Overview
University of California-Irvine is a selective public four-year institution in Irvine, California. The school accepts 21.2% of applicants and enrolls 29,494 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 21.2%
- Total Enrollment
- 29,494
Admission Guide
UCI evaluates applicants through a complete review process that weighs your personal insight questions as heavily as your academic record. The admissions committee wants to understand how you've grown from challenges and what perspectives you'll bring to campus, not just your test scores.
Your application requires four personal insight questions from eight prompts, and these essays carry enormous weight. Write about specific experiences that shaped your worldview rather than listing accomplishments. UCI readers particularly appreciate essays that show resilience, leadership in your community, and how you've used creativity to solve problems.
Don't assume UCI is a safety school within the UC system. The campus receives over 100,000 applications annually, making it one of the most applied-to universities in the country. Your application competes against students with strong academic credentials from across California and internationally.
Reference UCI's specific culture when writing essays. The campus pioneered research in areas like earth system science and clean energy, houses the nationally ranked Claire Trevor School of the Arts, and maintains strong connections to nearby tech companies and biotech firms. Mention how you'd engage with undergraduate research opportunities or specific professors whose work aligns with your interests.
UCI admits by school, not by major, which affects your strategy. The School of Engineering admits fewer students than the School of Biological Sciences, so understand which school houses your intended major. You can apply as undeclared within most schools, but some programs like Business Administration and Nursing have separate admission processes.
The campus takes pride in its diverse student body and commitment to first-generation college students. If you're first-generation, emphasize this background in your application. UCI also considers your family's educational background when evaluating your achievements in context.
Submit your application early in the filing period. While the UC system doesn't offer early decision, UCI reviews applications as they arrive, and technical issues often occur near the November deadline. Your application materials must demonstrate why you chose UCI specifically, not just why you want to attend a UC campus.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $12,840/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $14,237
- Tuition (out-of-state)
- $45,014
- Students Receiving Aid
- 37%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 86.0%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $80,735/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 93.8%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UC Irvine require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
UC Irvine 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 Irvine?
The application deadline for UC Irvine is November 30 for fall admission. All UC campuses share the same deadline and application system.
Does UC Irvine offer early decision or early action?
UC Irvine does not offer early decision or early action programs. All applicants apply by the November 30 deadline and receive decisions in March.
Can you transfer to UC Irvine from a community college?
Yes, UC Irvine accepts transfer students, primarily from California community colleges. Students need to complete specific prerequisite courses and maintain a competitive GPA in transferable coursework.