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What it takes to get into University of California-Davis

The numbers admitted students had, and the parts of an application University of California-Davisreports it weighs. Both come from the college’s own reporting.

Acceptance rate

41.8%

Admitted GPA

~4.04

unweighted, 4.0 scale

Testing

blind

Reported by the college

What University of California-Davis weighs

Requirements tell you what to submit. This tells you what happens to it once you do, which is the more useful of the two and the part almost nobody looks up.

  • Very important

    The parts of an application this school weighs most heavily.

    • Grades
    • Course rigor

  • Important

    Weighed, though below the factors above.

    • Essay
    • Extracurriculars
    • Talent or ability
    • Character and personal qualities
    • State residency
    • Volunteer work

  • Considered

    Looked at, but not decisive on its own.

    • First-generation status
    • Where you live
    • Work experience

  • Not considered

    Reported as playing no part in the decision.

    • Class rank
    • Test scores
    • Recommendations
    • Interview
    • Demonstrated interest
    • Legacy
    • Religious affiliation

From University of California-Davis’s Common Data Set, 2024, section C7, where colleges report how heavily they weigh each part of an application.

Where you stand

Run your own numbers

These are the numbers admitted students had. The next question is where yours land inside them, and what to do about the gap.

Your chances at University of California-DavisUniversity of California-Davis essay prompts (8)

Common questions

University of California-Davis requirements, answered

What matters most for University of California-Davis admissions?

University of California-Davis reports that it treats grades, course rigor as very important. Those are where the work pays off, and the college is the source, not a guess.

What does University of California-Davis not consider?

University of California-Davis reports that class rank, test scores, recommendations, interview, demonstrated interest play no part in its decision. This is worth knowing because effort spent on any of them does not count here, whatever it does elsewhere.

What GPA do you need to get into University of California-Davis?

Admitted students average around a 4.04 (unweighted, 4.0 scale). There is no minimum, and grades are read alongside course rigor.

Does University of California-Davis require the SAT or ACT?

No, University of California-Davis is test-optional.

What Spike does with this

Build toward what University of California-Davis actually reads.

Spike takes the factors a college weighs and works them into your courses, testing, essays, and activities over time.