Several factors contribute to its low acceptance rate:
* High applicant pool: Berkeley receives a massive number of applications each year from highly qualified students across the globe.
* Rigorous academic standards: The university seeks students with exceptional academic records, including high GPAs, challenging coursework, and impressive standardized test scores (although test scores are currently optional).
* Holistic review process: While academics are crucial, Berkeley also considers extracurricular activities, leadership experience, essays, letters of recommendation, and demonstrated interest in showing a well-rounded applicant.
* Competitive majors: Some majors are significantly more competitive than others. Popular programs like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business often have even lower acceptance rates than the overall university average.
In short, it's a highly competitive process that requires a strong application in all aspects. Simply having good grades isn't enough; applicants need to demonstrate exceptional abilities and a compelling profile.