Is UC Berkeley test blind in 2026?

Yes, UC Berkeley remains test-blind for 2026, meaning SAT/ACT scores are not used in admissions decisions, though submitted scores might be used for course placement or credit, with AP/IB scores still considered for a "value-added" review as per their official policies. While there have been discussions about potentially reintroducing tests, the current policy for the 2026 application cycle (for the Class of 2030) maintains the test-blind stance for all applicants, including out-of-state and international students, following a court ruling that solidified this policy for the UC system.

Are UC schools test blind for 2026?

But with Thursday's announcement, the schools will remain test-optional for the Class of 2026. For the Classes of 2027 and 2028, the UC schools will not consider the submission of these scores for in-state residents.

Is UC Berkeley test blind in 2025?

The UC dropped standardized tests in 2020 following concerns about bias, inequity, and their limited value in predicting college success. Subsequently, a lawsuit settlement in 2021 cemented this policy, where the UC agreed to not consider SAT or ACT scores in the admission process through Spring 2025.

Is the Berkeley test blind?

A: Berkeley prefers the term “test-free”, and for us this means that we're not using SAT/ACT test scores for any part of our process, including evaluation/holistic review, selection, or scholarship processes.

What schools will be test-optional in 2026?

For the 2026 application cycle, hundreds of colleges remain test-optional (meaning submitting SAT/ACT scores is your choice), including many major universities like Vanderbilt, NYU, USC, UNC Chapel Hill, UVA, and Arizona State, with some systems like California State University (CSU) being permanently test-free. While some schools (like Johns Hopkins) are reinstating requirements in 2026, the vast majority of institutions are continuing or extending their flexible testing policies, with many state systems like California, Colorado, and Washington being permanently test-free or test-optional. Always check each college's specific policy for the 2026-2027 cycle, as some have deadlines (e.g., through Fall 2026) or conditions (like UNC's GPA requirement). 

The TRUTH About College Admissions in 2026 (It’s Not Getting Easier)

Did Mark Zuckerberg score 1600 on SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

Is UCLA or UC Berkeley harder to get into?

UCLA is generally considered harder to get into than UC Berkeley due to having a lower overall acceptance rate and receiving more applications, making it the most selective UC, though both are extremely competitive and depend heavily on your major and profile. While UCLA often requires higher stats (especially GPA), Berkeley can be very competitive for specific programs like Engineering or Business, but might be slightly more holistic overall. 

Is UC Berkeley need-blind?

Applications to Berkeley are need-blind, but be aware that, when you do apply for an American visa, you will need to show that you can cover all your costs for the period of studying. You can, however, apply for the many scholarships which are offered by private organisations.

Is 1400 a good SAT score for UC Berkeley?

What is a good SAT score for UC Berkeley? A score of 1400 or above is generally competitive for UC Berkeley. The middle 50% of admitted students who submit scores typically fall between 1300 and 1530, with an average around 1415.

What is the hardest major to get into at UC Berkeley?

The hardest majors to get into at UC Berkeley are primarily in high-demand fields like Computer Science (CS), Engineering (especially EECS/ECE), the Haas School of Business, and Data Science, often within impacted colleges, but also specific Letters & Sciences majors like Political Economy, Public Health, and Operations Research, known for extremely low admission rates (sometimes single digits for CS) and high applicant numbers. 

What is the hardest university to get into in 2025?

The hardest colleges to get into for 2025 remain extremely selective, with Harvard University, Caltech (California Institute of Technology), and Stanford University often topping lists due to their ~3% acceptance rates, while other Ivies like Princeton, Yale, and MIT also have rates around 4-5% and fierce competition for STEM/global leadership potential. Competition is at record highs, with many top schools admitting fewer than 10% of applicants, seeking exceptional academic profiles, problem-solving skills, and unique potential.
 

When did UC Berkeley become test blind?

For each campus and honors group, the calculation is the average of the admission rates in each of the three years 2022-2024 divided by the average of the admission rates in each of the three years 2017-2019, minus one. The UCs went test blind in 2021 but 2020 and 2021 are ignored to avoid pandemic effects.

What is the 9% rule for UC?

The UC's 9% rule refers to two guaranteed admission pathways for top-performing California residents: the Statewide Guarantee for those in the top 9% statewide (based on a formula including A-G courses and UC GPA) and Eligible in the Local Context (ELC) for those in the top 9% of their specific participating high school, ensuring a spot at a UC if space is available. 

Why is Gen Z not going to college?

Gen Z is questioning college due to skyrocketing costs, overwhelming student debt, and a perceived poor return on investment (ROI), especially with AI changing jobs and stronger alternatives like skilled trades emerging, leading many to seek faster, cheaper paths to financial stability and job security. They've seen Millennials' debt struggles, witness online success stories, and value hands-on training over traditional degrees, making college less of a guaranteed ticket to success.
 

What is the easiest ivy to get into ED?

While no Ivy League is "easy," Cornell often has the highest overall acceptance rate due to its diverse colleges, making some programs comparatively less competitive, and Dartmouth or Brown/Penn often show strong Early Decision (ED) boosts, with Brown's ED rate sometimes exceeding 17% compared to its Regular Decision rate below 5%. Applying ED significantly improves your chances at any Ivy, with Brown and Penn often showing large percentage increases in their ED acceptance rates.
 

Will I get financial aid if my parents make over $400,000?

Yes, you can still get financial aid even if your parents earn over $400k, as there's no strict income cutoff for the FAFSA, but need-based grants will likely be reduced; you may qualify for federal loans, institutional aid, merit scholarships, or other resources, so always apply to see what you're eligible for based on your family's specific situation (size, assets, other factors). 

How difficult is it to get into UC Berkeley?

Getting into UC Berkeley is extremely difficult, as it's a highly selective university with an acceptance rate around 11% for the freshman class, meaning you need near-perfect academics (average GPA around 3.90) and exceptional Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) to stand out, as they are test-blind and focus on holistic review, leadership, and unique experiences, not test scores or letters of recommendation. 

Are UC's tests blind for 2027?

For the Class of 2027, the University of California system has adopted a test-blind policy for the SAT. This means that SAT scores will not be considered at all for undergraduate admissions.

What is the most prestigious UC in California?

It's the sixth year in a row that all nine University of California undergraduate campuses have placed in the top 100 of all universities nationwide, with UC Berkeley and UCLA leading the way.

Is UC Berkeley more prestigious than UCLA?

Both UCLA and UC Berkeley are highly prestigious, but Berkeley often edges out UCLA in global research rankings, while UCLA frequently leads in U.S. national rankings for undergraduate experience and social mobility, creating a dynamic rivalry where prestige depends on the specific metric and field. Berkeley is often seen as having stronger research heft and engineering/STEM programs, while UCLA is praised for its vibrant student life and strong undergraduate focus, though both are considered top-tier public universities. 

What extracurriculars impress UCs?

UC First-Year Admission – Extracurricular Activities

• Community Service and Volunteering.
• Educational Preparation Programs.
• Internships.
• Summer Programs.
• Other Ideas. Research Programs. Independent Projects.

What is Taylor Swift's SAT score?

Taylor Swift's SAT score is not publicly known because she left high school early to pursue her music career and never officially took the SATs for college admission, though she was academically successful in high school, graduating early with a 4.0 GPA before focusing on music. She famously called out a practice test for misquoting her lyrics, highlighting her strong grasp of grammar despite not needing the test.
 

What did Elon Musk score on his SAT?

Elon Musk scored a 1400 on the SAT in the late 1980s, according to biographer Walter Isaacson, a score that would correlate to an IQ in the mid-130s, suggesting above-average intelligence but not necessarily genius-level, though his massive accomplishments spur ongoing debate about his true cognitive abilities. He took the test twice, getting 670 verbal and 730 math on his second attempt, with scores calibrated for that era. 

What was Kobe Bryant's SAT score?

Kobe Bryant scored a 1080 on the SAT, a respectable score that, along with his high school grades, would have qualified him for many top universities, but he chose to go directly to the NBA from high school, becoming one of the first players to do so in the 90s.