School Guide

How to transfer to UC Davis

Everything you need to know about transferring to UC Davis - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.

57%

Transfer Accept Rate

3.4

Median Admit GPA

95%

From CA Community Colleges

Nov 30

Application Deadline

UC Davis transfer quick facts

Location

Davis, California

Quarter System

Fall Only

No spring or winter transfer admits

Minimum Units

60 semester / 90 quarter

Junior-level standing required

Minimum GPA

2.8 (CA residents)

Competitive admits average 3.2–3.6

UC Davis transfer requirements

UC Davis evaluates transfer applicants holistically. Here's what you need to be competitive.

Academic Requirements

UC Davis transfer eligibility:

  • 60 UC-transferable semester units
  • Minimum 2.8 GPA (competitive admits 3.2–3.6)
  • 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 due 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
  • One of the most transfer-friendly UCs overall

Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

TAG is one of the most powerful tools available to CCC transfer students applying to UC Davis.

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 you meet the GPA and course requirements for your chosen major, you are guaranteed admission. This is as close to a sure thing as exists in college admissions.

TAG
Guaranteed admission - not just priority consideration. Meet the requirements, file on time, and you're in.

TAG Requirements

CCC enrollment - must be attending a California Community College

GPA threshold - varies by major, typically 3.2–3.6 range

30+ UC-transferable units completed by end of summer before TAG filing

Complete major prerequisites by spring before transfer

File by September 30 - the TAG portal closes and does not reopen

Competitive transfer majors at UC Davis

Acceptance rates vary by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is key to a smart application strategy.

College of Engineering

Computer Science

Competitive engineering program. Strong math and CS prerequisites.

Low

Accept Rate

3.5+

Competitive GPA

Very High Competition

College of Letters & Science

Economics

Popular social science major for transfers.

Moderate

Accept Rate

3.3+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

College of Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences

Strong pre-med pathway. Davis is renowned for life sciences.

Moderate

Accept Rate

3.4+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

College of Letters & Science

Psychology

Popular major with manageable competition.

Moderate

Accept Rate

3.3+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

College of Agricultural Sciences

Animal Science

Signature Davis program. One of the best in the country.

Moderate

Accept Rate

3.2+

Competitive GPA

Moderate Competition

College of Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Competitive engineering major. Strong physics and math required.

Low

Accept Rate

3.5+

Competitive GPA

High Competition

UC Davis transfer timeline

Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.

1

September 1–30

TAG Application

File TAG application if eligible.

2

October 1 – November 30

UC Application

Submit UC application.

3

January 31

TAU Deadline

Report fall grades and spring plans.

4

April–May

Decisions Released

Davis releases transfer decisions.

How we help you get into UC Davis

Our team provides expert guidance tailored specifically to UC Davis transfer admissions.

TAG Optimization

Davis's TAG program is among the most accessible. 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.

Let's get you into UC Davis

Whether you're just starting at a community college or approaching application season, our team can help you build the strongest possible UC Davis transfer application.

Book Free Consultation

Free 30-minute consultation · No commitment required

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