How do UCs decide who to accept?

Some factors we may consider are: Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses. Number of, content of and performance in all A-G subject areas beyond the minimum requirements.

Do UCs give preference to California residents?

The updated Statewide Index is used to determine eligibility for the statewide guarantee. The Statewide Index identifies California-resident students in the top 9 percent of California high school graduates and offers these students a guaranteed space at a UC campus, if space is available.

What do UC admission officers look for?

Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that ...

Do UCs accept based on major?

For freshmen applying to a major in the College, your choice of major will neither help nor hurt your prospects for admission. In fact, a large number of freshman applicants apply as undeclared. The UC application allows you to choose an alternate major, but we only guarantee the review of first-choice majors.

Do UCs communicate with each other for admissions?

Each UC campus has a particular “quota” of admits from each high school. UC admissions officers talk to each other during application review to ensure that top students aren't admitted to several “selective” UC campuses. ie – students get into either UC Berkeley or UCLA but not both.

UC Application Tutorial: Selecting a Major

What is the most prestigious UC in California?

University of California, Berkeley

UC Berkeley is the flagship campus of the UC system and is widely considered one of the top academic institutions in the nation. The programs that draw students worldwide include social sciences, computer science, and biological sciences.

Do UCs prioritize California students?

As a public institution, we prioritize admission for California residents. However, all of our campuses offer admission to out-of-state students.

Do UCs ignore freshman grades?

UCs do consider courses you take in freshman year and the rigor/grades in context of your overall schedule/grade trend (so you should provide an explanation if there are anomalies in your schedule or grades); but freshman grades are NOT included in the GPA calculation used for admission evaluation.

Do UCs only look at 10 12 GPA?

What GPA do I use? For the UC's and CSU's you will use your 10-12 academic weighted GPA. For all other universities you will use your 9-12 total GPA, colleges will specify weighted or non-weighted. Where/When do I get a transcript?

Do UCs care about extracurriculars?

While academic achievement is the most important criterion the UCs consider, majority of the UCs also pay attention to applicant achievements outside of the classroom. Given how competitive the top UCs are, extracurricular activities are also a way for you to distinguish yourself from other highly qualified applicants.

How can I increase my chances of getting into a UC?

Get good grades in those hard classes. You don't have to be perfect, but you will need to do well. We've seen students with C's or even a D get into Berkeley, but it's the exception that proves the rule. You should strive to do as well as possible, starting in 9th grade.

What do UCs care about most?

Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses. Your grades are the most important thing the UCs consider when it comes to your application.

What do UC schools not look at?

UCs do look at courses you take in freshman and senior years; the grades and rigor of your coursework are considered in context of your overall curriculum. But freshman and senior year grades are NOT included in the GPA calculation. UC-approved Honors, AP, IB and community college courses are weighted.

What is the 9% UC rule?

All seniors graduating from California high schools who are in the top 9% statewide will be guaranteed acceptance to one UC campus (Merced).

Which UCs is the hardest to get into?

A Chronicle analysis of admissions rates found that Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is the most competitive school in the California State University system. UCLA and UC Berkeley are often considered the crown jewels of California public universities.

What are the easiest UCs to get into in California?

UC Merced is the easiest school to get into. It has an acceptance rate of 87%.

Do UCs look at senior year classes?

While UC schools do consider senior year course load and grades, they focus primarily on your academic performance from grades 10 and 11 (including summers) for the initial admissions review. However, that doesn't mean senior year grades aren't important.

Can I get into UCLA with a 3.8 GPA?

UC has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.

Can I get into UCLA with a 3.5 GPA?

Academic Preparation

The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5 and admitted students have completed most or all major preparatory courses. We give highest priority to applicants from California community colleges and other UC campuses. UCLA admits students for fall quarter only.

Why is it so hard to get into UCs?

Why Are the UC Schools Hard to Get Into? Admission to UC schools is competitive and for good reason: students flock to the UCs because of their high rankings and exceptional academic quality.

Do UCs give rejection letters?

Yes, they do. Once UC admissions decisions are released, you will get a status update on your applicant portal. Once you click “view status update,” it will either display an acceptance letter, a waitlist letter, or a rejection letter.

Do UCs care about high school attendance?

The short answer is “no,” colleges don't really care about your high school attendance when making admission decisions. Colleges tend to prioritize the other parts of your application (your GPA, the classes you take in high school, your extracurricular activities, and your application essays).

Can you get into UCLA with one C?

At a minimum, you must earn a 3.0 GPA or better (3.4 for nonresidents) in all college preparatory courses. No grades can be lower than a C.

Do UCs look at teacher recommendations?

Since UC does not accept recommendation letters, the essays are the best way for applicants to reflect on and highlight who they have become during their journey of self-discovery, what they value, why attending UC is a good fit, and how attending the institution will shape their future.

Do UCs look at Common App essays?

The UCs don't ask you to share your Common App essay but honestly, this question is pretty much the same as prompt 7 on the Common App. This essay is much shorter, however, most students can utilize their Common App essay here.