21.3% | 1440 |
UC GPA Calculator Tools
Use these specialized calculators to calculate your UC GPA and assess your UCD chances:
Conclusion
UC Davis offers an excellent balance of academic excellence and accessibility within the UC system. With a 37% acceptance rate, students with UC GPAs above 4.0 have strong chances of admission, especially if they demonstrate genuine interest in the university's core strengths.
UCD's emphasis on sustainability, agriculture, and research makes it an ideal choice for students passionate about environmental issues, food systems, and making a positive impact on the world. Focus on maintaining strong grades while pursuing meaningful experiences that align with UC Davis's mission and values.