Overview
University of California-Davis is a selective public four-year institution in Davis, California. The school accepts 37.3% of applicants and enrolls 31,777 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 37.3%
- Total Enrollment
- 31,777
Admission Guide
UC Davis prioritizes academic preparation in your intended major over perfect test scores, so highlight your coursework and projects that connect directly to your chosen field. The campus operates on a quarter system, which means faster-paced classes and more opportunities to explore different subjects within your major.
Your personal insight questions should showcase specific experiences with research, community service, or leadership that demonstrate growth over time. UC Davis particularly values applicants who can articulate how their background will contribute to the campus community. Write about concrete experiences rather than abstract goals, and connect your story to specific programs or resources you plan to use at Davis.
The Honors Challenge program offers priority enrollment and smaller seminar courses, but you apply after enrollment rather than during admissions. Focus your application on showing academic curiosity through independent projects, internships, or significant extracurricular involvement in your area of interest.
Davis attracts students who want a college town experience with serious academics. The campus sits in a small city where bicycles outnumber cars, and students tend to be collaborative rather than competitive. You'll fit well if you want access to major research opportunities without the pressure cooker atmosphere of some other UC campuses.
Engineering applicants should emphasize hands-on projects, coding experience, or involvement in robotics clubs. The computer science program connects closely with nearby tech companies for internships. Agricultural and environmental science programs here rank among the top nationally, so highlight relevant coursework or volunteer work if applying to these majors.
Submit your application by the November deadline since UC schools don't accept spring transfers for most programs. Double-check that your transcript includes all required coursework for your intended major, especially laboratory science sequences. The UC application doesn't require letters of recommendation, so your essays carry extra weight in showing who you are beyond grades.
Visit campus if possible to understand the bike-friendly culture and small-town feel. Students here tend to stay engaged with campus life all four years rather than commuting, creating a tight-knit community despite the large enrollment.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $15,288/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $15,247
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $46,024
- Students Receiving Aid
- 31%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 85.1%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $80,838/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.4%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UC Davis require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
UC Davis is test-blind, meaning they do not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions. Submitting test scores will not help or hurt your application.
When is the application deadline for UC Davis?
The UC Davis application deadline is November 30 for fall admission through the UC application system. There is no early decision or early action option.
Can you transfer to UC Davis from a community college?
Yes, UC Davis accepts transfer students primarily from California community colleges through the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program. Transfer students must complete specific prerequisite courses and maintain minimum GPA requirements.
What GPA do you need to get into UC Davis?
UC Davis does not publish a minimum GPA requirement, but admitted students typically have strong academic records. The university uses a holistic review process that considers coursework rigor, grades, and other factors beyond GPA alone.