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Introduction
Transferring to a University of California (UC) campus is a goal for thousands of community college students every year. But what GPA do you need to be competitive? This guide provides the most up-to-date admitted, enrolled, and applicant GPAs for each UC campus, helping you understand your chances and plan accordingly.
Why GPA Matters for UC Transfers
The UC system is one of the most competitive destinations for transfer students. GPA plays a crucial role in the admissions process, but it’s not the only factor. While TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) programs provide clear minimum GPA requirements, non-TAG applicants must compare their GPAs against past admitted and enrolled students.
This article will help you: ✔ Compare your GPA with admitted students at each UC. ✔ Identify less competitive UCs if your GPA is lower. ✔ Learn how to strengthen your application beyond GPA.
UC Transfer GPA Averages by Campus
Below is a table of the latest admitted, applicant, and enrolled GPAs for transfer students at each UC campus.
| UC Campus | Admitted GPA | Applicant GPA | Enrolled GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 3.52 | 3.48 | 3.38 |
| UC Davis | 3.69 | 3.59 | 3.69 |
| UC Irvine | 3.75 | 3.68 | 3.73 |
| UC Los Angeles (UCLA) | 3.78 | 3.73 | 3.72 |
| UC Merced | 3.53 | 3.34 | 3.54 |
💡 How to Use This Data:
- The admitted GPA tells you the average GPA of students offered admission.
- The applicant GPA shows the GPA of all students who applied.
- The enrolled GPA reflects the GPA of students who actually chose to attend.
Key Insights:
- UCLA and UC Berkeley are the most competitive, requiring GPAs above 3.7+ for strong chances.
- UC Merced has the lowest GPA threshold, making it a great backup choice for students who are below a 3.5.
- UC Irvine and UC Davis offer strong programs and have a balance between selectivity and accessibility.
What to Do If Your GPA Is Below the Average?
If your GPA isn’t where it needs to be, don’t worry! Here are four ways to strengthen your transfer application:
✅ Apply to multiple UCs – Some UCs are less competitive, and applying broadly increases your chances.
✅ Use the TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) Program – If you meet the GPA requirement, you can secure guaranteed admission to UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Riverside, UC Merced, and UC Santa Cruz.
✅ Improve Your Personal Statement – Strong essays and extracurriculars can make up for a slightly lower GPA.
✅ Take Additional Courses – Boost your GPA by retaking a class or taking an extra honors course.
How to Use This Data to Plan Your Transfer Strategy
✔ Compare Your GPA Against Enrolled Students – If your GPA is at or above the enrolled GPA for a UC, you’re in a strong position.
✔ Choose Safe and Reach Schools – Have at least one backup UC where your GPA is above the average.
✔ Use ASSIST.org – Ensure you’re taking the right transferable courses to maximize your admission chances.
📢 Ready to Plan Your Transfer? Let’s Make It Easy!
🚀 Get personalized transfer coaching from California Transfer Support Network!
📧 Contact us today to create your custom transfer plan.
UC Transfer GPA Calculator
GPA Comparison Tool where students input their GPA and get: ✅ A list of UCs where they’re competitive. ✅ A TAG eligibility check. ✅ Suggestions for backup schools.
Would you like me to develop a basic version of this tool as an interactive web page or script? Let me know!
Related: 6 Impacted Majors at UCLA you Should Know About | 2023
UC Transfer GPA Calculator
Enter your GPA below to see which UC campuses are a good fit for transfer.
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