The University of Irvine, California (UCI) is one of the most competitive schools in the UC system, attracting thousands of highly qualified applicants each year. With an acceptance rate of 28.8% for first-year students and 39.9% for transfer students in 2024, UCI remains a selective institution.
For prospective applicants, consider the following admissions data.
First-year applicants:
- Total applications: 122,699
- Total admits: 35,296
- Acceptance rate: 28.8%
With over 120,000 applications and less than a third of applicants admitted, UCI remains highly competitive.
Transfer admission data:
- Total applications: 25,102
- Total admits: 10,022
- Acceptance rate: 39.9%
The higher transfer acceptance rate reflects UCI’s commitment to admitting students from California community colleges. This presents an excellent opportunity for students who may not gain first-year admission but still aspire to study at UCI.
Application categories at UCI:
- Freshman applicants: Currently in high school or recently graduated without attending college.
- Transfer applicants: Enrolled in a college or university after high school.
- California community college applicants: Completed at least 30 semester (45 quarter) UC-transferable units at a California community college.
- Nonresident applicants: A student from outside California who typically faces higher admission requirements.
- Second baccalaureate applicants: A college graduate seeking a second bachelor’s degree.
- International applicants: A student who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Please refer to the University of California residency requirements for more information.
- What is the required GPA for admission to UCI?
The following statistics provide a general idea of what it takes to be a competitive applicant.
First-year GPA averages:
- Weighted median: 4.18
- Middle 50% range: 4.04 – 4.27
- Unweighted median: 3.94
- Middle 50% range: 3.83 – 4.00
Most admitted students have a weighted GPA above 4.0, meaning that taking AP, IB, or honors courses is essential to be a competitive applicant.
Transfer GPA averages:
- Median GPA of admitted California community college students: 3.79
For transfer students, maintaining a GPA of 3.79 or higher increases the likelihood of admission.
- Standardized testing and A-G course requirements
UCI does not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship. However, after enrollment, exam scores may be used for class placement or graduation requirements.
The University of California system requires students to complete specific A-G courses to be eligible for admission:
- History: two years of history, one of which is a year of world or European history, cultures, and geography, and the other is a year of U.S. history (or half a year of U.S. history and half a year of American government civics).
- English: four years.
- Math: three years of mathematics (four years preferred), including algebra, advanced algebra, and geometry.
- Science: two years of science (three years preferred); two years of laboratory science and one additional year in applied science, engineering, computer science, or other integrated science courses.
- Foreign language: two years of a foreign language (three years preferred); higher-level classes must be of the same language.
- Visual and performing arts: one year of visual and performing arts, which may include dance, music, visual art, theater and drama, or interdisciplinary arts.
- College preparatory elective: one year.
COVID-19 grading adjustments:
The UC system temporarily suspended the letter grade requirement for A-G courses taken in the winter, spring, and summer of 2020. Students who received a Pass (P) or Credit (CR) grade during this period still meet eligibility requirements.
- For students considering transfer as an alternative path
Students who have enrolled in a regular session (fall, winter, or spring) at a college or university after high school are considered transfer applicants. If you attended a college summer program right after high school graduation or completed college courses during high school, you are still classified as a freshman applicant.
Transfer credit policies:
Not all college courses transfer to UC Irvine, so it is important for prospective students to focus on courses that meet the transfer credit requirements. UC grants credit for courses completed at accredited U.S. colleges or recognized international universities if they are comparable to those offered for an undergraduate degree at the UC school.
Courses must be:
- Listed in the original institution’s official catalog
- Similar in content and prerequisites to UC courses
- Taught at a comparable level of instruction
UC does not award credit for vocational or technical training, work experience, personal enrichment courses, remedial or pre-baccalaureate classes, or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests.
Credit limits:
- Students can transfer up to 70 semester (105 quarter) units of lower-division coursework.
- AP, IB, and A-level exam credits do not count toward this limit.
- Courses at a California community college are the most reliable route for transfer credit.
Repeated courses:
A course with a C- or lower can be repeated to achieve a better grade. The new grade replaces the old one in the GPA calculation.
- How to increase your chances of acceptance
Take challenging courses:
Since most admitted students have a GPA above 4.0, students should enroll in AP, IB, or honors courses whenever possible.
Engage in meaningful extracurricular activities:
UCI looks beyond academic performance and values students who demonstrate leadership and passion through activities such as:
- Student government and leadership roles
- Community service and volunteer work
- Internships, research projects, and creative endeavors
Write strong personal insight responses:
Most students consider personal insight essays as just another part of the application process, but it is a critical way for students to tell admissions officers what they will bring to campus.
UCI requires applicants to answer eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), with each response limited to 350 words. Successful essays will:
- Showcase personality and values
- Highlight unique experiences
- Provide specific examples of leadership, challenges, or achievements
Your personal insight essays set you apart from other applicants. This is your chance to directly show UCI’s admissions team who you are beyond your grades and test scores.
Admission officers want to admit students who they know can make a difference on their campus, which is why students should focus on how to make their applications stand out among the pool of applicants. That is where Ivy Talent comes in. Our team of expert consultants works closely with students and families to understand their needs and goals. They then develop a personalized plan that builds on students’ existing skills and experiences to create a compelling application package.
Author: Vy Mai
Date: March 27th, 2025