The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) oversees the admissions processes for the UC system, but it is not a standalone university admitting students directly. Instead, it manages policies and data for the nine undergraduate UC campuses, such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego. For the most recent admission cycle (Class of 2028), UCOP reported system-wide application and admission trends, though specific acceptance rates vary by campus. The overall UC system saw a record number of applicants, with over 250,000 applications for fall 2023, driven by increased interest from in-state, out-of-state, and international students. Selectivity continues to rise due to limited enrollment capacity and growing demand. UCOP publishes transparent admission statistics annually on the official UC website, providing detailed breakdowns by campus and demographic.
Trends across the UC system indicate increasing competitiveness, with application numbers rising by 3-5% annually over the past decade. Campuses like UCLA and UC Berkeley are among the most selective public universities in the U.S., rivaling Ivy League schools with single-digit acceptance rates. International student admissions face additional barriers due to caps on out-of-state enrollment, while in-state applicants benefit from California residency priorities. Compared to peer public university systems, the UC system’s selectivity is notably high, driven by academic reputation and geographic appeal. For the most accurate and updated data, prospective students can refer to the official UC admissions website.
