Over the weekend, many of you sent us admissions questions via Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for your questions! FYI, we will be holding similar “Oski Office Hours” online regularly; keep checking out our Facebook, Twitter, and/or blog for dates and times. Also, be sure and go to the Admissions website and use our virtual advisor, “Ask Oski,” to find answers 24/7.

The top question you asked was: What is the MOST important aspect for applying to UC Berkeley. The simple answer is that there is no single criteria or one important aspect because each application is reviewed holistically. That means, all applications are read in their entirety by professionally trained readers. Our readers review all information presented in the application–both academic and personal–in the context of each applicant’s unique experience. Grades and test scores are important in our competitive pool; but we also are looking for that student with something extra: leadership qualities, character, motivation, resourcefulness, maturity, and community spirit.

Below are the answers to the questions we received last Friday:

Oski Office Hours are open during very specific times of the semester. If you have more questions, please save them until our next session or Ask Oski yourself on our Admissions website.

What are the most important factors for admission into UC Berkeley? What does it take?
This is a difficult question because every student has individual strengths and weaknesses.  That’s why every application is read and evaluated in our holistic review process and no grade or test score cut-offs or formulas are used.  We evaluate every application, no matter the GPA, test score, or extracurricular activities.

Most students who get into Berkeley have taken some of the most challenging courses their school offers and have done very well. The required SAT Reasoning Test or ACT Assessment plus Writing Test test scores are considered. And we do read each Personal Statement  – this is your chance to tell us the accomplishments and achievements, challenges and opportunities that you experienced during high school. For more information, visit the Online Publications page and download the Freshman (or Transfer) Admissions flier.

Is it true that letters of recommendation are no longer part of the application?
Letters of recommendation have never been a part of the application to UC Berkeley. We do not require teacher or counselor recommendations. If we need more information from you, we’ll contact you and let you know!

What tests are required to apply to UC Berkeley?
All applicants must submit scores from the following tests:
The ACT Assessment plus Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test. Both ACT and SAT scores are equally acceptable for admission. We will take the highest scores for either test.

The critical reading, writing and mathematics scores on the SAT must be from the same sitting. If you take the ACT, you will be asked to report your scores on each section of the test as well as your composite score.

While SAT Subject Tests are no longer required, they are strongly recommended for Engineering and Chemistry applicants, who need to show a strong aptitude in the math and science disciplines.

What is the acceptance rate for Freshman applicants?
In 2012, 1 in 5 freshman applicants were admitted.

Does it help to take and send SAT subject test scores? Is it required?
Unlike past years, you won’t have to take SAT Subject Tests for admission.

However, we encourage you to submit scores if you want to:

• demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject
• apply for a competitive major and your preferred campus recommends certain subject tests
• use subject tests to satisfy the “a-g” requirements listed above

As mentioned above, English and Chemistry faculty highly recommend SAT subject tests in Math and one science-related test.

What are the average ACT/SAT test scores of last year’s incoming students?
The average SAT I composite score of 2012′s incoming freshman class is 2106. The average ACT score of 2012′s incoming freshman class is 31.

Again, we want to reiterate that test scores are just one component of the application process. UC Berkeley reviews all applications in the context of each student’s entire academic and personal history.

When does the Office of Undergraduate Admissions recommend I send my SAT/ACT scores?
Test scores submitted on the application for undergraduate admission are considered unofficial.

All official exam scores must be sent by the respective test taking agency. All exams must be completed by December 31 – after the month of November in which you filed an application. For example, if you submit an application in November 2012 for fall 2013, all exams must be completed by Dec. 31, 2012.

All scores must be received by the University no later than January.

If you have missed the deadline and are a current applicant, you will need to wait until admissions decisions are released to handle this problem. In the meantime, please do not contact the Admissions Office, as there is nothing we can do.

Does UC Berkeley give AP credit? Which ones are accepted at Berkeley?
Yes, UC Berkeley grants AP credit. You can get credit for AP scores of 3 or above and/or for IB (higher-level) exam scores of 5 or above. The amount of credit will depend on your score and the College you’re applying to. Learn more in our Quick Reference Guide.

Is there a limit to how much credit one can receive from AP scores?
At all UC campuses, a maximum of 8 quarter units are allowed in each of the following areas: Art (Studio), English, Mathematics, Music and Physics. A maximum of 4 quarter units are allowed in Computer Science.

I am interested in transferring to UC Berkeley. How do I apply?
Berkeley uses a UC central application, so you only have to submit one application for any and all of the UC campuses. Apply online. 

Which of my community college courses will transfer to Berkeley for credit?
The ASSIST website has all of the information on transferable course credit for California community colleges and other schools in the UC and CSU systems. If you earned credit at another college or university – that includes schools outside of California – check the ASSIST site to see if your courses are similar; however, those courses will be evaluated only after you apply.

Do international students need to fulfill the requirement of having at least one year of a visual arts course in high school?
International students do not need to fulfill the requirement of visual performing arts in high school. If your school’s curriculum does not offer visual arts, we simply cannot hold you accountable for taking these courses.

I am interested in participating in athletics at UC Berkeley. Who do I talk to?
Berkeley is part of the Pac-12 Conference (Go Bears!)  So if you’re interested in playing D-I at Cal, have your coach contact our coach.  You can also find out more about NCAA recruiting practices at CalBears.com.

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Oski Office Hours are open during very specific times of the semester. If you have more questions, please save them until our next session or Ask Oski yourself on our Admissions website.