Admission decisions made by the iSchool are forwarded to the UC Berkeley Graduate Division, which has the final authority to approve admission.

How are MIMS applicants judged?

The I School receives over 200 applications each year and aims to bring in a class of around 40 students. Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty and staff and are judged on grade point average (the average GPA of admitted applicants is a 3.5), GRE scores (there is no defined minimum score; however, most applicants score in the 80th percentiles), statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. As much as possible, applicants are judged on a combination of these factors. Relevant job experience is preferred, although not required, and advanced degrees are considered, particularly when a choice must be made among applicants of otherwise similar qualifications.  

Although, we end up choosing applicants with high GPAs (based mostly on last two years of undergraduate study), high GRE scores, and outstanding letters of recommendation, all applicants accepted to the program must have statements of purpose that demonstrate goals and interests consistent with the mission of the I School.  Because the iSchool is a unique program, it is important that the statement of purpose demonstrate an understanding of the MIMS program and draw connections between the program and the applicant's own educational and professional objectives. 

How are Ph.D. applicants judged?

The I School accepts only 3-4 Ph.D. applicants each year from more than 75 applications.  Applications are reviewed by committee of  faculty.   

Applicants are judged on a number of factors.  Good scores and a high GPA are necessary, but not sufficient. The deciding factor is the ability to demonstrate a research record and agenda that fit well with specific I School faculty.   In a small, interdisciplinary program, it is important that applicants clearly indicate in their statement of purpose which faculty member(s) they are interested in researching with, and why.