What does UC look for in students?

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 ...

What do UC schools look for the most?

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.

What kind of students does UC want?

We look for persistence, passion, and a desire to give back. It doesn't matter whether you're the first in your family to attend college or you're the latest in a long tradition of educational excellence: You stand up and you stand out. Keep in mind that UC Berkeley receives far more applications than it can admit.

What values do UC schools look for?

As stewards of the public trust, we believe in ethical behavior, inclusiveness, treating each other with respect, accountability and transparency. We aim to be the best at what we do, and we value and encourage open dialogue.

What grades do UC schools 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.

Everything You Need to Know About the UC Schools

What is the UC 9 rule?

If you rank in the top 9 percent of California students according to our updated Statewide Index you will be eligible for the Statewide Guarantee.

What do UC schools not look at?

All UC campuses other than UCSD, UCLA, and UC Merced will not consider SAT/ACT testing for admission. UCSD, UCLA, and UC Merced will be test-optional, so you can submit your scores if you choose, but it will not hurt you if you do not submit test scores.

What is the hardest UC to get into?

UCLA generally experiences the highest number of applicants, making it one of the most popular UC schools. In 2022, UCLA received 139,489 applicants. It's also the most selective, with a 9% acceptance rate. Close runners-up include UC Berkeley, UCSD, and UCI.

What do UCs care about the most?

Your grades are the most important thing the UCs consider when it comes to your application.

Does UC look at senior grades?

UCs do look at the courses you take in senior year and take the rigor into consideration when evaluating you for admission; but as long as you maintain satisfactory grades (typically an unweighted B average, with no non-passing grades, is sufficient), your performance in your senior year courses will NOT affect your ...

What is the easiest UC to get into?

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

What are UC schools looking for in essays?

Keep in mind

It's about getting to know your personality, background, interests and achievements in your own unique voice. Use the additional comments field if there are issues you'd like to address that you didn't have the opportunity to discuss elsewhere on the application.

What traits do the UC schools look for in students?

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 UC schools look at 9th grade?

The UCs look at your GPA starting from the summer after freshman year to the summer after junior year, so no freshman or senior grades are part of this grade calculation.

Can I get into a UC with a 3.5 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.

Do UC schools look at recommendations?

UC does not require (nor read) letters of recommendation at the time of application. A campus may ask for them later as part of a supplemental review, so be sure to check your email.

Does UC care about essays?

Essays are a critical component of your application to the University of California (UC) system. Since the UC system no longer considers standardized tests, like the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB examinations, when reaching admissions decisions, there are fewer data points with which admissions officers can assess candidates.

Do UC schools look at personal statement?

Most UC campuses require a personal statement in addition to a statement of purpose. Make yours count.

Can I get into a UC with a 3.6 GPA?

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. To see how to calculate your UC GPA, follow our instructions below.

What is the lowest GPA UC will accept?

Can I get into a UC with a 3.7 GPA?

Yes, it is possible to get into UC schools with a GPA in the range of 3.6-3.7. Admission to UC schools is based on a variety of factors, including GPA, test scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. While a higher GPA can improve your chances of admission, other factors also play a significant role.

Do UC schools check social media?

For anyone nervous about Harvard revoking the admission offers of incoming students over offensive memes, the UCs are not going to monitor your social media (this is NOT an open invitation for you to become a terrible person).

Which UC has the least students?

UC Merced is the smallest, with about 8,000 undergraduate students.

Which UC is the least selective?

Most likely, they're offered a place at Merced or Riverside, the easiest of the UCs to get into and the ones with the lowest enrollment rates — in 2022, 92% of in-state applicants to Merced were admitted, but just 1 in 10 accepted a spot.