UC Davis Acceptance Rate: Complete Guide to Admissions, GPA, Requirements & Chances

The University of California, Davis, commonly called UC Davis, is one of the largest and best-known public research universities in California.

Students apply to UC Davis for many reasons. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, strong research opportunities, and a campus known for its academic programs, student life, and agricultural roots.

But how difficult is it to get into UC Davis?

The latest official data provide a useful answer.

For fall 2026, UC Davis received 104,864 first-year applications and admitted 48,015 students. That produced an overall first-year UC Davis acceptance rate of 45.8%. The middle 50% GPA range for admitted students was 4.00 to 4.25 on the UC weighted GPA scale. (UC Admissions)

That acceptance rate should be treated as a general measure of selectivity, not as a prediction of any individual student’s admission result.

UC specifically warns applicants not to use campus admit rates as personal admission probabilities. The applicant pool changes every year, and competition can also vary among majors and colleges. (UC Admissions)

This guide covers the latest UC Davis acceptance rate, GPA expectations, admission requirements, test policy, application process, personal insight questions, transfer admission, and practical ways to prepare a strong application.

What Is the UC Davis Acceptance Rate?

The latest official figure puts the UC Davis first-year acceptance rate at 45.8% for fall 2026.

UC reports:

These figures are part of UC’s preliminary fall 2026 admission data. UC notes that the figures were compiled as of June 2026 and that some campuses could admit additional students after that point. (UC Admissions)

The numbers still provide the clearest current picture of UC Davis admissions.

Why the Acceptance Rate Matters

The acceptance rate helps explain how competitive a university is.

However, it does not tell you everything.

For example, an applicant with a 4.2 UC GPA does not automatically have the same admission result as every other student with a 4.2 GPA.

UC Davis reviews applications through a comprehensive review process. That process considers academic achievement, the opportunities available at the student’s school, extracurricular involvement, special accomplishments, and other factors. (UC Admissions)

This is why students should look at the full admissions process instead of focusing on one percentage.

UC Davis Acceptance Rate for Fall 2026

Fall 2026 brought another very large applicant pool to UC Davis.

The university reported 122,271 total undergraduate applications for fall 2026. That total includes both first-year and transfer applicants. (UC Davis)

For first-year admission alone, UC Davis received more than 104,000 applications.

It then offered admission to 48,015 students.

That resulted in the current 45.8% first-year admit rate reported by the University of California. (UC Admissions)

The university also admitted 10,138 transfer applicants for fall 2026. (UC Davis)

This distinction matters because first-year and transfer acceptance rates are not the same.

UC Davis Transfer Acceptance Rate

For fall 2026, UC Davis reports:

UC also reports that 93.3% of admitted transfer students came from California community colleges. (UC Admissions)

The transfer rate is therefore higher than the first-year rate for this admission cycle.

But transfer applicants should not assume that admission is automatic.

UC Davis uses a comprehensive review process for transfer applications, and major preparation can be particularly important for students applying to programs with specific prerequisites. (UC Admissions)

Is UC Davis Hard to Get Into?

UC Davis is selective, but its overall acceptance rate is higher than the rates reported by some of the most selective universities in the United States.

Still, the applicant pool is strong.

UC Davis received more than 100,000 first-year applications for fall 2026.

The university’s latest admitted-student profile reports a 4.00–4.25 middle 50% GPA range for admitted first-year students. (UC Admissions)

This tells you something important.

Meeting UC’s minimum requirements is not the same as presenting a competitive application.

UC itself notes that most applicants to its campuses present more than the minimum admission requirements. (UC Admissions)

Students should therefore aim to build a strong academic record rather than simply meeting the minimum.

What GPA Do You Need for UC Davis?

UC Davis does not publish a single GPA that guarantees admission.

For fall 2026, the middle 50% UC GPA range among admitted first-year students was:

4.00–4.25

This is the current official benchmark from UC Admissions. (UC Admissions)

The term UC GPA is important here.

It is not necessarily the same as the GPA printed on your high school transcript.

UC calculates its admission GPA using A-G courses, grades, and approved honors weighting. For grades 10 and 11, UC can add honors points for eligible courses, subject to its limits. (UC Admissions)

Is a 4.0 GPA Enough for UC Davis?

A 4.0 UC GPA can be within the current middle 50% range for admitted students.

But it does not guarantee admission.

UC Davis considers the entire application.

The university also considers course rigor, academic performance relative to available opportunities, activities, special projects, leadership, talents, and other parts of the applicant’s background. (UC Admissions)

A student with a 4.0 GPA should therefore focus on the complete application rather than assuming the GPA alone determines the outcome.

UC Davis GPA Requirements

There are two separate concepts to understand:

Minimum eligibility GPA

and

Competitive admission profile

They are not the same.

For California residents, UC requires a minimum 3.0 GPA in the required A-G courses.

For nonresidents, including out-of-state students, the minimum is 3.4 GPA.

Applicants must also earn no grade below a C in the courses used to meet the requirement. (UC Admissions)

These are minimum UC eligibility standards.

They are not a UC Davis admission guarantee.

Because UC Davis receives so many applications, successful applicants often present academic records well above the minimum threshold.

UC Davis A-G Course Requirements

First-year applicants must complete the UC’s 15 yearlong A-G courses with a grade of C or better.

The subject areas are:

At least 11 of the 15 courses must be completed before the final year of high school. (UC Admissions)

A fourth year of mathematics is strongly recommended.

Students should also pay attention to major-specific preparation where applicable.

Does UC Davis Require the SAT or ACT?

No.

The University of California does not use SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions.

UC also does not use SAT or ACT scores when awarding scholarships. (UC Admissions)

This applies to UC Davis.

That means applicants do not need to take the SAT or ACT to make their UC Davis application competitive.

Students may still encounter testing requirements for certain purposes outside regular admission, such as course placement after enrollment. However, those scores are not used to determine admission. (UC Admissions)

Does a High SAT Score Help at UC Davis?

No.

UC Davis does not use SAT or ACT scores in its admission decisions.

That means students should not spend time trying to increase an SAT score specifically for UC Davis admission.

Their application effort is better spent on academics, meaningful activities, and strong personal insight responses.

What Does UC Davis Look for in Applicants?

UC Davis uses comprehensive review.

UC says campuses look beyond grades and consider academic achievement in light of the opportunities available to each student. (UC Admissions)

Important areas can include:

Academic Performance

Academic achievement remains central to the UC review process.

UC considers GPA in A-G courses, course content, performance beyond minimum requirements, honors and advanced courses, and the quality of the student’s senior-year program. (UC Admissions)

Course Rigor

Taking demanding classes can show that you are prepared for university-level work.

UC considers the number, content, and performance of honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level, and transferable college courses. (UC Admissions)

The key is to use the opportunities available at your school.

There is no benefit in comparing your course list with a student who attends a high school with completely different offerings.

Extracurricular Activities

Activities outside the classroom can help admissions readers understand your interests and accomplishments.

These can include:

• Leadership
• Community service
• Employment
• Athletics
• Arts
• Research
• Family responsibilities
• Academic projects
• Personal interests

You do not need to participate in dozens of activities.

Meaningful involvement can be more useful than a long list.

Academic and Personal Achievements

UC can consider special talents, awards, projects, leadership experiences, and other accomplishments. (UC Admissions)

A successful application does not have to look like everyone else’s.

A student may demonstrate achievement through research.

Another may show it through employment or family responsibilities.

Another may have a strong record in athletics, music, art, technology, or community service.

UC Davis Personal Insight Questions

The UC application includes Personal Insight Questions, commonly called PIQs.

First-year applicants choose 4 questions from 8 options.

Each response can contain up to 350 words. (UC Admissions)

The purpose is to help UC understand you as an individual.

The questions cover areas such as:

• Leadership
• Creativity
• Talent or skill
• Educational opportunities
• Educational barriers
• Challenges
• Academic interests
• Community involvement
• Personal qualities

All eight questions receive equal consideration.

There is no special advantage to choosing one question over another. (UC Admissions)

How to Write Strong UC Davis PIQs

The best responses are usually specific.

Avoid writing:

“I am a hardworking person.”

Instead, show what happened.

Explain the problem.

Describe your actions.

Then explain what you learned.

The UC admissions office encourages students to show their personality and use their own voice. (UC Admissions)

Your PIQs should also avoid repeating information already obvious from the rest of the application.

Use them to add context.

Does UC Davis Require Letters of Recommendation?

No.

UC does not require or read letters of recommendation as part of the standard application process.

A campus may ask for a recommendation letter later as part of a supplemental review, but students should not send recommendation letters unless requested. (UC Admissions)

This is different from many private universities.

Students applying to UC Davis should therefore focus on the materials UC actually requests.

Does UC Davis Require a Resume?

A traditional résumé is not required for the standard UC application.

Instead, students report their activities, awards, employment, and other achievements within the UC application.

This allows applicants to provide meaningful details without relying on a separate résumé.

UC Davis Application Process

Students apply to UC Davis through the University of California application.

The UC system uses one application that can be sent to multiple UC campuses.

Students select the campuses they want to apply to and submit the application once. Each campus then reviews the application independently. (University of California)

This can make the UC application different from applying separately to a group of private universities.

You do not need separate applications for UC Davis, UC Irvine, UCLA, or other UC campuses.

You simply choose the campuses you want to receive your UC application.

UC Davis Application Fee

The UC application fee is currently:

• $80 per UC campus for most applicants
• $95 per campus for international and non-immigrant applicants

Qualified students can receive a fee waiver for up to four UC campuses. (UC Admissions)

Application fees are generally non-refundable.

Students should confirm the current amount during the application cycle because fees may change.

UC Davis Application Deadlines

The University of California uses a systemwide application period.

For the fall 2027 admission cycle, the UC application filing period is October 1 through November 30, 2026. (UC Admissions)

The application opens earlier, on August 1.

For fall admission, students should not wait until the last day to begin the application.

The application includes academic history, activities, awards, and personal insight responses.

That takes time to complete accurately.

When Does UC Davis Release Admission Decisions?

For fall 2027 first-year applicants, the UC system lists the admission notification period as March 1 through March 31, 2027. Some campuses may release decisions earlier. (UC Admissions)

The final enrollment decision deadline is May 1 for fall 2027 admitted first-year students. (UC Admissions)

Students should monitor their UC application portals and email during the decision period.

UC Davis for California Residents

California residents make up a major part of the UC Davis applicant and student population.

UC is a public university system created to serve California students, and UC specifically states that it prioritizes admission for California residents while also admitting out-of-state students. (UC Admissions)

California students also have a lower minimum GPA requirement than nonresidents:

California residents: 3.0 minimum UC GPA

Nonresidents: 3.4 minimum UC GPA

These minimums apply to the required A-G coursework. (UC Admissions)

Meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission to UC Davis.

UC Davis for Out-of-State Students

Students from outside California can apply to UC Davis.

However, UC applies a higher minimum GPA requirement for nonresidents.

Out-of-state applicants must have at least a 3.4 GPA in the 15 college-preparatory A-G courses, with no grade below C. (UC Admissions)

UC also states that public universities in California prioritize admission for California residents.

That means an applicant should not assume the university-wide 45.8% rate applies equally to every residency group.

UC Davis for International Students

UC Davis accepts international first-year applicants.

International students must meet UC’s international admission requirements and demonstrate completion of the equivalent secondary education needed for university admission in their home country. (UC Admissions)

International first-year applicants generally need to complete 15 yearlong academic courses with at least a 3.4 GPA. The requirements are adapted to the student’s educational system. (UC Admissions)

UC also provides country-specific guidance.

For example, applicants using international education systems may have to report external examinations and academic records in a particular format. (UC Admissions)

UC Davis Acceptance Rate by Major

The overall UC Davis acceptance rate does not necessarily describe admission to every major.

UC explicitly warns that data can mask differences between colleges and programs.

Some UC campuses admit students directly into individual majors, and the level of competition can vary among majors. (UC Admissions)

This is an important point for students applying to popular or capacity-limited programs.

A student should research the specific UC Davis major rather than relying only on the 45.8% university-wide rate.

Does Your Major Matter at UC Davis?

Yes, it can.

UC’s comprehensive review includes academic preparation related to a student’s intended area of study.

Some UC Davis programs also have specific preparation or selective-major requirements.

UC Davis provides a majors guide with information about major preparation and selective majors. (UC Davis)

Students should review their intended major early.

That can help them select the right high school courses and understand any additional preparation requirements.

UC Davis Acceptance Rate vs. Other UC Campuses

It can be tempting to rank UC campuses by acceptance rate.

That can be misleading.

Every UC campus has its own applicant pool, enrollment goals, academic programs, and selection process.

UC says acceptance rates depend on the number of applicants, their academic qualifications, and the number of spaces available. (UC Admissions)

For that reason, acceptance-rate comparisons should always use the same admission year and applicant type.

For fall 2026, UC Davis reported a 45.8% first-year admit rate.

That is a campus-specific figure.

It should not be treated as a universal UC admission standard.

What Is a Competitive UC Davis Application?

There is no single formula for a competitive UC Davis application.

Still, current data provide useful benchmarks.

The middle 50% GPA range for fall 2026 admitted students was 4.00–4.25 under the UC GPA calculation. (UC Admissions)

A strong application should also show:

• Consistent academic performance
• Appropriate course rigor
• Strong A-G preparation
• Meaningful extracurricular involvement
• Personal growth
• Clear interests
• Thoughtful PIQ responses

The application should tell a coherent story.

It does not need to look identical to another student’s application.

How to Improve Your UC Davis Application

Focus on your academics first

Your grades and course selection form the foundation of the application.

Build strong habits early in high school.

Avoid relying on senior year to repair an inconsistent academic record.

Take challenging courses

Use the advanced courses available at your school.

UC looks at the number and performance of honors, AP, IB, and transferable college courses, along with the overall academic program. (UC Admissions)

Choose meaningful activities

You do not need to join every club.

Instead, spend time on activities that matter to you.

Long-term involvement can show commitment.

Use the PIQs to add context

The personal insight questions should reveal something about you.

Avoid repeating your transcript.

Use concrete examples.

Explain what you did and what changed because of it.

Research your intended major

Major preparation can matter, especially for programs with additional requirements.

Use the UC Davis Majors Guide before finalizing your application choices. (UC Davis)

Do not worry about SAT or ACT scores

UC does not use these tests in admissions decisions.

Your time is better spent on the portions of the application UC actually reviews. (UC Admissions)

Common UC Davis Admission Mistakes

Some application mistakes are avoidable.

Treating the 45.8% rate as a personal chance

An acceptance rate is a population-level statistic.

It does not predict what will happen to one applicant.

UC Davis itself warns readers not to use the admit rate as a personal predictor. (UC Admissions)

Confusing minimum requirements with competitive standards

A 3.0 UC GPA meets the minimum requirement for California residents.

It does not mean a student with a 3.0 GPA is equally competitive with the admitted applicant pool.

The current admitted-student middle 50% is substantially higher. (UC Admissions)

Sending unnecessary recommendation letters

UC does not require recommendation letters for the standard application.

Do not send them unless a campus asks for them as part of a supplemental review. (UC Admissions)

Spending too much time on standardized tests

SAT and ACT scores are not used for UC admission decisions.

Focus your effort elsewhere. (UC Admissions)

Writing generic PIQs

The PIQs are personal questions.

Give specific answers.

Show your experiences rather than relying on broad statements. (UC Admissions)

UC Davis Class Profile and Student Context

UC Davis continues to attract students from a wide range of backgrounds.

The university’s current viewbook reports that its student body includes international students from 110 countries. It also lists more than 900 undergraduate student clubs and organizations. (UC Davis Viewbook)

The fall 2025 entering class included 9,466 new undergraduates, according to UC Davis Enrollment Management. The university reported that the new undergraduates came from 45 states and U.S. territories and 54 countries. (UC Davis Enrollment Management)

These figures show that UC Davis has a broad student population.

Does UC Davis Have a Guarantee for California Students?

UC has statewide pathways that can provide guarantees under specific conditions, but they should not be confused with a guarantee of admission to UC Davis itself.

For example, UC’s Statewide Guarantee and Eligibility in the Local Context programs can offer a student admission to another UC campus if they meet the applicable conditions and are not admitted to a campus they selected, provided space is available. (UC Admissions)

Students should read the current eligibility rules carefully.

Being eligible for a UC guarantee does not necessarily mean receiving admission to a specific campus or major.

Frequently Asked Questions About UC Davis Acceptance Rate

What is the UC Davis acceptance rate?

The latest official figure is 45.8% for first-year applicants for fall 2026. UC Davis received 104,864 applications and admitted 48,015 students. (UC Admissions)

How many students applied to UC Davis for fall 2026?

UC reports 104,864 first-year applications for fall 2026. (UC Admissions)

How many students did UC Davis admit?

UC Davis admitted 48,015 first-year applicants for fall 2026. (UC Admissions)

What GPA do you need for UC Davis?

There is no GPA that guarantees admission. For fall 2026, the middle 50% UC GPA range among admitted first-year students was 4.00–4.25. (UC Admissions)

What is the minimum GPA for UC Davis?

The minimum UC GPA is 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for nonresidents in the required A-G coursework, with no grade below C. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis require the SAT?

No. UC does not use SAT or ACT scores to make admissions decisions. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis require the ACT?

No. ACT scores are also not used in UC admissions decisions. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis require recommendation letters?

No. UC does not require or read recommendation letters as part of the standard application. A campus may request one later for supplemental review. (UC Admissions)

How many Personal Insight Questions do I need to answer?

First-year applicants must answer 4 of 8 UC Personal Insight Questions. Each response has a maximum of 350 words. (UC Admissions)

What are the UC Davis application deadlines?

For fall 2027, the UC application filing period is October 1 through November 30, 2026. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis accept out-of-state students?

Yes. UC Davis accepts applicants from outside California. Nonresident applicants must meet UC’s 3.4 GPA minimum in the required A-G courses. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis accept international students?

Yes. International students can apply as first-year or transfer applicants if they meet the relevant UC requirements. (UC Admissions)

What is the UC Davis transfer acceptance rate?

For fall 2026, UC Davis reports a 58.3% transfer admit rate, with 10,138 admits from 17,400 applications. (UC Admissions)

Does UC Davis admit by major?

Some UC campuses and colleges admit students directly into individual majors, and the level of competition can vary by major. Applicants should review UC Davis major-specific information before applying. (UC Admissions)

Final Thoughts on the UC Davis Acceptance Rate

The latest UC Davis acceptance rate is 45.8% for first-year applicants for fall 2026.

UC Davis received 104,864 first-year applications and offered admission to 48,015 students. The middle 50% UC GPA range among admitted students was 4.00–4.25. (UC Admissions)

For transfer applicants, the current admit rate is higher at 58.3%, based on 17,400 applications and 10,138 admission offers. (UC Admissions)

Still, the acceptance rate should not be treated as a personal admissions calculator.

UC Davis uses comprehensive review.

Academic performance, course selection, achievement, activities, leadership, special projects, and educational context can all matter. (UC Admissions)

For most students, the best preparation is straightforward.

Build a strong academic record.

Take challenging courses that fit your opportunities.

Complete all A-G requirements.

Choose activities that genuinely matter to you.

Write thoughtful Personal Insight Questions.

Research your intended major.

And remember that UC Davis does not use SAT or ACT scores for admission decisions. (UC Admissions)

Finally, always check the official UC and UC Davis websites before applying. Admission data are updated each year, and application deadlines, requirements, and campus policies can change.

Sources

University of California Admissions — UC Davis First-Year Admit Data
University of California Admissions — How Applications Are Reviewed
University of California Admissions — First-Year Requirements
University of California Admissions — Personal Insight Questions
University of California Admissions — Dates & Deadlines
UC Davis — Fall 2026 Admission Announcement
UC Davis Enrollment Management — 2025 Annual Report