It's time to rethink college tours
Traditional campus tours feel impersonal and can leave you with more questions than answers. You’re just a face in the crowd following a scripted tour led by a random guide. Is this really the best way to make one of the biggest decisions of your life?
SchoolScoops is the smarter, more personal way to tour colleges
Private and personalized tours
With traditional tours you’re just a number in a big group, making it hard to ask the questions that matter most. With SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats you can ask all the questions that are important to you.
Choose your own guide
On a typical college tour, the school assigns you a guide. SchoolScoops lets you pick a guide who matches your academic interests, hobbies, and personality. You'll get authentic insights and advice from someone who truly gets you.
No scripts, just scoops
Traditional campus tours are essentially a sales pitch—the guide works for the school and their job is to show you the highlights. SchoolScoops guides don’t work for their school, so there’s no sales pitch—just genuine advice to determine if the school is a good fit.
Find the school for you
Choosing where to go to college is a major decision and a huge investment. SchoolScoops 1-on-1 tours and video chats go beyond the basics to help you make a well-informed college decision.
Can't make it to campus
Connect with a student of your choice for personalized advice and insider insights during a 1-on-1 video chat
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What customers are saying
Get to know UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley is a world-renowned public research university recognized for its academic rigor across sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities. It’s driven by a legacy of innovation, public service, and a deep commitment to social impact and intellectual freedom.
Overview
Established in 1868, UC Berkeley is a public research university located in Berkeley, California, overlooking the San Francisco Bay. As the flagship campus of the University of California system, it offers a diverse range of programs, a strong emphasis on research, a vibrant campus life, and competitive athletic teams.
Size
As of fall 2024, UC Berkeley has a total enrollment of 45,882 students, with 33,070 undergraduates and 12,812 graduate students.
Acceptance rate
UC Berkeley has an acceptance rate of approximately 11.4%. The middle 50% of admitted students have an unweighted high school GPA between 3.89 and 4.00, and a weighted GPA between 4.28 and 4.62.
Cost
For the 2023–2024 academic year undergraduate tuition and fees were $16,832 for in-state students and $51,032 for out-of-state students. Graduate tuition and fees vary by program; the standard graduate tuition rate is approximately $56,487. Approximately 62% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid, with an average gift aid of $23,676.
Ranking
According to U.S. News & World Report, UC Berkeley is ranked #20 out of 436 National Universities.
Academics
UC Berkeley offers over 350 degree programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university maintains a 19.4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close interaction between students and professors.
Traditions
UC Berkeley's traditions include the Big Game against Stanford, featuring the iconic Stanford Axe Rivalry, the Campanile Midnight Serenade where the carillon plays special concerts, the annual Caltopia campus festival, the 59-Minute Base Run on the Campanile Esplanade, and Bear Territory Chants at sporting events.
Campus landmarks
UC Berkeley's best landmarks include the iconic Sather Gate, the Campanile (Sather Tower), the Doe Memorial Library, Sproul Plaza, and Memorial Glade, all showcasing its rich history and scenic campus.
Student body
Over 75% of UC Berkeley students are Californians, with out-of-state students primarily from New York, Texas, Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois, alongside a globally diverse international student body from over 100 countries.
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In college? Earn $40/hour hosting 1-on-1 campus tours and video chats with future students.
Become a guideYour UC Berkeley questions, answered
Is UC Berkeley the hardest UC to get into?
UC Berkeley and UCLA are among the most competitive UC schools, with low acceptance rates and high rankings. While both are difficult to get into, the hardest UC varies depending on the applicant pool and specific program competitiveness.
What GPA do you need to get into UC Berkeley?
A 3.9 GPA or higher is recommended for competitive admission, with mostly A’s in challenging courses like AP or IB to demonstrate academic excellence.
What makes UC Berkeley so prestigious?
UC Berkeley is renowned for its academic excellence, groundbreaking research, distinguished alumni, and status as a top public university. Its history of innovation and leadership across various fields makes it a highly sought-after institution.
What is UC Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley is recognized for its top-tier science and engineering programs, commitment to social justice, vibrant campus culture, and strong ties to Silicon Valley. It stands out as a hub for innovation, research, and progressive thinking.
Is UC Berkeley expensive?
Yes, UC Berkeley can be costly, with in-state tuition at $16,608 and out-of-state tuition at $50,808 for the 2024-25 school year. Living expenses in the Bay Area add to the cost, but two-thirds of students receive financial aid, reducing the average net price to $17,652 per year.
What majors is UC Berkeley known for?
UC Berkeley is best known for its top-ranked science, engineering, and technology programs. Popular majors include Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, Biology, and Software Engineering, along with highly regarded programs in Molecular and Cell Biology, Electrical Engineering, and Bioengineering.
How difficult is it to get housing at UC Berkeley?
Securing housing at UC Berkeley is highly competitive, especially for continuing students, with limited availability. Certain residences, like Martinez, are even harder to get as they are often prioritized for Regents' Scholars.
How can you take a campus tour of UC Berkeley?
UC Berkeley offers in-person guided tours, self-guided tours, and virtual tours. You can schedule a guided tour through the Berkeley Admissions website, explore campus on your own with a self-guided tour map, or take a virtual tour online.
Does UC Berkeley offer private campus tours?
Yes, through SchoolScoops, you can book a private campus tour led by a student guide of your choice.
Interested in other schools?
SchoolScoops also offers tours and video chats at many other schools
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