Well, there isn’t a fixed number for all scholarships, but in general, a high GPA (above 3.5 on a 4.0 scale) will give you a strong chance. Berkeley offers many scholarships, and each has its own criteria. Some focus only on academic excellence, while others also consider leadership, financial need, or community service.
Most merit-based scholarships at UC Berkeley prefer students with a GPA of 3.7 or higher. However, some scholarships, like the Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship, are extremely competitive and usually go to students with outstanding academic records (often 3.8+).
Need-based scholarships, like the Fiat Lux Scholarship, don’t always require a specific GPA, but having a solid academic record (at least 3.0-3.5) will help your application.
Examples of Scholarships and Their Requirements
- Regents' and Chancellor's Scholarship – No strict GPA requirement, but most recipients have a 3.8+ GPA. It also considers leadership, personal achievements, and community service.
- Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship – Requires a strong GPA (typically 3.5+), along with financial need.
- Fiat Lux Scholarship – Focuses on students overcoming challenges. GPA matters, but personal resilience is a key factor.
Once you receive a scholarship, you’ll need to maintain a minimum GPA to keep it. Most require at least a 3.0 GPA, and dropping below this could put your scholarship at risk.
How to Improve Your Chances
- Aim for the highest GPA possible – The stronger your grades, the better your chances.
- Get involved in leadership roles – Many scholarships look beyond grades and value extracurricular activities.
- Write a strong personal statement – Show why you deserve the scholarship, not just based on GPA but also on your experiences.
- Apply to multiple scholarships – Berkeley offers many, so apply to as many as possible to increase your chances.