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Get on the path to becoming a first-year student

To be competitive for freshman admission to UC Davis, prospective students must be on track to earn a high school diploma (or equivalent) and meet all UC freshman admission requirements. Our campus then reviews and assesses all applications as part of our UC Davis freshman application review process.

Freshman Admission Requirements

"A-G" Subject Requirement

A. History/social science = 2 years
B. English (or language of instruction) = 4 years
C. Mathematics = 3 years (4 years recommended)
D. Laboratory science = 2 years (3 years recommended)
E. Language other than English (or other second language) = 2 years (3 years recommended)
F. Visual and performing arts = 1 year
G. College preparatory elective = 1 year

The University of California (UC) has suspended letter grade requirements for A-G courses completed in spring 2020. Courses completed during this time with Pass (P) or Credit (CR) grades will satisfy appropriate A-G requirements.

GPA Requirement

Earn a GPA of 3.00 or higher. Students who are not residents of California must earn a GPA of 3.40 or higher.

Learn about the two paths to admission for California residents.


Exam Requirements

Transfer Requirements

International Requirements

How to Apply
Learn tips and techniques for filling out the UC application.⟶

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Freshman Timeline

Plan out your year to reach each admission milestone.
Application Tips

Get tips, techniques and helpful advice for filling out the application.
Application Review

Learn how we review your application for admission.

Freshman Admission Statistics

GPA

3.96-4.25
 Weighted

3.73-3.97
 Unweighted

Exam Scores

SAT: 1260-1470
Math: 640-780
Evidence-based Reading and Writing: 600-710

ACT: 28-34

Exam Requirements

The University of California Board of Regents unanimously approved suspension of the standardized test requirement (ACT/SAT) for all California freshman applicants until fall 2024. For fall 2021 applicants, UC Davis will be test-optional.

All ranges reflect the middle 50% of students admitted as of July 22, 2020. Learn more about admission statistics

Freshmen with Special Situations

If you're applying to UC Davis as a freshman and believe you have a special situation, follow the guidelines to establish your academic record and make yourself standout on the application.

Learn about situations

Important Dates

August 1

Applicants for fall 2021 may start working on the UC application as early as August 1.

October 1–March 2

Apply for financial aid at fafsa.ed.gov or dream.csac.ca.gov.

November 1–30

The application filing period for fall 2021 admission to UC Davis opens November 1 and closes at 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2020.

View Freshman Timeline

Find Programs to Prepare for College

#UCDavisLife: Audrey Chamberlin