How to get into University of California-Irvine
How to get into UC Irvine: strong STEM publics, capped majors, PIQs
28.6%
Acceptance rate
$15,722
In-state cost
$49,922
Out-of-state cost
What makes University of California-Irvine admissions different
UC Irvine has grown into one of the top public research universities in CA — strong in business, CS, biological sciences, engineering, public health. Admit rate ~29%. Test-blind. Several majors are capped (Business Admin, CS, Engineering) with significantly lower admit rates than the overall number.
What an actually competitive application looks like
- 1.
Choose your major carefully. Capped majors (Business Admin, CS) admit at single-digit rates; uncapped majors are more accessible.
- 2.
Write four PIQs that show range and depth — same UC application as all UCs.
- 3.
Take a rigorous A-G curriculum with strong math/science if applying to STEM majors.
- 4.
Apply Oct 1 to Dec 2.
- 5.
Show concrete evidence of interest in your major area — UCI readers value demonstrated alignment.
Common mistakes that hurt applicants here
- ✕
Listing a capped major as 'why not' first choice. UCI does not auto-redirect.
- ✕
Submitting test scores. UCI doesn't see them.
- ✕
Generic PIQs.
The specifics for University of California-Irvine
Application deadlines
- Application opensOctober 1
- Application deadlineDecember 2Single deadline; no Early Action
What makes this admissions process distinctive
Permanently test-blind
UCI does not consider SAT or ACT scores
Capped majors
Business Administration, Computer Science, and several engineering majors admit at significantly lower rates than the overall figure
What graduates actually do
UCI graduates feed Orange County and LA tech, biotech, healthcare, and entertainment industries; the Paul Merage School of Business and Henry Samueli School of Engineering produce strong corporate pipelines. UCI is a top public producer of medical school admits. Median early-career earnings run around $55-62k per Scorecard. The alumni network is dense in Southern California professional services, particularly OC and LA.
Notable alumni
- Steven Soderbergh — Oscar-winning filmmaker (briefly attended)
- Jon Lovitz — comedian (SNL)
- Greg Louganis — Olympic diving champion
- Megan Fairchild — principal ballet dancer (NYC Ballet)
- Tucker Smallwood — actor
- Mark Hamill — actor (briefly attended)
Transfer pathway
40% transfer acceptance rate
UCI participates in the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program, guaranteeing admission to qualified California community college students who complete IGETC or major prerequisites. The general transfer admit rate runs roughly 35-45%. UCI admits more transfers per year than most UCs and has strong articulation with Orange County community colleges.
Articulation partners
California Community Colleges (UC TAG program) · Irvine Valley College · Orange Coast College · Saddleback College · Santa Ana College · Cypress College
Specifics verified 2026-05-18 from the school's own admissions page + Common App. Always confirm current-year details directly on the school site before applying.
If you're on the bubble
UCI is in the most accessible band of selective UCs. Strong in-state applicants with 3.9+ recalculated GPA and sharp PIQs are in real contention.
Next steps
Last updated: November 2025. Acceptance rate and cost data refreshed nightly from college reporting.