University of California, Davis

Davis, CA · Public University · 31,000 undergraduates

Key Facts

  • UC Davis's overall acceptance rate is 37.2% — classified as moderately selective
  • Early Decision (ED) acceptance rates at selective schools are typically 2–3x higher than Regular Decision
  • Acceptance rate is only one factor — a lower-acceptance-rate school with strong merit aid may cost less than a higher-acceptance-rate school
  • Holistic review means grades and test scores are necessary but not sufficient — essays, recommendations, and activities matter
  • Auriga's admissions roadmap helps you build a balanced college list with realistic admission odds for every school

UC Davis Acceptance Rate & Admissions Data — Class of 2030

Overall Acceptance Rate

37.2%

Moderately Selective

Middle 50% SAT

1270–1490

Score range of admitted students

Middle 50% ACT

27–33

ACT accepted equally

Undergraduate Enrollment

31,000

Davis, CA

What UC Davis Actually Looks For

With a 37.2% acceptance rate, UC Davis reviews applications holistically. Strong grades and test scores in the middle 50% range (1270–1490 SAT) are expected — but they are the floor, not the ceiling.

Admissions officers evaluate:

  • Academic strength: Rigor of coursework (AP, IB, dual enrollment), grade trends, and class rank context
  • Test scores: SAT/ACT in context — particularly if your school doesn't offer many advanced courses
  • Essays: Your personal statement and supplements are where you become a person, not just a number
  • Recommendations: What teachers and counselors say about you beyond your transcript
  • Extracurriculars: Depth and authentic commitment over a laundry list
  • Demonstrated interest: Campus visits, interviews (if offered), alumni conversations

Early Decision vs Regular Decision at UC Davis

Early Decision (ED) acceptance rates at selective schools are typically 2–3x higher than Regular Decision rates. This advantage comes from the enrollment certainty ED provides the school — they know you'll attend if admitted.

If UC Davis is your clear first choice and you're confident about the financial aid, applying ED is a meaningful strategic advantage. If you need to compare financial aid offers or aren't sure it's your first choice, Regular Decision is the right path.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is it to get into UC Davis?

UC Davis accepts 37.2% of applicants — making it moderately selective. For every 100 applicants, roughly 37 are admitted. The admissions process is holistic, and academic strength is necessary but not sufficient.

What GPA do you need to get into UC Davis?

UC Davis does not publish a minimum GPA. Most admitted students have unweighted GPAs of 3.8 or above, with many near 4.0. However, GPA is evaluated in the context of course rigor and school environment — a 3.9 in standard courses may be less competitive than a 3.7 in the most rigorous available curriculum.

What extracurriculars help for UC Davis admission?

Selective colleges like UC Davis are not looking for a long list of activities — they're looking for depth and genuine passion. Students who have pursued a few activities with real commitment and achieved meaningful impact are stronger candidates than students with a dozen shallow clubs. Leadership, initiative, and authentic engagement matter more than titles.

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