Does UC Berkeley Require Letters of Recommendation?
UC Berkeley does not require or accept letters of recommendation for most freshmen applicants through the standard UC Application. Applicants submit Personal Insight Questions instead. Certain special programs may have different requirements.
What UC Berkeley Uses Instead of Recommendation Letters
Because UC Berkeley does not require letters of recommendation, the application relies primarily on other materials to evaluate candidates. These typically include high school transcripts, course rigor and grades, standardized test scores if submitted, and personal essays or short-answer responses. Some applicants find this format more straightforward, while others prefer the opportunity to have a recommender add outside context. The essays, in particular, carry significant weight in the absence of letters.
Scholarship and Honors Program Exceptions
While UC Berkeley's standard admission process does not require letters, scholarship programs, honors colleges, and specific major tracks may have different requirements. If you are applying to any of these programs at UC Berkeley, review their separate application materials carefully, as letters of recommendation may be required or strongly recommended.
Verify current requirements: Admission requirements can change from year to year. Always confirm letter of recommendation policies directly on University of California, Berkeley's official admissions website before completing your application.