How to Get into UC Irvine

Fernanda Munoz
Essay editor
Last updated,
June 7, 2023

UC Irvine is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the United States and is highly competitive to get into. In 2021, UC Irvine was ranked #9 among public universities in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

The university's competitive admissions process reflects its commitment to excellence. With an acceptance rate of around 28%, UC Irvine is one of the more selective public universities in the country. Applicants should aim to meet and exceed the university's minimum requirements and showcase their unique talents and achievements in their application.

Top Programs at UC Irvine

UC Irvine is known for its academic excellence and research opportunities. Here are some of the top programs offered at UC Irvine:

Application Requirements

GPA and Grades

UC Irvine requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for California residents and a minimum GPA of 3.4 for out-of-state residents. However, keep in mind that the average GPA of admitted students is much higher, at around 4.0. UC Irvine also looks at your grades in specific classes, such as English, math, science, and history. It is important to take challenging courses in these subjects and earn good grades.

Profile

UC Irvine takes a holistic approach to admissions and looks at your entire profile. This includes your extracurricular activities, leadership positions, work experience, and community service. It is important to showcase your unique talents and interests in your application.

Test Scores

UC Irvine requires either the SAT or ACT with Writing. The average SAT score of admitted students is around 1400, and the average ACT score is around 30. It is important to prepare well for these tests and try to score as high as possible.

Personal Statement

UC Irvine requires a personal statement as part of your application. This is your opportunity to showcase your personality, values, and experiences. Be sure to write a compelling and well-written essay that highlights your strengths and achievements.

In conclusion, getting admitted into UC Irvine is a challenging but rewarding process. Make sure to meet the minimum requirements for GPA, grades, test scores, and personal statement. Additionally, showcase your unique talents and interests in your application to increase your chances of getting admitted.

Requirements for International Students

International students must meet the same requirements as domestic students, with some additional requirements. In addition to the minimum GPA and test score requirements.

Additionally, international students must provide documentation of their financial support to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses. It is important to carefully review the international student admissions requirements and deadlines to ensure that all necessary materials are submitted on time.

Program-Specific Requirements at UC Irvine

UC Irvine offers several highly competitive undergraduate programs, including the following:

Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences

The Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences is one of the top computer science programs in the country and is highly competitive to get into. To be considered for admission, students must meet the following requirements:

Samueli School of Engineering

The Samueli School of Engineering is highly competitive and offers a wide range of engineering programs. To be considered for admission, students must meet the following requirements:

School of Business

The School of Business is a nationally ranked program that focuses on experiential learning and offers innovative programs in areas such as healthcare management and entrepreneurship. To be considered for admission, students must meet the following requirements:

It is important to note that admission to these programs is highly selective, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission. Students should aim to exceed the minimum requirements and showcase their unique talents and achievements in their application.

Deadlines

The main deadlines to apply to UC Irvine are November 30th for the fall quarter, October 1st for the winter quarter, and March 2nd for the spring quarter. It is important to carefully review the admissions requirements and deadlines and ensure that all necessary materials are submitted by the deadline. This includes your application, test scores, transcripts, and any additional materials required for your specific program or major. It is also important to note that some programs may have earlier or later deadlines, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your program of interest. Additionally, it is recommended to submit your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure that any issues or questions can be addressed in a timely manner.

Need Support to Get into UC Irvine?

Attending UC Irvine is a demanding goal, but with hard work and dedication, it's definitely achievable. AdmissionPrep’s education consulting programs will guide you to your top schools and give you the skills, mentorship & pathways to succeed. We will make sure you apply to the right institutions, get accepted, land your dream job and have success in university and beyond. Make sure to visit this page to apply for the program!

Fernanda Munoz
Essay editor
Last updated,
June 7, 2023

Maximize Your Admission Odds

Take our quiz and receive exclusive insights in our weekly newsletter on the latest in academic planning, higher education, and resources to help you supercharge your college chances.
If eligible, you'll also be invited to book a complimentary consultation to create a plan and get into your dream institution.
Get Started

Related Articles