Is UCI or UCLA harder to get into?

Asked by: Judy Parker I  |  Last update: March 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (15 votes)

Is UCLA or UC Irvine Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then UCLA is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.

Is UCLA more competitive than UCI?

UCLA is generally considered more prestigious and challenging, consistently ranking among the top public universities in the U.S. The school is particularly known for its robust programs in fields like psychology, economics, biology, and film.

Is UC Irvine hard to get into?

UC Irvine is a competitive school within the University of California system, with its acceptance rate hovering around 29% in recent years. While getting admitted can be challenging, it's not impossible if you have a strong application!

Why would someone choose UCI over UCLA?

Why would someone choose UC Irvine over UCLA? UCI has one of the best medical schools and their research in health sciences is arguably stronger than UCLA's. Both school's programs and education in biological sciences is wonderful and top-tier.

What is the hardest major to get into UCI?

While specific acceptance rates by major at UCI aren't published, it's important to note that some majors are more competitive than others. In general, STEM majors like computer science, engineering, and biology tend to be more competitive due to high demand.

What you need to know about getting into UCLA.

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Is UCI considered prestigious?

About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UC Irvine is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation's top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report.

Is UC Irvine harder to get into than UCSB?

Is UC Santa Barbara or UC Irvine Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then UC Santa Barbara is more difficult to get into. However, each college is looking to fill its incoming class with a variety of students with different strengths, backgrounds, etc.

What kind of students go to UC Irvine?

Most students admitted to UC Irvine graduate in the top 10 percent of their high school senior class and excel in college preparatory courses. Then there's our faculty.

Why is the UCI acceptance rate so low?

Due to this massive change in our world, UC colleges started being test blind which attracted students that did not take the SAT/ACT or ones that didn't score high on those standardized tests. This inflation of applicants caused the acceptance rate to be lower.

What is the 9% UC rule?

The Statewide Index identifies California-resident students in the top 9 percent of California high school graduates and offers these students a guaranteed space at a UC campus, if space is available.

Which UC has the prettiest campus?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but if you like a traditional campus feel it's hard to beat UCLA followed by Berkeley. UCSB if you like the beach. UCSC if you like the forest.

What is the most prestigious UC in California?

While any school within the UC system is a good choice for an undergraduate degree, the University of California—Berkeley is the best UC school based on its prestige, cutting-edge programs, and award-winning faculty.

Why is UCI ranked so high?

And earlier this year, for its 2023-24 Best Colleges in America list, Money again ranked UCI at the top. It was one of 34 U.S. universities to receive a five-star rating (the highest possible), and Money lauded the campus for offering a high-quality education, for its affordability and for its student outcomes.

Who is UCLA biggest rival?

The UCLA-USC rivalry, also known as the "Crosstown Cup," is the annual battle for bragging rights in Los Angeles.

What are the top 3 majors at UCI?

At the University of California-Irvine, the three most popular college majors students study are Computer Science, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, and Business/Managerial Economics. In fact, the University of California-Irvine grants 729 degrees every year to graduating Computer Science students.

Why is UC Irvine so popular?

UCI is consistently recognized as a trailblazer in a broad range of fields, garnering national and international honors in every school. The campus's diverse academic offerings paired with world-class leadership create an environment worthy of any passionate, dedicated scholar.

Is UC Irvine a public ivy?

Yes, UC Irvine is a top school and it is considered a Public Ivy for its academic excellence.

What GPA do you need to get into UC Irvine?

GPA Requirement

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “A-G” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

Is it harder to get into UC Irvine or UC San Diego?

If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of California-San Diego (UC San Diego) is more difficult to get into.

Can I get into UC Irvine with a 3.8 GPA?

UC has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.

Is UC Irvine worth the money?

Once again, leading ranking services have rated UC Irvine among the finest universities in the U.S. The Princeton Review chose it as the fifth-best-value public college in its 2024 rankings, based on academic quality, costs, financial aid, debt, graduation rates, and alumni career and salary data.

How far is UCI from the beach?

Nestled in the rolling coastal foothills of Orange County and five miles from pristine Pacific Ocean beaches, UC Irvine's campus benefits from a perfect Mediterranean climate.

What is UCI academically known for?

The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UC Irvine has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs.

Are students happy at UCI?

UCI is a relaxing, yet academically rigorous university. Almost everyone you meet seems happy to be here. There are thousands of opportunities for students. Live on campus your first year, and form good relationships with your hallmates and RA.