UC Irvine GPA Requirements: What You Need to Get Into UCI
UC Irvine is one of the most prestigious and rapidly rising universities in the UC system, known for its cutting-edge research, diverse student body, and strong programs in computer science, engineering, business, and medicine. Located in Orange County, UCI combines academic excellence with innovation.
Quick Answer: UC Irvine typically admits students with an unweighted GPA of 3.8+ and a weighted GPA of 4.2+. The middle 50% have GPAs between 3.86-4.0 (unweighted).
UC Irvine GPA Requirements
Official GPA Statistics
Average Unweighted GPA
3.93
4.0 scale
Average Weighted GPA
4.27
UC-weighted scale
Middle 50% Range
3.86 - 4.0
Unweighted GPA
Acceptance Rate
21.3%
Highly selective
GPA Requirements by School
| School/Major | Average GPA | Minimum Competitive |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science (School of ICS) | 4.35 | 4.1 |
| Engineering (Samueli School) | 4.32 | 4.0 |
| Business Administration | 4.28 | 3.95 |
| Biological Sciences | 4.25 | 3.9 |
| Social Sciences | 4.18 | 3.8 |
| Humanities | 4.15 | 3.75 |
UC System A-G Requirements
Required High School Courses:
- A - History: 2 years (including 1 year U.S. history)
- B - English: 4 years of college prep English
- C - Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended, including Algebra II)
- D - Science: 2 years laboratory science (3 recommended)
- E - Language: 2 years same foreign language (3 recommended)
- F - Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year
- G - Electives: 1 year college prep elective
UC Irvine Admission Statistics
Fall 2024 Admission Data
- Applications Received: 143,917
- Students Admitted: 30,654
- Acceptance Rate: 21.3%
- Enrolled Students: 6,925
- Yield Rate: 22.6%
Academic Profile
- Average SAT: 1450
- Average ACT: 33
- Top 10% of Class: 98%
- Top 25% of Class: 100%
- California Residents: 71%
Admission Rates by Residency
UC Comprehensive Review
Holistic Review: UC Irvine uses comprehensive review, considering 13 factors beyond GPA including essays, extracurriculars, leadership, and personal circumstances.
No SAT/ACT Required: UCI is test-optional but strong test scores can strengthen your application, especially for competitive majors.
GPA Analysis for UC Irvine
What GPA Do You Need?
California Residents: UC-weighted GPA of 4.0+ competitive, 4.2+ target
Out-of-State: UC-weighted GPA of 4.2+ competitive, 4.4+ target
Computer Science/Engineering: UC-weighted GPA of 4.3+ highly recommended
Minimum UC Eligibility: 3.0 CA residents, 3.4 non-residents
GPA Distribution of Admitted Students
UCI Strengths & Innovation
Top Programs:
- Computer Science & Information
- Engineering (Biomedical, Electrical)
- Business Administration
- Biological Sciences
- Psychology & Social Behavior
- Public Health
Research Opportunities:
- Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
- California Institute for Telecommunications
- Beckman Laser Institute
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics
- Center for Machine Learning
- Sue & Bill Gross Stem Cell Research
Application Strategies for UC Irvine
Honors Programs and Special Opportunities
Competitive Programs at UCI:
- Campuswide Honors Collegium: Enhanced curriculum for top students
- Regents' Scholarship: Full tuition + stipend for top 1% of applicants
- Chancellor's Excellence Scholarship: Merit-based awards
- UROP: Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
- Global Connect: International study abroad programs
- Leadership Excellence: Leadership development programs
UC Personal Insight Questions Strategy
UCI Values:
UC Irvine looks for students who demonstrate:
- Academic curiosity and intellectual vitality
- Leadership potential and community engagement
- Resilience and overcoming challenges
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Innovation and creative problem-solving
- Global perspective and cultural awareness
If Your GPA is Below 4.0
- Strong UC Essays: Compelling personal insight questions are crucial
- Upward Trend: Show consistent improvement in grades
- Rigorous Coursework: Maximum AP/Honors courses available
- Unique Experiences: Distinctive background or perspective
- Leadership Roles: Significant impact in school or community
- Research Experience: Early exposure to academic research
UCI-Specific Application Tips
- Anteater Identity: Show understanding of UCI's collaborative culture
- Research Interest: Connect with specific faculty or research centers
- Innovation Focus: Highlight creativity and entrepreneurial thinking
- Diversity Appreciation: Show value for multicultural perspectives
- STEM Excellence: Strong math/science preparation for technical majors
- Community Impact: Demonstrate service and social responsibility
UC System Comparison
| UC Campus | Average 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 Irvine | 4.27 | 21.3% | 1450 |
| UC Davis | 4.25 | 37.3% | 1420 |
GPA Calculator Tools
Use these calculators to calculate your GPA and assess your UCI chances:
Conclusion
UC Irvine represents one of the most dynamic and rapidly ascending universities in the UC system. With a 21% acceptance rate and strong emphasis on innovation and diversity, UCI attracts top students from around the world while maintaining its commitment to accessibility and excellence.
Success at UCI requires strong academic performance (GPA 4.2+), compelling personal stories, and alignment with the university's values of innovation, inclusion, and impact. Focus on rigorous coursework, meaningful extracurricular leadership, and crafting essays that showcase your unique perspective and potential contributions to the Anteater community.