University of California, Berkeley

• Personal History StatementRequired

  Required essay; see essay prompts. Cannot be updated after submission.

• Resume/CVRequired

  Upload your resume so the admissions committee can understand your academic and professional experiences. Work experience is not required for admission. Cannot be updated after submission.

• Statement of PurposeRequired

  Required essay; see essay prompts. Cannot be updated after submission.

• Academic recordsRequired

  Academic records from all post-secondary institutions attended must be uploaded to your online application; do not mail them. Official transcripts are preferred; unofficial transcripts must include the institution's name, your full name as on the application, and a chronological listing of all classes and grades. The transcript grading scale is required. Report Cumulative GPA and Advanced GPA (domestic degree) or only Cumulative GPA (international degree). Records cannot be updated after submission.

• Letters of recommendation (2)2 letters

  Strongly prefer a current direct supervisor, former direct supervisor, faculty, or other individuals with whom you have had significant professional interaction.

  We require two letters of recommendation, submitted electronically by your recommenders through the online application. Letters uploaded after the deadline may not be reviewed.

• GRERequired — waiver possible

  GRE scores are required for all applicants except UC applicants with a 3.5+ GPA (see waiver). No minimum score is required. Send official scores to institution code 4833 (Graduate Organizations); no department code needed. For Fall 2027, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted, and tests must be taken by the application deadline.

  Waiver / exemption: Not required for applicants who have earned their University of California (UC) degree with a 3.5 or higher cumulative or advanced GPA; current UC students with a 3.5 or higher cumulative or advanced GPA at the time of application submission; or transfer students to a UC with a 3.5 or higher advanced GPA.

• Duolingo English Test (not accepted)If your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  We do not accept the Duolingo exam (Graduate Division).

• IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBTIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishRequired

  IELTS Academic: Accepted: IELTS (Academic) and IELTS Online; not IELTS Indicator or One Test Retake. Minimum for admissions starting Fall 2027: tests taken June 1, 2025 to January 20, 2026: 7 overall band; tests on or after January 21, 2026: 7 overall with 6.5 minimum Speaking and Writing. Tests taken before June 1, 2025 are not accepted. Scores sent electronically by the test center.

  TOEFL iBT: Accepted: internet-based (iBT) and iBT Home Edition; not TOEFL ITP or My Best Scores. Minimum for admissions starting Fall 2027: tests taken June 1, 2025 to January 20, 2026: 90 total; tests on or after January 21, 2026: 5 total with 4.5 minimum Speaking and Writing. Tests taken before June 1, 2025 are not accepted. Send scores to institution code 4833.

  Waiver / exemption: Exempt if you: have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the primary language used in both daily life and academic instruction is English; have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English, and the institution is regionally accredited; or have completed at least one year of full-time academic course work with grades of B or better at a regionally accredited institution within the United States. ESL courses, courses not taught in English, courses completed after you apply, and nonacademic courses do not qualify.

• PTE Academic not listedIf your degree wasn't taught in EnglishNot accepted

  Not listed: UC Berkeley accepts scores from two standardized exams, the TOEFL and the IELTS.

• Audio/Visual (1-2 minute video or audio)Required · with the application · Application upload (Audio/Visual page)

  Upload a 1-2 minute video or audio file on the Audio/Visual page answering the prompt: Tell us what characteristics and qualities you have gained through professional, organizational and/or community experience(s) that have prepared you for a career in Analytics. Although not required, video is strongly encouraged. Cannot be updated after submission.

• Interview (not planned)If invited

  At this time, there is no plan for an interview. If the admissions committee deems it necessary, they may arrange an interview via Zoom.

Who can apply

• Bachelor's degree or recognized equivalentRequired

  We require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or recognized equivalent and sufficient undergraduate education for graduate work in your chosen field.

• One course in linear algebraRequired

  Prerequisite. It is strongly recommended that all prerequisites be completed with grades at the time of application submission.

• Demonstrated proficiency in one programming languageRequired

  Prerequisite. It is strongly recommended that all prerequisites be completed with grades at the time of application submission. Completing programming coursework at an accredited institution is preferred and strongly encouraged; certificates from other programs, such as Lynda, EdX, or Coursera, may also be submitted.

• One course in statistics or probabilityRequired

  Prerequisite. It is strongly recommended that all prerequisites be completed with grades at the time of application submission. Online and/or extension courses from accredited colleges/universities are acceptable.

• Essay 1 · Required · Recommended: about 1,000 wordsThe Personal History Statement should provide insight to you as a person and any personal experiences that have influenced you to apply for graduate studies in IEOR. Take this opportunity to write about your personal goals, dreams, and what motivates you towards your degree and objectives. Remember to be authentic in your essay, as we want to hear your voice and perspective. Please describe how your background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at this time. This may include formative experiences, values, or motivations that have influenced your academic and/or professional path. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following: Any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences or opportunities that have shaped your academic journey; Challenges or responsibilities you have navigated in pursuit of your educational goals, and how you responded to or overcame them; Significant barriers or hardships you have faced, and how they have contributed to your growth and shaped your perspective; Leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects you have participated in or plan to pursue that aim to positively impact others or the broader community; Ways in which your perspectives, experiences, or aspirations have aligned with UC Berkeley’s Principles of Community.

  The Personal History Statement should provide insight to you as a person and any personal experiences that have influenced you to apply for graduate studies in IEOR. Take this opportunity to write about your personal goals, dreams, and what motivates you towards your degree and objectives. Remember to be authentic in your essay, as we want to hear your voice and perspective. Please describe how your background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree at this time. This may include formative experiences, values, or motivations that have influenced your academic and/or professional path. In this section, you may also include any relevant information on the following: Any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences or opportunities that have shaped your academic journey; Challenges or responsibilities you have navigated in pursuit of your educational goals, and how you responded to or overcame them; Significant barriers or hardships you have faced, and how they have contributed to your growth and shaped your perspective; Leadership experiences, community outreach, service initiatives, or research projects you have participated in or plan to pursue that aim to positively impact others or the broader community; Ways in which your perspectives, experiences, or aspirations have aligned with UC Berkeley’s Principles of Community.

• Essay 2 · Required · Recommended: about 1,000 wordsThe Statement of Purpose is your “academic statement” and should convey why you are interested in the program, what you will contribute to the program, and what you plan to do after the program. This essay should include the following: Academic and research experiences; Publications and/or presentations; Internship or employment opportunities you have had; Your motivation and interests in the program, including your professional objectives, research interests, areas of specialization, etc.; Additional contributions to your program of study: Let us know how your experience has led to the perfect fit for this program. Are there specific IEOR faculty you want to work with? Why are you choosing this program at UC Berkeley specifically?

  The Statement of Purpose is your “academic statement” and should convey why you are interested in the program, what you will contribute to the program, and what you plan to do after the program. This essay should include the following: Academic and research experiences; Publications and/or presentations; Internship or employment opportunities you have had; Your motivation and interests in the program, including your professional objectives, research interests, areas of specialization, etc.; Additional contributions to your program of study: Let us know how your experience has led to the perfect fit for this program. Are there specific IEOR faculty you want to work with? Why are you choosing this program at UC Berkeley specifically?