Across the UC system, 8,411 transfer applications went to Political Science majors and 59% were admitted, from 13% at UC Berkeley to 92% at UC Riverside.
What to know
- UC does not report freshman results for political science on its own; it is part of a broader major area. The figures below are for transfer applicants.
- Political science is admitted at high rates at many campuses, with UC Berkeley and UCLA the main exceptions.
- UCLA admits transfer students to "Pre-Political Science"; several other campuses offer specializations such as public law or international relations.
Transfer admit rates by campus and major (fall 2025)
| Campus | Major | Applied | Admitted | Admit rate | 2024 rate | Admitted GPA (middle 50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | Political Science | 1,195 | 150 | 13% | 23% | 3.79–4.00 |
| UC Davis | Political Science | 616 | 475 | 77% | 77% | 3.48–3.93 |
| UC Davis | Political Science – Public Service | 203 | 141 | 69% | 76% | 3.37–3.86 |
| UC Irvine | Political Science | 1,023 | 645 | 63% | 67% | 3.63–3.94 |
| UCLA | Pre-Political Science | 1,517 | 512 | 34% | 37% | 3.83–4.00 |
| UC Merced | Political Science | 407 | 369 | 91% | 81% | 3.25–3.82 |
| UC Riverside | Political Science | 471 | 437 | 93% | 88% | 3.18–3.82 |
| UC Riverside | Public Service – Political Science | 64 | 56 | 88% | 83% | 3.04–3.62 |
| UC Riverside | Political Science/Administration Studies | 52 | 45 | 87% | — | 3.20–3.72 |
| UC Santa Barbara | Political Science | 1,060 | 758 | 72% | 78% | 3.47–3.92 |
| UC Santa Cruz | Politics | 603 | 518 | 86% | 86% | 3.16–3.84 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science | 705 | 537 | 76% | 80% | 3.47–3.93 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science – Public Law | 234 | 158 | 68% | 77% | 3.37–3.90 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science – International Relations | 139 | 100 | 72% | 70% | 3.43–3.91 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science – Public Policy | 61 | 48 | 79% | 80% | 3.43–3.90 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science – American Politics | 41 | 26 | 63% | 69% | 3.36–3.98 |
| UC San Diego | Political Science /Race, Ethnicity and Politics | 20 | 11 | 55% | 75% | 3.39–3.85 |
Transfer GPA is the UC-transferable GPA of the middle half of admitted students. Majors with very few applicants may not appear.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UCLA Political Science acceptance rate?
In fall 2025, for transfer applicants, 34% were admitted to its Political Science majors (512 of 1,517).
What is the UC Berkeley Political Science acceptance rate?
In fall 2025, for transfer applicants, 13% were admitted to its Political Science majors (150 of 1,195).
What is the UC San Diego Political Science acceptance rate?
In fall 2025, for transfer applicants, 73% were admitted to its Political Science majors (880 of 1,200).
Which UC is easiest to get into for Political Science?
For transfers, UC Riverside (92%) and UC Merced (91%) were the most accessible.
Other popular majors
Check your chances at each campus with your GPA and intended major →
Source: University of California Office of the President, UC Information Center: Freshman admissions by discipline and Transfers by major. UC reports freshman results by broad discipline (the major area students applied to, such as Engineering), not by individual major; transfer results are by individual major. GPA ranges are the 25th–75th percentile of admitted students (freshman: weighted, capped UC GPA; transfer: UC-transferable GPA). Counts include all applicants (California, out-of-state and international). Small counts are suppressed by UC. This site is independent and not affiliated with the University of California. Admit rates describe past applicants, not any individual student’s chances.