Pacific Admissions Group
How to transfer to UC Davis: acceptance rate, TAG and requirements
Requirements, deadlines, competitive majors and prerequisites for California community college students transferring to UC Davis.
58%
Transfer Admit Rate (fall 2026)
3.4
Median Admit GPA (est.)
93%
Admits From CA Community Colleges
Nov 30
Application Deadline
Short answer
UC Davis admitted 58.3% of transfer applicants for fall 2026 (10,138 of 17,400). To transfer, complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units, the UC seven-course pattern and your major's preparation courses, then apply on the UC application by November 30. UC Davis offers TAG for most majors, filed September 1–30.
UC Davis transfer quick facts
Location
Davis, California
Admit terms
Fall Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
2.8 (all applicants)
UC Davis minimum. Competitive admits average 3.2–3.6 (est.)
UC Davis transfer requirements
Academic Requirements
UC Davis transfer eligibility:
- 60 UC-transferable semester units (90 quarter)
- Minimum 2.8 GPA for all applicants (competitive admits 3.2–3.6, est.)
- 7-course pattern completion
- CCC students receive highest priority
Major Preparation
Davis emphasizes major readiness:
- Major-specific prerequisites via ASSIST.org
- STEM and engineering majors are most competitive
- Agricultural and environmental programs are Davis strengths
- Complete as many prerequisites as possible before applying
UC Application
Standard UC application:
- Mandatory major preparation prompt + 3 PIQs
- TAU priority deadline January 31
- Davis values community engagement and leadership
- No supplemental application for most majors
TAG Program
Davis has one of the strongest TAG programs:
- TAG guarantees admission for eligible CCC students
- File September 1–30
- Most majors are TAG-eligible. Not open to Business, Computer Science or Data Science
- Minimum GPA 3.2 (3.5 for Engineering) by end of summer 2026
- One of the most transfer-friendly UCs overall
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
If you qualify and file on time, TAG guarantees you a spot at UC Davis before you apply.
What is TAG?
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a program that guarantees admission to six UC campuses - including UC Davis - for eligible California Community College students who meet specific requirements.
TAG is filed separately from the UC application, during September 1–30. If your major is open to TAG and you meet the GPA and course requirements, you are guaranteed admission. This is as close to a sure thing as exists in college admissions.
TAG Requirements
CCC as last school - a California community college must be the last school you attend before transfer, with at least 30 semester (45 quarter) units completed at a CCC
GPA threshold - 3.2 for Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences and Letters & Science; 3.5 for Engineering. Selective majors add a major GPA. Due by end of summer 2026
30+ UC-transferable units completed by end of summer 2026, and 60 semester (90 quarter) units by end of spring 2027
Complete major prerequisites by spring before transfer
English and math - at least one UC-E (English) and one UC-M (math) course done by end of fall 2026
No grade below C - in your fall, winter and spring terms, and stay in good academic standing
File by September 30 - the TAG portal closes and does not reopen
Competitive transfer majors at UC Davis
College of Engineering
Computer Science
Competitive engineering program. Strong math and CS prerequisites. Not open to TAG.
Low
Accept Rate (est.)
3.5+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Letters & Science
Economics
Popular social science major for transfers.
Moderate
Accept Rate (est.)
3.3+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences
Strong pre-med pathway. Davis is renowned for life sciences.
Moderate
Accept Rate (est.)
3.4+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Letters & Science
Psychology
Popular major with manageable competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate (est.)
3.3+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Animal Science
Signature Davis program. One of the best in the country.
Moderate
Accept Rate (est.)
3.2+
Competitive GPA (est.)
College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Competitive engineering major. Strong physics and math required.
Low
Accept Rate (est.)
3.5+
Competitive GPA (est.)
UC Davis transfer timeline
September 1–30
TAG Application
File TAG application if eligible.
October 1 – November 30
UC Application
Submit UC application.
January 31
TAU Deadline
Report fall grades and spring plans.
April–May
Decisions Released
Davis releases transfer decisions.
How we help you get into UC Davis
TAG Optimization
Davis's TAG program is among the most accessible, though Business, Computer Science and Data Science aren't open to it. We help you navigate eligibility and choose the best TAG major.
Course Planning
Comprehensive ASSIST-based course mapping for your CC-to-Davis pathway.
PIQ Development
Essay coaching that highlights community engagement and academic growth.
STEM Strategy
Specialized guidance for engineering and science applicants.
Unique Programs
Guidance on Davis's distinctive programs in agriculture, veterinary, and environmental sciences.
Application Review
Complete application review and submission support.
See how our transfer consulting works and our prices and packages, or read whether a consultant is worth it for you.
About the author
Manraj, Founder of Pacific Admissions Group
Manraj transferred from a California community college and was admitted to UC Berkeley Haas, UCLA Business Economics, USC Marshall and UC Irvine Merage. He enrolled at Haas. More about us
Official sources
Requirements and deadlines change every year. Confirm the details for your major on the official pages below. Last reviewed October 2026.
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