What Is the UC GPA?
When applying to the University of California (UC) system, students must submit a GPA calculated according to specific UC rules. This UC GPA, based only on A-G courses from 10th and 11th grade (including summers), plays a key role in admissions decisions.
Step-by-Step: UC GPA Calculation Method
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Convert Letter Grades to Grade Points
For all A-G courses completed from the summer after 9th grade to the summer after 11th grade:- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points
- D = 1 point
- F = 0 points
(Note: Plus and minus grades are NOT considered in UC GPA calculation.) -
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Add Points for Honors-Level Courses (Weighted GPA)
Up to 8 semesters (4 year-long courses) of honors-level coursework can be weighted.- Honors-level includes AP, IB, or UC-approved honors courses.
- California residents: All AP/IB and UC-certified honors courses count.
- Non-residents & International: Only AP and IB courses are weighted.
Honors Grade Point Values:
- A = 5 points
- B = 4 points
- C = 3 points
- Grades below C do NOT earn honors credit.
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Calculate Total Grade Points
Add all points from A-G courses, including the extra points from up to 8 weighted semesters. -
Divide by Total Number of A-G Courses
Divide the total grade points by the total number of A-G courses taken between the summer after 9th and the summer after 11th grade.
UC GPA Calculation Example
Example: A student takes 24 A-G courses with these grades:
- 15 A's = 15 × 4 = 60 points
- 6 B's = 6 × 3 = 18 points
- 1 C = 1 × 2 = 2 points
- 1 D = 1 × 1 = 1 point
- 1 F = 1 × 0 = 0 points
Total Grade Points (unweighted): 60 + 18 + 2 + 1 + 0 = 81
Unweighted GPA: 81 ÷ 24 = 3.37
Unweighted GPA: 81 ÷ 24 = 3.37
If the student completed:
10th Grade: 4 semesters of Honors + 2 semesters of AP (only 4 can be weighted)
11th Grade: 6 semesters of AP (only 4 can be weighted)
Weighted points added: 4 + 4 = 8
Total Weighted Grade Points: 81 + 8 = 89
Weighted GPA: 89 ÷ 24 = 3.70
10th Grade: 4 semesters of Honors + 2 semesters of AP (only 4 can be weighted)
11th Grade: 6 semesters of AP (only 4 can be weighted)
Weighted points added: 4 + 4 = 8
Total Weighted Grade Points: 81 + 8 = 89
Weighted GPA: 89 ÷ 24 = 3.70
Average Admitted GPA by UC Campus (2024)
| UC Campus | GPA Range (Middle 50%) |
|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 4.15 – 4.30 |
| UC Davis | 4.03 – 4.27 |
| UC Irvine | 4.07 – 4.28 |
| UCLA | 4.20 – 4.31 |
| UC Merced | 3.48 – 4.08 |
| UC Riverside | 3.76 – 4.18 |
| UC San Diego | 4.11 – 4.29 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 4.13 – 4.29 |
| UC Santa Cruz | 3.86 – 4.22 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about UC GPA
What are A-G courses?
A-G courses are a series of high school classes that the UC system requires for admission. These include English, mathematics, history/social science, laboratory science, language other than English, visual and performing arts, and college-preparatory electives.
How do international or out-of-state students calculate UC GPA?
Non-California residents and international applicants may only add honors weighting for AP and IB courses. All transcripts will be reviewed by UC to verify course eligibility.
Is there an official online UC GPA calculator?
Yes! Visit the official UC GPA calculator here.
Can I get into UC with a low GPA?
Each UC campus has different GPA expectations. Strong test scores, essays, extracurriculars, and course rigor can also strengthen your application, but GPA is a crucial factor. See the average admitted GPA ranges above for reference.
