You have an admission decision, now what?
Please check out the resources below for insight into what your decision means and any next steps you should take.
- Admitted studentsadd
Students should review all their letters on their MAP@Berkeley portal. This includes the general notification letter, the Conditions of Admissions, Frequently Asked Questions, and other important information.
Students will also have an Undergraduate Admissions Update Form where they can inform us of any changes to their academic plan or if they will not be meeting their conditions of admission. Please remind your students to keep checking the same email address that they used to apply, even after they create a Berkeley account.
Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarship Candidates
For first-year admits who were admitted in February as candidates for the R&C Scholarship, they should receive a letter notifying them of their scholarship status. Transfer admits who are selected for the R&C Scholarship will receive notification in the weeks after receiving the admission decision.
Important deadlines
- May 1 - Deadline to accept offer of admissions (first-year admits)
- June 1 - Deadline to accept offer of admissions (transfer admits)
- Waitlisted studentsadd
Students invited to join the waitlist must opt-in via MAP@Berkeley by April 15 if they are first-year applicants and May 15 if they are transfer applicants. Accepting a spot on the waitlist is not an offer of admission and we encourage students to consider other educational offers as well as the waitlist. While many students will be notified in May or June whether a space is available for them, the waitlist will be held through the Summer.
Important deadlines:
- April 15 - First-year deadline to opt-in to waitlist
- May 15 - Transfer deadline to opt-in to waitlist
- Students not selectedadd
We stress that because we have over 150,000 applicants for Berkeley admissions, we are unable to accept all the vastly qualified students who apply. Not being admitted to Berkeley is not a reflection on a student’s academic ability to succeed in college. Students who are interested in an appeal should review their FAQs for more details. While few appeals are granted, students who have new and compelling information are welcome to submit an appeal by April 15 (first-year applicants) and May 15 (transfer applicants).
Important deadlines
- April 15 - Deadline to appeal (first-years)
- May 15 - Deadline to appeal (transfers)
- Transcriptsadd
For information on how to submit official transcripts and documents, please review our transcripts webpage. Students should check their portal for details on which documents to submit in order to finalize their admission to Berkeley.
Important deadlines
- July 1 - Transcript deadline
- July 15 - Deadline for required exams and admissions materials
- Frequently Asked Questionsadd
All students will have Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on their status portal that will help them understand their decision and what options are available to them. If students have questions, we highly recommend they review those FAQs before contacting our office. Should students have questions that are not addressed in our FAQs, they are welcome to contact us.
- FAQs for Admitted Studentsadd
Accepting Your Offer of Admission
Q: How do I accept my offer of admission?
A: Accepting your offer of admission includes agreeing to the honor code, accepting your conditions of admission and paying a $250 deposit, if required. The $250 is nonrefundable and will be credited toward your first semester tuition bill.
Q: What is the admission deposit? What does it cover?
A: The $250 deposit is a part of your first semester registration fees; it is not an additional cost. Like many schools, we require a nonrefundable deposit to ensure a student’s commitment. The deposit will appear as paid on your first billing statement.
Q: What does it mean that my tuition/enrollment deposit is waived?
A: An admission deposit waiver means that you will pay the deposit when semester fees are due- in August for the fall semester or January for the spring semester. For some students, the campus agrees to defer receiving these funds.
Q: How do I know if my deposit has been waived?
A: If your deposit has been waived, you will not be prompted to pay after agreeing to the honor code and conditions of admission. You will also see a “Deposit Waived” indicator in your MAP@Berkeley portal.
Q: May I pay my admission deposit a few days past the deadline?
A: Unfortunately, no. There are no exceptions.
Q: How do I pay the admission deposit? Can I pay by check?
A: There are three ways to pay your admission deposit; e-check, credit card, or wire transfer. Paper checks are not accepted. You must complete each of the following steps by the deadline, for your acceptance of your offer of admission to be considered submitted:- Navigate to the MAP@Berkeley portal, which will direct you to your next steps
- Accept your admission and the Honor Code Agreement and check the box next to each Condition of Admission, indicating that you understand and accept
- Select Continue
- You will then be instructed to pay the $250 admission deposit in full (plus a 2.75% service charge for students who pay with credit card).
Q: Why is the 'Accepting my Offer of Admission' still showing on my Task list in CalCentral?
A: If you still see a task prompting you to accept your offer of admission, it means you haven’t completed all the required steps. The final step is submitting your $250 deposit.
Q: Why do I see other charges when I try to pay my Admissions Deposit?
A: If you are enrolled in Berkeley's non-degree summer program, you may see your tuition charges when you are accepting your offer of admission. Don't worry! You can pay your deposit now and your other charges later. Click ‘pay’ next to your account balance. Then, delete the charge you aren't ready to pay, leaving the $250 admission deposit item on the list and click ‘check out’.
Q: What is a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)?
A: The SIR is an old term for newly admitted students that is no longer used at Berkeley. We are now encouraging students to ‘Accept your offer of admission’ and to ‘Pay your admissions deposit’. Please bear with us as we continue to change the language on our website and other Berkeley communications. If you see a reference to SIR, please know that means to accept your offer of admission.Conditions of Admission
Q: What are the Conditions of Admission?
A: Every offer of admission is conditional. All admitted students must meet specific requirements to maintain Berkeley's offer of admission. When accepting the offer, each student is required to review and agree to their condition of admission. A printable version of these conditions, along with the offer letter, is available in the MAP@Berkeley portal. To proceed to the admission deposit payment screen, students must select all condition checkboxes and click ‘continue'.
Q: How do I know whether Admissions has received all of my documents and that I have met all of the conditions?
A: You can view a list of all required documents and their submission status in the task list at the center of the CalCentral Dashboard page. Each document will be marked with one of the following statuses:- Due Date- If it has not been received
- Received- If it has been received and is in the process of being reviewed but is not yet considered complete
- Complete- If it has been reviewed by an Admissions Officer
Q: If I am unable to meet all of my Conditions of Admission, what will happen?
A: Your admissions to Berkeley will typically be canceled if you fail to meet your conditions of admission. If you believe you are unable to meet these conditions, concat the Office of Undergraduate Admissions using the Admissions Update form available April 1.
For assistance or questions, call 510-642-3175.
Q: Why was I directly admitted to the Fall Program for First Semester?
A: Due to the size of the College of Letters & Sciences, each year a percentage of L&S first-year students are selected by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for direct admission into UCB as a part of the Fall Program for First Semester (FPF). FPF is a small, collaborative learning community for first-year students in their first semester. FPF offers smaller classes and much greater connections with your instructors, classmates, and FPF adviser. It’s like a small liberal arts college with the resources and opportunities of a large research university. Students admitted directly to FPF are Berkeley students. The only difference is taking your first fall semester courses through our cohort. Learn more about FPF.
Q: If I was directly admitted to the Fall Program for First-Semester, can I appeal to traditional fall start?
A: Fall Program for First Semester (FPF) is a small, collaborative learning community for first-year students in their first semester. FPF offers smaller classes and much greater connections with your instructors, classmates, and FPF adviser. It’s like a small liberal arts college with the resources and opportunities of a large research university. Students admitted directly to FPF are Berkeley students. The only difference is taking your first fall semester courses through our cohort. Learn more about FPF. There are rare exceptions to this rule, to learn more about opting out please email fpf@berkeley.edu.
Transcript and Test Score Deadlines
Q: How do I know which documents I am supposed to send to Berkeley?A: You should review your Conditions of Admission at MAP@Berkeley and the detailed task list in CalCentral for a complete list of all required official documents and instructions on how to request them.
Q: How do I confirm that my documents have been received?
A: Review your CalCentral task list. It provides a record of all required final, official documents and indicates which ones have or have not been received.
Q: What happens if I do not provide all of my official documents?
A: Admitted students who fail to provide their official documents or who have misrepresented their coursework, grades, or test scores may have their admission to UC Berkeley canceled. Please refer to your Conditions of Admission for detailed information.
Q: What makes a high school transcript official and final? May I fax or email a scanned copy?
A: Faxed, emailed, or photocopied transcripts do not meet the requirements. We require an official high school transcript from your school, including your graduation date, original seal, and signature. If obtaining this is challenging, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 510-642-3175 to discuss your options.
Q: What am I supposed to do if my AP tests scores are not available by July 15?
A: Berkeley only acknowledges AP scores of 3 or higher. Reported AP scores below 3 are not required as a condition of admission. Your AP test scores will not appear on your checklist until July. If we do not receive your test scores within 10 days after the July 15 deadline, you will be notified via MAP@Berkeley. If scores are still not received, your admission may be canceled.
Q: Why do I have to send AP scores if I do not plan to take these courses in college or seek college credit for the AP test?
A: Because your admission was based on the accuracy and completeness of your application, you must send us your credit-bearing AP scores. Providing false or incomplete information about your AP exams or scores may result in the cancellation of your admission.
Q: What should I do if my official transcripts or grades will not arrive at UC Berkeley by the deadline due to delays, international processing, or other circumstances?
A: You’re allowed 10 additional days after the deadline to provide all official documentation. If official documents are still not received, your admission may be cancelled.
Q: Do first-year students in the Fall Program for First-Semester or Global Edge: London program also have to send official documents to Berkeley by July 1?
A: Yes, all admitted students must submit the documents listed in their conditions of admission by the specified deadlines.
Q: I am a new first-year student and took some college courses. The grades for this coursework are recorded on my high school transcript. Do I still need to submit a college transcript?
A: Yes. You must also submit an official transcript from the college or university where you took the course, even if the grade is recorded on your high school transcript.
Q: I took courses at UC Berkeley. Do I still need to send that transcript, or do you already have this information?
A: If you were enrolled in a Berkeley Summer Session course, we already have your transcript information. However, if you took courses through UC Berkeley Extension, you must request that the transcript be sent to our office.
Deferring Admission
Q: I have been admitted to the fall term. May I defer my admission to spring?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admission reviews requests to defer admission to a future term or academic year with a compelling reason. Students who would like to request a deferral of enrollment may submit the Request for Deferment form. The Request for Deferment form will be available from May 1 to June 1, 2025. You will receive a response to your request for deferment by July 31, 2025.Final Steps to Enrollment
Q: I am an admitted student and I do not know what I am supposed to do now. Is my admission final?
A: Your admission to Berkeley becomes final (no longer provisional) once you meet all the requirements outlined in your conditions of admission. However, you must regularly check CalCentral, as it remains your primary source for updates and information throughout your enrollment process.
Q: Can I apply for housing before I accept my offer of admission?
A: No. You can apply for housing only after you accept your offer of admission and before the housing application deadline, using your CalCentral credentials.
Q: Now that I am admitted, who can help me choose courses for my first semester at Berkeley?
"Who Can I Talk to About...?"
A: You’ll receive an invitation via a task in CalCentral to complete Golden Bear Advising. This program provides an overview of campus academic resources, an introduction to your college, and guidance on enrolling in classes. Visit the Golden Bear Advising for more information!
Q: Who should I contact if my courses, grades, or test scores change after being admitted?
A: Report any changes to your schedule through the Undergraduate Admission Update form on the MAP@Berkeley portal page available April 1. For assistance, call 510-642-3175.
Q: Who do I talk to about the American History and Institutions requirements and the American Cultures requirement?
A: The American History and Institutions requirement is a University of California requirement. The American Cultures (AC) requirement is a Berkeley campus requirement. AC courses are offered in more than 40 departments in many different disciplines. For information on how to satisfy this requirement, please visit: http://americancultures.berkeley.edu/
Q: I still have a lot of questions about my enrollment! Who do I talk to?
A: Don't worry, we have you covered. Just go to the Cal Student Central website and check out the top questions. If you cannot find an answer, you can open a case (instructions are on their website). - FAQs for Waitlisted Studentsadd
We realize that students invited to join the waitlist often have many questions. We hope that the following helps you better understand the waitlist process.
General Questions
Q: What is the waitlist?
A: The waitlist is for first-year applicants who were not offered admission due to space limitations but who are excellent candidates for admission if space becomes available. Being on the waitlist does not guarantee an offer of admission. You should accept an offer at another university by the national decision day, May 1, 2025.
Q: I’m an outstanding student. Why wasn't I admitted?
A: Admission to UC Berkeley is extremely competitive due to the high volume of applications and limited spaces. This year, UC Berkeley received more than 127,000 first-year applications for fall 2025.
Q: Can I challenge the admission decision?
A: Appeals are only available for students who are denied admission. Since the waitlist offer is not a final admission decision, the appeals process does not apply. To express your continued interest, opt-in to the waitlist, our campus and to share more information for consideration, you should opt-in to the waitlist, by April 15, 2025.
Q: Is there any restriction about who can be on the waitlist?
A: Yes. The waitlist is by invitation only and is limited to first-year applicants. If you are invited, you must opt in by midnight, April 15, 2025.
Q: Am I automatically placed on the waitlist?
A: No. You must opt in by visiting MAP@Berkeley and following the instructions to join the waitlist. The deadline to opt in is 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on April 15, 2025.
Q: What are my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
A: Admission from the waitlist depends on space availability, which won’t be determined until early May. The waitlist is not ranked, and staff cannot predict any individual’s chances of admission. Should spaces become available, our review will focus primarily on your original application.
Q: Is the waitlist ranked?
A: No.
Q: Does visiting the campus increase my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
A: No. Decisions are based solely on the original application. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions cannot provide interviews or personal appointments for waitlisted students.
Q: Can I submit additional materials, such as a letter of continued interest or recommendation?
A: No.
Q: How will I find out if I get an offer of admission?
A: If space becomes available, we will notify you via email, directing you to MAP@Berkeley. You will have seven days from the time of notification to accept your offer of admission. To check your status, log in to MAP@Berkeley.
Q: Can I opt to be on a waitlist for more than one UC campus?
A: Yes, If multiple UC campuses offer you a waitlist option, you may opt in to more than one. If you receive admission offers from more than one campus, you may accept only one. If you accept an offer from a second campus after accepting an offer from the first, you must rescind your original acceptance. Please note that the deposits paid to the first campus are nonrefundable and will not transfer to the second campus.
Waitlist Process
Q: What do I do if I am admitted?
A: If you are admitted from the waitlist, you must accept your offer of admission through CalCentral by the specified deadline. Instructions on how to accept your offer can be found in CalCentral.
Be sure to complete all other required documentation, including accepting your conditions of admission, by the stated deadlines.
Q: What can I expect if I receive an offer of admission?
A: Depending on space available, students selected from the waitlist may have limited enrollment pathways, which may be different from a student offered admission earlier in the admissions cycle. For example, applicants to the College of Letters and Science may receive an offer to join Fall Program for First-Semester. Visit the websites for these programs to learn more and determine if they are a good fit for you. Both programs offer excellent ways to begin your Berkeley experience.
Q: How long will I have to accept the offer of admission?
A: You will have seven days, including the notification day, to accept the offer. Your individual deadline will be fixed, and no extensions will be granted.
Q: What if I already accepted an offer to another campus?
A: If you have accepted an offer of admission to another college or university, you may still accept UC Berkeley’s offer. However, you must withdraw your acceptance from the other campus. Note that deposits made to the campus will not be refunded.
Housing and Financial Aid
Q: If I'm admitted off the waitlist, will I still be eligible for financial aid?
A: Yes. If you applied for financial aid and submitted your FAFSA to UC Berkeley by the priority deadline, you will be able to see an estimate of your financial aid at MAP@Berkeley.
Q: If I am admitted off the waitlist, do I still receive the housing priority?
A: Yes. Waitlisted students admitted to UC Berkeley will receive a housing offer if they complete the housing application by the deadline to accept their admission and select “any room, any location” as a preference. Failure to meet the deadline may jeopardize your housing priority. For more information, visit MAP@Berkeley. - FAQs for Applicants Not Admittedadd
We realize that many students will be disappointed to learn that they have not been offered admission to the University of California, Berkeley. The size and strength of our applicant pool means that many highly qualified candidates are denied admission. We hope that the following information answers some of the questions you may have regarding our admission decisions and helps to understand our first-year selection process.
Q: Why was I denied admission when I felt that I was a strong applicant?
A: Admission to UC Berkeley is highly competitive due to the size and strength of the first-year applicant pool. For fall 2025, we received nearly 127,000 first-year applications for approximately 13,000 admission spaces. This means that many highly qualified candidates could not be admitted.
Q: How were first-year decisions made for fall?
A: Each application received two independent assessments by trained readers, following guidelines from the UC Regents and Berkeley faculty. Readers considered the strength of high school coursework and grades, the pattern of grades over time, rigor of the senior year schedule, honors and advanced coursework compared to what was available at the high school, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate Higher Level examination results, other indicators of academic promise, participation and accomplishment in the performing arts and athletics, leadership in school or community activities, employment experiences, community service, personal qualities and characteristics, and likely contribution to the campus community. We recognize that Berkeley applicants vary in their academic and extracurricular opportunities and so our process aims to evaluate each applicant holistically within their unique context.
Q: Who read and evaluated my application for admission?
A: Nearly 200 trained professionals—including admissions staff, educators and counselors—read and evaluated applications. Readers met weekly to ensure consistency and fairness, and some applications were reviewed by multiple readers.
Q: Why was another student at my school admitted when I had a higher grade point average?
A: Admissions decisions are based on more than grades. Our review considers personal insight responses, extracurricular involvement, leadership, and other factors. Differences in program capacity also impact admission outcomes.
Q: Why am I not on the waitlist and what is it?
A: The waitlist is for first-year applicants who were not initially offered admission due to space limitations but are strong candidates for admission if space becomes available.
Q: Can I appeal my admission decision?
A: Appeals are accepted but discouraged unless you have significant new information such as grades or achievements. Appeals are due by April 15, 2025 and must be submitted using this form. Decisions are unlikely to change, but if you appeal, continue planning to attend another college. Appeals submitted by mail, phone, or email will not be accepted as well as unsolicited supporting materials such as letters of recommendation.
Q: Can I speak with an admissions officer about my application for admission?
A: Due to confidentiality and the volume of applications, we cannot discuss individual cases by phone or in person. For general questions about the admissions process, call our office at 510-642-3175.
Q: I never received a letter in the mail. Should I be getting one?
A: No. Decision letters are posted electronically on MAP@Berkeley, our secure applicant portal.
**All Admissions statistics are projected and approximations.
- FAQs for Admitted Studentsadd
Accept Your Offer of Admission
Q: How do I accept my offer of admission?
A: Accepting your offer of admission includes agreeing to the honor code, accepting your conditions of admission, and paying a $250 deposit, if required. The $250 is nonrefundable and will be credited toward your first semester tuition bill.
Q: What is the admission deposit? What does it cover?
A: The $250 deposit is part of your first semester registration fees; it is not an additional cost. Like many schools, we require a nonrefundable deposit to ensure a student's commitment. The deposit will appear as paid on your first billing statement.
Q: What does it mean that my tuition/enrollment deposit is waived?
A: An admission deposit waiver means that you will pay the deposit when semester fees are due- in August for the fall semester or January for the spring semester. For some students, the campus agrees to defer receiving these funds.
Q: How do I know if my deposit has been waived?
A: If your deposit has been waived, you will not be prompted to pay after agreeing to the honor code and conditions of admission. You will see a 'Deposit Waived' indicator in your MAP@Berkeley portal.
Q: May I pay my admission deposit a few days past the deadline?
A: Unfortunately, no. There are no exceptions.
Q: How do I pay the admission deposit? Can I pay by check?
A: There are three ways to pay your admission deposit: e-check, credit card, or wire transfer. Paper checks are not accepted. You must complete all of the following steps by the deadline for your acceptance of the admission offer to be considered submitted:- Navigate to the MAP@Berkeley portal, which will direct you to you next steps
- Accept your admission, the Honor Code Agreement and check the box next to each condition of admission, indicating that you understand and accept
- Select 'Continue'
- You will then be instructed to pay the $250.00 admission deposit in full (plus a 2.75% service charge for students who pay with credit card).
Q: Why is the 'Accepting my Offer of Admission' still showing on my Task list in CalCentral?
A: If you still see a task prompting you to accept your offer of admission, it means you haven't completed all the required steps. The final step is submitting your $250 deposit.
Q: Why do I see other charges when I try to pay my Admissions Deposit?
A: If you are enrolled in Berkeley's non-degree summer program you may see your tuition charges when you are accepting your offer of admission. Don't worry! You can pay your deposit now and your other charges later. Click 'pay' next to your account balance. Then, delete the charge you aren't ready to pay, leaving the $250 admission deposit item on the list and click 'check out'.
Q: What is a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)?
A: The SIR is an old term for newly admitted students that is no longer used at Berkeley. We are now encouraging students to ‘Accept your offer of admissions’ and to ‘Pay your admissions deposit’. Please bear with us as we continue to change the language on our website and other Berkeley communications. If you see a reference to SIR, please know that means to accept your offer of admission.
Conditions of Admission Form
Q: What are the Conditions of Admission?
A: Every offer of admission is conditional. All admitted students must meet specific requirements to maintain Berkeley's offer of admission. When accepting the offer, each student is required to review and agree to their conditions of admission. A printable version of these conditions, along with the offer letter, is available in the MAP@Berkeley portal. To proceed to the admission deposit payment screen, students must select all condition checkboxes and click ‘continue.’
Q: How do I know whether Admissions has received all of my documents and that I have met all of the conditions?
A: You can view a list of all required documents and their submission status in the task list at the center of the CalCentral dashboard. Each document will be marked with one of the following statuses:- Due Date- If it has not been received
- Received- If it has been received and is in the process of being reviewed, but is not yet considered complete
- Complete- If it has been reviewed by an Admission Officer
Q: If I am unable to meet all of my conditions of admission, what will happen?
A: Your admission to Berkeley will typically be canceled if you fail to meet your conditions of admission. If you believe you will be unable to meet these conditions, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions using the Undergraduate Admissions Update form available April 1.
For assistance or questions, call 510-642-3175.Majors
Q: How do I know what major I was admitted to?
A: Students admitted to the Haas School of Business and the Colleges of Engineering, Environmental Design, Chemistry, Natural Resources, and Computing, Data Science and Society are admitted to the major listed on their letter of admission. Most students admitted to the College of Letters and Science come in undeclared and therefore will not have a major listed on the letter of admission. However, those admitted to a major in the direct admit pilot are admitted directly to that major and should have a major listed on their letter of admission.
Transcript and Test Score Deadlines
Q: How do I know what documents I am supposed to send to Berkeley?
A: You should review your Conditions of Admission at MAP@Berkeley - as well as the detailed Cal Central Task list - for a list of all required official documents and information about how to request each. Review our transcripts webpage for more details on submitting documents.
Q: How do I confirm that my documents have been received?
A: You should review your Cal Central Task list. You will see a listing of all your required final, official documents that have/have not been received to date.
Q: What happens if I do not provide all of my official documents?
A: Admitted students who fail to provide their official documents, or who have misrepresented their coursework, grades, or test scores, may have their admission to UC Berkeley canceled. Please refer to your Conditions of Admission for detailed information.
Q: What makes a transcript official and final? May I fax it or send a scanned copy by email?
A: Fax, email, or paper copies of the official transcript will not meet the requirements. We require an official transcript from your school with the original seal, and signature. If this proves difficult to obtain, you can contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 510-642-3175 to discuss your options.
Q: My official transcripts are coming from a foreign school, and they may not arrive by the deadline.
A: The campus allows you approximately 10 additional days after the deadline to provide all official documentation. If your official documents are not provided, your enrollment will be subject to cancellation.
Q: My community college transcript shows my high school graduation date. Is that enough?
A: No. You must also submit an official transcript from the high school you attended.
Q: I took a course/courses at UC Berkeley. Do I still need to send that transcript to you or do you already have this information?
A: If you were enrolled in a Berkeley Summer Session course we will already have your transcript information. However, if you enrolled through the UC Berkeley Extension, you must request that the transcript be sent to our office.
Deferring Admission
Q: I have been admitted to the fall term. May I defer my admission to spring?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admission rarely approves requests to defer admission to a future term or academic year. However, students who would like to request a deferral of enrollment may submit the Request for Deferment form. The Request for Deferment form will be available from June 1 - June 30, 2025 to students who have accepted their offer of admission. You will receive a response to your request for deferment by July 31, 2025.
Final Steps to Enrollment
Q: Can I stop checking the website for new requirements?
A: If you meet all of the requirements in your Conditions of Admission, your admission to Berkeley is final and no longer provisional. However, Cal Central will be your main source for information, so you must check your personal checklist on a regular basis.
Q: Can I Apply for Housing Before I Accept My Offer of Admission?
A: No, you can only apply for housing after you accept your offer of admission and before the housing application deadline using your CalNet credentials."Who Can I Talk to About...?"
Q: Now that I am admitted, who can help me choose courses for my first semester at Berkeley?
A: You’ll receive an invitation via a task in CalCentral to complete Golden Bear Advising. This program provides an overview of campus academic resources, an introduction to your colleague, and guidance on enrolling in classes. Visit the Golden Bear Advising for more information.
Q: Who should I contact if my courses, grades, or test scores change after being admitted?
A: Report any changes to your schedule to the Undergraduate Admission Update form on the MAP@Berkeley portal page, available April 1. For assistance, call 510-642-3175.
Q: Who do I talk to about the American History and Institutions requirements and the American Cultures requirement?
A: The American History and Institutions requirement is a University of California requirement. The American Cultures (AC) requirement is a Berkeley campus requirement. AC courses are offered in more than 40 departments in many different disciplines. Visit the American Cultures website for details on fulfilling these requirements.
Q: I still have more questions about my enrollment! Who do I talk to?
A. Don't worry! Visit the Cal Student Central website for answers to frequently asked questions. If you can't find what you’re looking for, you can open a case–instructions are on their website. - FAQs for Waitlisted Studentsadd
We realize that students invited to join the waitlist often have many questions. We hope that the following helps you to better understand the waitlist process.
General Questions
Q: What is the waitlist?
A:The transfer student waitlist is for transfer applicants we were unable to admit due to space limitations but who are considered excellent candidates for admission should space become available. Joining the waitlist is not a guarantee of receiving an offer of admission at a later date. Therefore it is important that you consider other offers of admission, and accept an offer at another university.
Q: I’m an outstanding student. Why wasn't I admitted?
A: Each year, over the last decade, UC Berkeley has experienced significant increases in the number of applications received. Because the number of enrollment spaces has remained relatively constant, admission to Berkeley has become much more competitive. This year was no exception. For fall 2025, we received more than 23,000 transfer applications.
Q: Can I challenge the admission decision?
A: Appeals may only be filed by students who are denied admission. Since the invitation to join the waitlist is not a final admission decision, the appeals process is not available. In order to join the waitlist you must opt-in by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, May 15, 2025.
Q: Is there any restriction about who can be on the waitlist?
A: Yes. The waitlist is by invitation only. If invited, you must opt in by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, May 15, 2025.
Q: Am I on the waitlist automatically?
A: No, you received an offer for space on the waitlist, but you need to tell us if you want to remain on the waitlist. Please go to MAP@Berkeley, and follow the instructions to opt-in to the waitlist.
Remember, if you want to remain on the waitlist, you must let us know by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, May 15, 2025.
Q: What are my chances of being admitted to UC Berkeley after being on the waitlist?
A: Because we will not know until early June whether any spaces will become available and because the waitlist is not ranked, our staff will not be able to predict any student's chances of being admitted. Should spaces become available, our decision will be made using your original application. The percent of students admitted from the waitlist depends on the number of enrollment spaces we have available and the number of students who opt-in to the waitlist.
Q: Is the waitlist ranked?
A: No.
Q: Does visiting the campus increase my chances of being admitted from the waitlist?
A: No. Our office will make decisions based on the original application only. Additionally, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will not conduct interviews or personal appointments for students on the waitlist.
Q: Can I submit a letter of continued interest, letter of recommendation, or other materials for consideration?
A: No, thank you.
Q: How will I find out if I get an offer of admission?
A: You will receive an email notifying you of a status update in your MAP@Berkeley. If admitted you will have seven days from the time of notification to accept the offer of admission. To check your status, login to MAP@Berkeley.
Q: Can I opt to be on a waitlist for more than one UC campus?
A: Yes, you can opt to be included on more than one waitlist, if the option is offered to you by multiple campuses. (Each campus maintains its own waitlist.) If you subsequently receive offers of admission, you may accept only one. If you accept an admission offer from a campus after you have accepted an offer to another, you must cancel your plans to enroll at the first campus. The deposit paid to the first campus will not be refunded or applied to the second campus.Waitlist Process
Q: What do I do if I am admitted?
A: Celebrate! Then decide if you wish to accept your offer. You’ll have seven days to make your decision and accept or decline your offer. To accept your offer of admission follow the instructions found in CalCentral and be sure to complete the steps by the deadline.
Q: How long will I have to accept the offer of admission?
A: Approximately one week. You will have seven days from the time of notification to accept the offer, including the day you are notified. Your individual deadline date will be fixed; no extensions will be granted.
Q: What if I already accepted an offer to another campus?
A: If you are offered admission to UC Berkeley and have already accepted an offer of admission to another college or university, you can still accept our offer. You will need to accept your offer to UC Berkeley and rescind your acceptance at the other campus. The deposit to the first campus will not be refunded.
Housing and Financial Aid
Q: If I'm admitted off the waitlist, will I still be eligible for financial aid?
A: Yes. If you applied for financial aid and submitted your FAFSA to UC Berkeley on time, you will be able to see an estimate of your financial aid at MAP@Berkeley.
Q: If I am admitted off the waitlist, do I still receive the housing priority?
A: Yes! Students admitted off the waitlist will receive a housing offer, if the housing application is completed by the deadline and you indicate “any room, any location” as one of your preferences. Housing priority can be jeopardized if you do not meet your deadline to accept your offer of admission. Please check MAP@Berkeley for more information. - FAQs for Applicants Not Admittedadd
We realize many students will be disappointed to learn they have not been offered admission to the University of California, Berkeley. Unfortunately, the extraordinary size and strength of our applicant pool this year meant that many highly qualified candidates were denied admission. We hope the following information responds to some of the questions you may have regarding our admission decisions and is helpful in understanding our transfer admission selection process.
Q: Why was I denied admission when I felt that I was a very strong applicant?
A: Due to the highly competitive nature of our transfer applicant pool, hundreds of students who had excellent academic and personal credentials were denied admission to Berkeley for fall. For fall 2025, Berkeley received over 23,000 applications of extraordinary caliber and talent.
Q: What are the selection requirements for transfer students?
A: Priority is given to applicants who will have completed at least 60 (90 quarter units), but no more than 80 transferable semester units (120 quarter units) that satisfy College or major requirements. Most programs do not offer admission to students with more than 80 UC-transferable semester units. Exception: If all course work was completed at a community college, this unit limitation does not apply. Applicants are selected on the basis of academic performance and preparation, including completion of major prerequisites and general breadth requirements.
Q: How were transfer admission decisions made?
A: Applications are reviewed by trained readers. Readers assess applications on the strength of the academic record, including the pattern of grades earned over time. All academic and personal information, including extracurricular accomplishments, employment and personal qualities, are taken into consideration. Because we recognize that UC Berkeley applicants vary in their academic and personal circumstances, the review took into account the context of each student's opportunities and challenges and how the applicant responded. Personal qualities of leadership or motivation, likely contribution to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus, and demonstrated interest in the major area of study were also considered. However, completion of preparatory coursework and academic performance are given the most weight in the transfer selection process.
Q: Is any group of applicants given preference in the selection process? Did more nonresidents get admitted than California residents?
A: As a publicly funded institution, the University specifies in its policies that admission preference be given to students who are residents of California, and our eligibility and selection guidelines vary accordingly for residents and nonresidents. However, Berkeley does recognize the contribution of a geographically diverse student population; more than 20 percent of our entering students are non-California U.S residents and international students. Factors other than residency status, such as ethnicity, gender and race, are not taken into consideration in the selection process.
Q: I never received a letter in the mail. Should I be getting one?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Admissions does not mail deny letters as the applicants typically prefer to learn of their admission decision electronically. Therefore, admission decisions are available on our secure applicant portal, MAP@Berkeley.
Q: Can I appeal my admission decision?
A: Yes, any applicant who is denied admission may submit an appeal. Appeals are discouraged unless you can provide significant new information or context that was not included in your original application. Our transfer review process involves a careful, individual review of each application, and it is very unlikely that the decision will change. If you decide to appeal, please submit the appeal form online by May 15, 2025.
Appeals completed by May 15 will be considered on time and you should expect a reply by August 2025. In the appeal form, you must provide significant new information that was not included in the original application.Even if you choose to appeal, we recommend that you accept an admission offer from another college or university.
All appeal requests must be made on MAP@Berkeley.
Q: Can I speak with an admissions officer about my application for admission?
A: For reasons of confidentiality and because of the volume of applications we review, it is not possible to answer specific questions about individual cases over the phone or in person. You may call the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 510-642-3175 if you have general questions regarding the selection process.