The University of California (UC) system boasts some of the most sought-after and selective schools in the nation. In 2023, UC Berkeley received a staggering 125,922 applications, and accepted only 11.2% of those who applied. The middle 50% of unweighted GPAs for accepted students ranged from 3.89-4.00. Likewise, for fall 2024, UCLA received 173,651 applications (freshmen and transfer), making it the most applied to school in the U.S.. The school’s freshmen admissions rate for Fall 2024 was 9%. Given the caliber and competitiveness of UC schools, students should start strategizing early to set themselves up for success in the admissions process—particularly because UC has its own distinct application system and evaluation criteria.
Whether you’re completing your application for the December 2nd deadline or looking forward to applying in years to come, here are five important facts about the UC admissions process—and how they should impact your application strategy.
1. You can apply to multiple UC schools through the UC application system.
First and foremost, students should note that the UC system does not accept the Common Application, but instead uses its own distinct application portal. While strategically crafting yet another application may feel daunting, students can apply to multiple UC schools without having to fill out separate applications or write additional supplemental essays. Students can simply complete one application and select the campuses they want to send it to in the UC application portal, noting which major they would pursue at each campus. Students should note that some programs may require additional application materials.
Applying to multiple UC schools will increase your odds of admission. As you select campuses, it is important to approach the process as you would when crafting any balanced college list and include a variety of reach, match, and safety schools. Berkeley and UCLA should be regarded as reach schools for any student, but you can determine which other campuses align with your academic profile by comparing your GPA to the median GPA of admitted students published by each of the UC schools. Students should also thoroughly research their intended major—some programs may be more difficult than others, and a major’s selectivity may vary from campus to campus. Finally, students should note that every school has its own unique culture and community. Berkeley is known for its liberal arts and STEM programs, while Santa Cruz offers a renowned environmental science program. Each campus has its own level of academic rigor and distinct culture, so it is important to familiarize yourself with each school and program before applying to ensure that you would be a good fit. You can explore the median GPAs and admissions rates of various campuses and programs here!
2. Your transcript is the sole academic factor considered by the UC schools.
Unlike other schools, the UC system does not consider letters of recommendation or standardized test scores. This has a few important implications for students’ applications. First, it means that a student’s transcript is the sole academic factor considered in the application process—so UC applicants should be sure that theirs will catch the admissions officers’ eyes. Because of the increased scrutiny on your transcript, it is all the more important to prioritize not only strong academic performance, but also course rigor.
Additionally, personal character and academic drive are typically conveyed through letters of recommendation, so students will need to find ways to convey these attributes to the UC schools through other parts of their application. The personal insight questions and activities section are therefore critical opportunities for students to demonstrate qualities like leadership, teamwork, and initiative, and students should be intentional about showcasing their tangible accomplishments through these avenues.
3. Out-of-state students must have a GPA of 3.4 or higher.
In addition to the UC system’s general focus on students’ transcripts, out-of-state students are expected to meet slightly higher GPA requirements than California residents. California applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA in UC-approved college prep courses, while out-of-state students must have a 3.4 or higher to be considered. The UC system calculates GPA based on A-G courses taken between the summer following ninth grade and the summer following eleventh grade. This difference in expectations reflects the UC system’s increased push to admit a greater percentage of in-state students as a public university system intended to prioritize residents. This means that even with the more rigorous base expectations, out-of-state students will face steeper competition, as in-state students will be given priority.
To stand out in the competitive UC admissions process, students (particularly out-of-state applicants) should be intentional about taking rigorous A-G courses, earning top grades in these core classes, and pursuing advanced coursework to contribute additional points to their calculated GPA.
4. The UC application allows space for 20 activities.
While the Common App provides students with space to list ten activities and five honors and awards, the UC Activities List allows students to list 20 activities and honors and does not specify a certain proportion for each. Students should make the most of the limited space to highlight their impact, achievements, and takeaways from each activity in active, dynamic language. You should order your list according to each activity’s significance to you, so consider which activities you are most proud of and seek to convey the reasons you are proud of your involvement in each entry.
The UC system groups activities in the following six categories: Award or honor, Education preparation programs, Extracurricular activity, Other coursework, Volunteering/Community service, and Work experience. While seniors should pay attention to these categories for the sake of honesty and integrity in their applications, younger students who are planning to apply to the UCs in the future should also take note. Beginning early in high school, students should pursue activities in each of these groups, show commitment to the activities and organizations that matter to them throughout their high school careers, and start the process of self reflection early to be mindful of which activities are important to them and why.
5. The UCs require a series of short essays, rather than one long personal essay.
Instead of the standard personal statement found on the Common App, UC applicants answer four “Personal Insight Questions” (PIQs), chosen from a list of eight. Each response is limited to 350 words, meaning that students have to be clear and concise as they seek to convey their unique voice in their application. These prompts ask about leadership, creativity, intellectual curiosity, hardships, and other topics. While the Common App essay and many schools’ supplemental essays invite students to showcase their quirks and get creative, the UC schools generally prioritize content over stylistic flare, so students should focus more on the salient information they wish to communicate rather than finding a particularly original or inventive way to say it.
When choosing which questions to answer, applicants should consider how their responses can help to craft a cohesive narrative that complements their other application materials. Admissions officers want a clear picture of your core passions and the unique qualities you will bring to their campus and program, so be sure to showcase your hook and how your unique experiences in and outside of the classroom have contributed to your knowledge of your field.
The UC application process may seem complex, but understanding its unique components can help you approach it with strategy and confidence. Embrace the opportunities afforded by the UC’s application structure and make sure each component reinforces your goals, achievements, and potential contributions to UC campus communities.
Every admissions cycle, Command Education Senior Mentors help students stand out to UC schools. Schedule a consult today to chart your individualized path to a UC school!
Originally Published on Forbes.
