University of California - Davis SAT & ACT scores.
The University of California, Davis is one of the largest and most well-regarded public research universities in the United States. In the latest admission cycle (for the Class of 2028), UC Davis received roughly 87,100 applications and offered admission to about 42,700 students—an acceptance rate near 49%. While nearly half of applicants are admitted, UC Davis attracts a strong applicant pool, and its top programs in biological sciences, engineering, and veterinary medicine are notably competitive.
About 90% of applicants submit an SAT score and 33% an ACT score.
UC Davis does not offer Early Decision or Early Action programs. All applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round, which means all students have the same deadline and are considered together. This approach reflects UC Davis's commitment to a comprehensive review process that considers the entire applicant pool simultaneously.
UC Davis is test-blind. As part of the University of California system, UC Davis does not consider SAT or ACT scores in admissions decisions, even if you submit them. This policy means test scores play no role in determining who is admitted. Instead, UC Davis focuses entirely on other factors such as GPA, coursework rigor, essays, extracurriculars, and personal context. The score ranges below are provided only for informational purposes to give families a sense of the academic caliber of enrolled students.
SAT scores
Although UC Davis is test-blind and does not use SAT scores in admissions decisions, many enrolled students still took the SAT. Among those who reported scores, the middle-50% composite SAT range is roughly 1160–1400. This range reflects the academic caliber of UC Davis's student body, not an admissions benchmark.
For section detail: the SAT Reading and Writing component among UC Davis students who reported scores falls around 570–670 for the middle 50%. These scores reflect the reading, writing, and analytical skills typical of students who attend UC Davis.
On the Math portion, reported middle-50% scores are about 590–730. This solid performance signals comfort with algebra, data analysis, and precalculus—skills common among UC Davis's academically engaged student body.
Because UC Davis is test-blind, there is no SAT score that will help or hurt your admissions chances. Scores are simply not reviewed. Focus your energy instead on maintaining a strong GPA, taking rigorous coursework, writing compelling essays, and building meaningful extracurricular involvement.
Policy note: Since UC Davis does not consider test scores in admissions, superscoring is not applicable. If you plan to submit scores to other non-UC schools, note that policies vary by institution.
ACT scores
UC Davis is test-blind and does not consider ACT scores in admissions. However, among enrolled students who reported ACT scores, the middle 50% of composite scores is about 25–33. This gives families a sense of the academic profile of UC Davis students, though these scores played no role in their admission.
By section, enrolled students who reported scores show solid English results. The middle 50% for ACT English is approximately 23–32. These scores reflect the communication and analytical skills typical of UC Davis's student body.
ACT Math scores among reporting students fall in a similar range: the middle 50% is around 23–29. Many students admitted to STEM or agricultural science programs show strong quantitative skills, though again these scores were not part of the admissions evaluation.
Since UC Davis does not review test scores, there is no advantage to retaking the SAT or ACT for UC Davis admissions purposes. If you are also applying to schools that do consider scores, retakes and superscoring strategies may still be worthwhile for those applications.
If you're planning your testing strategy, remember that UC Davis's test-blind policy means your time is better spent on other parts of your application. Strong essays, a challenging course load, and meaningful activities carry far more weight at UC Davis than any test score.
Admission numbers
Here's the reality: UC Davis's admit rate is about 49%, with roughly 87,100 applications for about 42,700 spots (around 9,500 students actually enroll). Because UC Davis is test-blind, SAT and ACT scores are not part of the admissions equation. The score ranges listed above simply reflect the academic profile of enrolled students and are provided for informational context only.
UC Davis emphasizes holistic review without test scores. Admissions officers weigh coursework rigor, grades, essays, and personal qualities. Your essays, extracurriculars, and personal story are what differentiate you in a large applicant pool. Strong academics remain essential, but that means GPA and course selection—not standardized tests.
Strategy snapshot: UC Davis does not offer Early Decision or Early Action, so all applicants are evaluated in the regular decision round. Since test scores are not considered, focus your preparation on maintaining excellent grades in challenging courses, crafting standout essays, and demonstrating meaningful involvement in your community. For applicants also targeting non-UC schools that require or consider test scores, a separate testing strategy may still be needed for those applications.
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