The Ultimate Guide To Undergraduate Admissions At The University of California Schools

It's no wonder so many students are applying to UC schools. The weather is wonderful, the institutions are diverse, and every campus has its own distinct feel, setting, and set of priorities and opportunities. One application for all campuses makes it convenient to apply to one campus or all nine! Even though the UCs provide a lot of helpful information to applicants, sometimes it seems like a mystery as to who gets in. Every year, students get waitlisted at each campus, or someone gets into all of them, and no one understands why. There are many different scenarios we could go into, but one thing to keep in mind is that overall admissions to the UCs is based on a holistic view, which means they are taking many factors into consideration.

As a seasonal reader one thing I picked up on is there are so many different kinds of students with different circumstances applying. Prior to reading applications, I realized I didn’t have a clue about what was going on outside of my school’s bubble. From the outside, we never really know what the applicant pool looks like so don’t compare yourself to other applicants since each one is reviewed on a case by case basis.

The University of California system drew a quarter-million applications for Fall 2024 with increases at eight of nine UC undergraduate campuses. Applications from out-of-state residents fell slightly most likely due to keeping more seats for Californians, which is typical for publicly funded, state colleges. Don’t make the mistake of thinking any of the UCs are target or likely schools. Treat them as reaches, with the exception of UC Merced. However, it is only a matter of time before Merced is a reach for all applicants as well.

The UC System is test blind with exception to AP scores. They will not look at SAT or ACT scores if you submit them as they are test blind. However, I often would see students add National Merit Commended, or Semi Finalist in the honors and awards section. In-state applicants and out-of-state applications have slightly different academic criteria, mainly the lack of a pre-approved course list.

As a seasonal reader, I would spend anywhere from 2-20 minutes reviewing an application depending on how much the student included. The application isn’t difficult to fill out, but it takes time. Students need to submit their application at least a few days prior to the deadline as it could take a long time for your application to go through if you wait until the last minute. Here are a few helpful tips as you go through the application process:

• Read the directions! The directions are very helpful, but I find most students do not read them. If you read the directions you will find there are multiple ways to enter things, and some ways are better than others.
• The UCs are not in contact with one another when you’re applying, but since it is one application for multiple campuses, you don’t want to talk about how much you want to go to UC Berkeley when you’re submitting your application to more than one UC campus.
• It is important for students to self-advocate at large public institutions that don’t consider letters of recommendation. Keep in mind what narrative you want to create.
• Do not skimp on the activity section. You have a lot more room to write; copying whatever you put on your Common Application will not be enough. You have the opportunity to expand; take advantage of that. Focus on accomplishments, purpose, or both. In your activity section, you have a chance to create a narrative.
• Credit bearing APs look nice.
• For your Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), make sure what you write about includes the how and the why. What steps did you take to accomplish xyz or what steps did you take to overcome something? Details are important. Without details, it looks like AI.
• Context is key! Without context, you leave your application up to assumption, and we never want to do that.
• Why did you earn a particular grade? Why did you decide to retake a class if you did?
• Did your grades slip? Why? Did you bring up a grade(s)? How did you do it? What did you do differently?
• Experience a lot of turn over at your school? Did multiple teachers impact your performance?
• Do you drive a long time to get to school? Does your school have a unique way of doing things?
• Did you try to take a particular class, but there was no room?
• Non-traditional or interesting educational background? Do you participate in a special program/curriculum track at your school?
• A particular class at your school that is notoriously difficult, and you did well?

Applying to the University of California system requires meticulous attention to detail and a strong, self-advocating narrative. Because the UCs do not rely on test scores or teacher recommendations, your Personal Insight Questions and the context you provide in the activities section are your best tools for standing out. Remember to treat every UC campus as a reach or high-target school, carefully select alternate majors where allowed, and accurately report every grade and course. With strategic planning and a clear presentation of your accomplishments, you can confidently submit a UC application that highlights your true potential.