--- title: How to Use the UC Berkeley Common Data Set description: Learn how to use UC Berkeley's Common Data Set to strengthen your application strategy and increase your chances of acceptance. image: https://admitreport.com/hubfs/UC%20Berkeley%20CDS.jpg --- [Think you can get into a top-10 school? Take our chance-me calculator... if you dare. 🔥](https://uq2z800a22f.typeform.com/to/GSbIvdW0) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) Personal Statement Supplemental Essays Writing Advice Example Essays Other Application Writing Sections Personal Statement Foundations [How to Write a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Brainstorming a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Personal Statement Mistakes](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-end-a-college-essay) [How to Revise a Personal Statement](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Finding a Topic](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-choose-a-college-essay-topic) [Tone & Theme](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-requirements#college-essay-conventions) Common Application [Common Application Prompts](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples#the-2022-2023-common-application-essay-prompts) [Common Application Requirements](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/owlhkp/my_giant_guide_to_to_the_common_app_what_is_it/) [How to Write a Common App Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Common App Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples) Personal Statement Examples ["Great" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#the-best-personal-statement-examples) ["Good" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#good-personal-statement-examples) ["Bad" Essay Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Types of Supplemental Essays [Why Us](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Community Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Academic Interest Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Why This Major Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) [Extracurricular Supplemental Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Supplemental Strategy [Writing About Strengths](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Our College Essay Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Application Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [Writing Vulnerably](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-for-colleges) [Strengths-Based Writing](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#goal-1-write-persuasively-about-your-strengths) Writing Techniques [Brainstorming a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/college-essay-brainstorming-questions) [Drafting a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-draft-a-common-app-essay) [Revising a College Essay](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay#how-to-edit-a-common-app-essay) Personal Statement ["Great" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#the-best-personal-statement-examples) ["Good" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#good-personal-statement-examples) ["Bad" Example Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-statement-examples#bad-personal-statement-examples) Supplemental Essays [Why Us Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-college-essay) [Diversity Supplemental Examples](https://admitreport.com/blog/diversity-essay) [Extracurricular Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) [Academic Interest Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/academic-interest-essay) [Community Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/community-essay-examples) [Why this Major Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/why-this-major-essay-examples) [Challenge Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/personal-challenge-essay-examples) School-Specific Supplementals [Harvard Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/harvard-supplemental-essays) [Yale Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/yale-supplemental-essays) [Stanford Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/stanford-supplemental-essays) [USC Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/usc-supplemental-essays) [Dartmouth Supplementals](https://admitreport.com/blog/dartmouth-supplemental-essays) [All Supplemental Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/supplementals) Activities Descriptions [Writing Activities Descriptions that Stand Out](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-activities-essay) Admissions Office Communications [Finding Your Admissions Officers](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample#contacting-your-admissions-counselor-vs-the-admissions-office) [Emailing an Admissions Office](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-an-email-to-a-college-admissions-office-sample) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) Preparation Pathways Extracurricular Activities Academic Basics Testing Admissions 101 Grade-Based Timelines [First-Year Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/first-year-timeline) [Sophomore Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/sophomore-timeline) [Junior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/junior-timeline) [Senior Timeline](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) International Students [How to Apply as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Extracurriculars in Admissions [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [How to Find Authentic Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-organically-find-your-extracurricular-interests) [Basic Extracurricular Pathways](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-pathways) [Extracurricular Magnitude and Impact](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-magnitude-and-impact) [Leveling Up Your ECs](https://admitreport.com/blog/leveling-up-your-extracurriculars) [Crafting ECs by Combining Interests](https://admitreport.com/blog/craft-amazing-extracurriculars) [Passion Projects](https://admitreport.com/blog/passion-project-ideas) GPA [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Extracurriculars](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurriculars-and-college-admissions) [Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/15ehsq5/aos_dont_want_you_to_know_this_one_weird_fact/) [Assessing Your GPA & Admissions Chances](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [Class Rank](https://admitreport.com/blog/academics-gpa) Course Work [Course Rigor](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) SAT & ACT [How Admissions Officers Evaluate Standardized Test Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean#how-do-admissions-officers-evaluate-my-test-scores) [Test-Optional Admissions](https://admitreport.com/blog/what-does-test-optional-mean) AP & IB Tests [Do AP & IB Tests Matter in Admissions?](https://admitreport.com/blog/do-colleges-care-about-ap-scores) [When to Send Your Scores](https://admitreport.com/blog/senior-timeline) Types of Institutions [Liberal Arts College](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#liberal-arts-colleges) [Private University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#highly-selective-private-institutions) [State University](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#large-state-schools) [Community Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#community-colleges) How Applications are Reviewed [How Applications are Reviewed](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) [The Job of the Admissions Officer](https://admitreport.com/blog/reading-5k-essays-in-a-top-15-admissions-office) [What is the Committee?](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications#the-third-trial-committee-recommendations) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) Navigating the application College Application Strategy College Research Building Your College List Application Materials Common Application Guide [How to Use the Common Application](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/owlhkp/my_giant_guide_to_to_the_common_app_what_is_it/) [Common Application Essay Prompts](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-app-essay-examples#the-2022-2023-common-application-essay-prompts) Applying to International Schools [A Guide to Applying as an International Student](https://admitreport.com/blog/applying-to-college-as-an-international-student) Our Strategy Philosophy [Creating a Cohesive Narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application) [How Admissions Offices Process Applications](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) College-Specific Application Guides [Harvard](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-harvard) [Stanford](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-stanford) [Yale](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-yale) [MIT](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-mit) [USC](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-get-into-usc) [See the full list](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/application-strategy) Tools & Resources [Demonstrated Interest](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-show-demonstrated-interest) [How to Use the Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-data-set) Visiting Colleges [When to Visit Colleges](https://admitreport.com/blog/touring-colleges#ways-to-visit-college-campuses) Resources [Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/common-data-set) [Colleges That Change Lives](https://ctcl.org/) School List Basics [How to Build the Perfect School List](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list) [Safety Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-safety-school) [Target Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-target-school) [Reach Schools](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-make-a-college-list#what-is-a-reach-school) Early Decision Strategy [Early Action vs Early Decision](https://admitreport.com/blog/early-action-vs-early-decision) [How to Pick Your ED](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application) [Early Decision II](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-strategize-your-early-decision-application#what-s-the-strategy-for-ed-ii-schools) Letters of Recommendation [Teacher Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [Counselor Letters](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college) [How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation](https://admitreport.com/blog/letters-of-recommendation-for-college#how-to-get-the-best-letters-of-recommendation-possible) School Report [What Is a School Report?](https://www.reddit.com/r/ApplyingToCollege/comments/vz09mf/the_document_in_every_application_most_students/) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) [![](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/admit-report-logo-black.svg)](https://admitreport.com/) [College Essays](https://admitreport.com/college-essays) [Preparing to Apply](https://admitreport.com/how-to-apply-to-college) [Your Application Strategy](https://admitreport.com/application-strategy) [All Resources](https://admitreport.com/blog) [College Consulting](https://sierraadmissions.com/) [About Us](https://admitreport.com/about-us) ###### Contents Last updated March 21, 2024 Every piece we write is researched and vetted by a former admissions officer. Read about [our mission](https://admitreport.com/standards) to pull back the admissions curtain. [Blog](https://admitreport.com/blog) > [Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/common-data-set), [State School](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/state-school), [UC Essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/tag/uc-essays) > How to Use the UC Berkeley Common Data Set # How to Use the UC Berkeley Common Data Set Admissions officer reviewed by [Ben Bousquet, M.Ed](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Vanderbilt University Written by [Ben Bousquet, M.Ed](https://admitreport.com/about-us) Former Vanderbilt University Admissions ###### Key Takeaway UC Berkeley's Common Data Set reveals crucial elements the university values in its admissions process. Your academic GPA, rigor of high school curriculum, and essays are vital. Extracurricular activities, work experience, and volunteer work are also considered. The university doesn't track demonstrated interest. With a competitive acceptance rate of 11.4%, it's essential to strategize and articulate your unique narrative, interests, and commitments through your application. The UC Berkeley Common Data Set can be a key tool in your UC Berkeley application process. It's full of information about what the UC Berkeley admissions team looks for in applicants. You’re preparing your application to undergo [a multi-stage review process](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) at a selective college, so understanding this data set is a crucial part of your application strategy. Let's get started. ## How UC Berkeley Evaluates Applicants — based on CDS data Admissions officers at UC Berkeley look at many factors in your application. These factors can vary in importance, ranging from the toughness of your high school curriculum, your GPA, your essay, your extracurricular activities, and more. As you prepare your application, focus on showcasing your academic excellence, community involvement, and unique personal qualities. This might include sharing your unique story and ensuring that your application pieces [tell a cohesive narrative](https://admitreport.com/blog/cohesive-application). Your extracurriculars don't necessarily need national recognition, but they should show your [leadership skills and your impact](https://admitreport.com/blog/extracurricular-magnitude-and-impact). |   | Very important | Important | Considered | Not considered | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Rigor of Secondary Record | X |   |   |   | | Class rank |   |   |   | X | | Academic GPA | X |   |   |   | | Standardized test scores |   |   | X |   | | Application Essay | X |   |   |   | | Recommendation(s) |   |   | X |   | | Interview |   |   |   | X | | Extracurricular activities |   | X |   |   | | Talent/ability |   |   | X |   | | Character/personal qualities |   | X |   |   | | First generation |   |   | X |   | | Alumni/ae relation |   |   |   | X | | Geographical residence |   |   |   | X | | State residency |   |   | X |   | | Religious affiliation/commitment |   |   |   | X | | Racial/ethnic status |   |   |   | X | | Volunteer work |   | X |   |   | | Work experience |   | X |   |   | | Demonstrated interest |   |   |   | X | ## Does UC Berkeley track demonstrated interest? UC Berkeley doesn't track demonstrated interest, according to the Common Data Set. This means that your engagement with UC Berkeley—like attending events or emailing the admissions office—isn't factored into your application evaluation. ## Does UC Berkeley care about standardized test scores? UC Berkeley does consider standardized test scores, but they aren't as important as your academic GPA or your high school course toughness. ## Does UC Berkeley care about essays? Yes, essays matter a lot to UC Berkeley. Through your essays, the admissions officers want to get to know your strengths, personality, and personal values. [Well-written, standout essays](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-write-a-college-essay) can be a key part of your application, showing who you are, what you stand for, and your unique story. ## What GPA do I need to get into UC Berkeley? While there's no exact GPA data, we can learn a lot about the academic performance of enrolled students. | GPA | % of Enrolled Students | | --- | --- | | 4.0 | 38.8% | | 3.75-3.99 | 51.8% | | 3.50-3.74 | 8% | | 3.25-3.49 | 1% | | 3.00-3.24 | 0.4% | | 2.50-2.99 | 0.1% | | 2.0-2.49, 1.0-1.99, Below 1.0 | 0% | As you can see, UC Berkeley values academic GPA and your high school curriculum's toughness quite a bit. Over 90% of enrolled first-year students had above a 3.5 GPA, so you should probably aim for that, too. # UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate Out of the 128,226 applications UC Berkeley received, 14,614 students were accepted. This makes for an acceptance rate of about 11.4%. While it isn't the toughest acceptance rate out there, it's certainly challenging. You need to [plan your application strategy](https://www.notion.so/8cd2fbc788cd417982ad42bd699b76c7?pvs=21) carefully in this competitive an admissions environment. ## Most popular majors at UC Berkeley The Common Data Set doesn't directly tell us which majors are most popular, but we can guess based on the percentage of degrees awarded in each field. Let’s take a look. | Major | Percent of Degrees Conferred | | --- | --- | | Social sciences | 18 | | Computer and information sciences | 15 | | Engineering | 11 | | Biological/life sciences | 10 | | Business/marketing | 9 | | Physical sciences | 7 | | Mathematics and statistics | 5 | | Interdisciplinary studies | 5 | | Other fields | 20 | This data paints a picture of the academic atmosphere at UC Berkeley. Your chosen major can also shape your application strategy. For instance, if you're aiming for a popular major like social sciences or computer and information sciences, be ready to explain why you're a good fit for these subjects. On the other hand, less common majors such as mathematics and statistics, or interdisciplinary studies, might offer a unique chance to stand out. If you're excited about these areas, you could find less competition and more opportunities. Using this information wisely can give you a competitive edge in your application. Remember, your chosen major should reflect your genuine interests, and your application should clearly articulate why you've made that choice. ## What should you do with all this information? With an acceptance rate of 11.4% at UC Berkeley, you need to bring your A-game. Your application should show a high academic GPA and a strong high school record. Use your essays to shine a light on your personality and community involvement. Pick a major that truly sparks your interest, and be clear about why you've chosen it. All this information should help you build a strong application strategy. Even though UC Berkeley doesn't track demonstrated interest, it's still important to [participate in activities](https://admitreport.com/blog/how-to-show-demonstrated-interest) related to your intended major to show a commitment to your future discipline. Remember, UC Berkeley is competitive, but with careful preparation and the insights from the Common Data Set, you're well-equipped to make a compelling case for your admission. The sky's the limit for your potential, and this could be your stepping stone to California's flagship university. Good luck with your application journey! *For more Common Data Set data and a chance to compare admissions criteria between schools, check out the [Data Room](https://admitreport.com/common-data-set).*       ###### Liked that? Try this next. ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/siora-photography-hgFY1mZY-Y0-unsplash.jpg) How A Selective Admissions Office Reads 50k Applications In A Season](https://admitreport.com/blog/50-thousand-applications) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/CDS%20Posts%20(8).png) How to Use the Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/common-data-set) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/UCLA%20CDS.jpg) How to Use the UCLA Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/ucla-common-data-set) ###### [![post preview thumbnail](https://admitreport.com/hubfs/CDS%20Posts%20(3).png) How to Use the USC Common Data Set](https://admitreport.com/blog/usc-common-data-set) ### Upgrade your college journey ###### Content [Admissions Guides](https://admitreport.com/admissions-guides) [Categories](https://admitreport.com) ###### Legal [Privacy Policy](https://admitreport.com/privacy) [Terms of Use](https://admitreport.com/terms) K&S Canon, PLLC 1200 5TH Ave Ste 1950, Seattle, WA, 98101-1183, United States Copyright © 2026 McNeil Admissions ### "The only actually useful chance calculator I’ve seen—plus a crash course on the application review process." 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