What do students think of UC Davis?

Students generally find UC Davis academically rigorous with strong programs, a diverse and friendly student body, and a great college-town feel, but some note the large size can feel impersonal and social life requires self-driven effort; highlights include strong research, a bike-friendly campus, ample amenities (like Trader Joe's), and many clubs, while potential drawbacks are a sometimes dreary winter and the need to actively seek out community.

What do students say about UC Davis?

Overall, UC Davis provides a unique blend of academic rigor and community spirit within a charming college town setting. I believe it was an excellent experience overall. Plenty of on campus or close by housing options and the vibes from the school are very friendly.

What are the cons of going to UC Davis?

Size: UC Davis is a larger university, which could mean larger class sizes and potentially less individual attention from professors, depending on your major. 3. Impersonal feel: The large student body at UC Davis could make the environment feel overwhelming to some students and potentially harder to make friends.

What is so great about UC Davis?

Boundless academics

• World-class research. UC Davis is a tier-one research university. ...
• A school for every interest. In addition to our undergraduate and graduate study opportunities, we have professional schools in medicine, law, business, veterinary medicine, nursing and education. ...
• Study abroad.

What is student life like at UCD?

As a UCD student, you're part of an inclusive and welcoming campus community with endless opportunities to get involved, stay active and make connections. With 60+ sports clubs and 80+ student societies, you can explore new interests, build friendships and develop skills that complement your academics.

The UC Davis Questions (and Answers) You Were Looking For

What is the depression rate at UC Davis?

While exact, universal "depression rates" vary by survey, UC Davis data from recent years shows significant student mental health challenges, with about 26.4% of undergraduates reporting depression impacting academics (2025 survey) and higher percentages reporting depression severe enough to hinder functioning (around 49% in 2017). Stress and anxiety are even more prevalent, often cited as the top negative impacts on academic performance for UC Davis students, alongside depression.
 

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. 

Did anyone famous go to UC Davis?

University of California, Davis (UC Davis) has many notable alumni in various fields, including Nobel laureate James P. Allison, astronauts like Tracy Caldwell Dyson, politicians such as former CA Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, celebrity chef Martin Yan, and entertainers like Hasan Minhaj and Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), along with athletes like Urijah Faber. 

Which UC is known for partying?

By the numbers: According to the findings, the University of California, Santa Barbara, was ranked the top party school in the nation. Last year, the school also ranked first.

Is UC Davis becoming more prestigious?

Yes, UC Davis is increasingly seen as more prestigious, consistently ranking high among public universities and demonstrating strong performance in innovation, research, and social mobility, solidifying its reputation as a top-tier "Public Ivy" with world-leading programs in specialized fields like agriculture and veterinary science. Recent years have seen its national rankings climb, reflecting growing recognition for overall quality and value, not just specific subjects. 

How happy are UC Davis students?

UC Davis Is One of the 25 Happiest Public Universities in the US.

What is the death star UC Davis?

1994. Construction is completed on the Social Sciences and Humanities Building that would be the home of the Letters and Science dean's offices. Known popularly as the “Death Star,” the building was designed by architect Antoine Predock to suggest the geological forces that created the California Central Valley.

Is it harder to get into UC Davis or UCLA?

It is significantly harder to get into UCLA, which boasts much lower acceptance rates (around 9-10%) and higher selectivity, making it one of the most competitive UCs, whereas UC Davis has higher acceptance rates (closer to 40%) and is considered less selective, though still competitive and strong academically. UCLA's popularity and location contribute to its "super reach" status, while Davis offers a strong education with a different campus environment. 

How hard is UC Davis academically?

Average GPA: 4.04

The average GPA at UC Davis is 4.04. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA. With a GPA of 4.04, UC Davis requires you to be at the top of your class. You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants.

How many people drop out of UC Davis?

UC Davis Drop Out Rate

Approximately 906 students or 12% of the cohort did not complete their degree within eight years.

Is Greek life popular at UC Davis?

Did you know that more than 10 percent of undergraduate Aggies belong to the 68 sororities and fraternities here?

Where do top 1% send kids to college?

The "top 1%" of students, often defined by family income, tend to go to highly selective, elite universities like Dartmouth, Yale, Penn, Brown, Princeton, and Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, with some Ivy League schools having a higher concentration of these students than the bottom 60% of income earners. Rankings vary, but MIT, Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, and UC Berkeley consistently appear at the top for overall academic standing, attracting top talent across all income levels. 

What is the hardest UC campus to get into?

The hardest University of California (UC) to get into is consistently UCLA, often followed closely by UC Berkeley, due to extremely low acceptance rates (around 9-11% for UCLA and 11-13% for Berkeley in recent years) and high academic requirements, making them the most selective campuses in the system, especially for competitive majors like Computer Science and Nursing.
 

Why is UC Davis so popular?

UC Davis is one of the top public research universities in the world and offers undergraduates highly ranked academics, unparalleled research and internship opportunities, and an active student life in a welcoming, friendly, college town environment.

Has anyone from UC Davis gone to the NFL?

Yes, many UC Davis football players have gone to the NFL, with recent examples including Teddye Buchanan (drafted by the Ravens in 2025), Lan Larison (signed free agent deal with Patriots in 2025), Keelan Doss, and Daniel Whelan (both played in NFL games recently). The program has a history of sending players to the pros, with Teddye Buchanan being the first drafted since 2002, breaking a long drought. 

What is UC Davis #1 in?

Ranked 1st in the nation in agriculture and forestry.

Is it better to go to a UC or CAL state?

Despite their shared renown, these two school systems differ in terms of factors like student experience, cost, and admission requirements. For example, whereas the UC system appears often on best colleges rankings lists, the CSU schools are considered far more affordable.

What kind of students does UC look for?

Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that ...

Is it bad if my college essay is exactly 650 words?

No, it's not bad; hitting exactly 650 words for a Common App essay is perfectly fine and often seen as a sign of strong editing, showing you used the space effectively to tell your story without being too brief or padded, though being slightly under (like 640+) is also great, while being significantly under (like 500 words) might suggest you missed the opportunity to fully develop your ideas. The main thing is quality and clarity, not just hitting the number, but hitting the limit shows you're following directions and making the most of the opportunity, say admissions experts and College Essay Guy.