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Exam requirements for freshman admission

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 

ACT and SAT tests will be optional. Test scores submitted by applicants will not be used in the comprehensive application review process. Applicants who do not submit ACT or SAT test scores will receive full consideration as applicants who choose to submit test scores.

UC Davis continues to assess campus policy for students applying for 2022 admission and beyond, and will update this page by September 2021.

 

Freshman Requirements

Freshman Timeline

Application Review

How to Apply
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ACT with Writing or SAT with Essay

The University of California will no longer collect test scores for the ACT with Writing and SAT with Essay, even if students choose to submit general test scores as part of their application for admission.

SAT Subject Tests – CEEB code: 004834

SAT Subject Tests are not required; UC Davis will consider SAT Subject Tests only if they benefit the applicant.

Admission Statistics

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

ACT: 28-34

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

Reporting Your Scores

You may report your official test scores to UC Davis at the time you take each test by requesting that your score report be automatically sent to UC Davis or any UC campus once it is available. If you've already received your scores, you can have additional score reports sent to UC Davis by contacting the testing agency for additional copies (ACT or College Board for the SAT with Essay and SAT Subject Tests). You only need to send your scores to one UC campus.

Examination Credit

Make yourself stand out on the application

UC Davis receives applications from many more qualified students than we can accept. We encourage our applicants to challenge themselves with advanced coursework such as that provided in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Most AP and IB courses qualify as honors courses for the purposes of calculating your GPA as a freshman applicant.

A score of 3, 4 or 5 on certain AP tests may be considered equivalent to classes offered at UC Davis. Learn more about AP examinations and view the AP examination chart for information on earning AP credit.

Beginning with Fall 2020 applicants, UC Davis will award 4 semester/ 6 quarter units for International Baccalaureate (IB) diplomas in addition to awarding 8 quarter units for individual Higher Level (HL) exams with scores of 5, 6, or 7. Learn more about IB examinations and view the IB higher-level examination chart for information on earning IB credit.

Academic Preparation

It is important to establish a strong foundation in high school by exceeding the University of California freshman admission requirements. UC Davis academic preparation programs can help you get ready for college and look great on your application!

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