UC Overview

To be considered for admission to the University of California system, you must complete 15 yearlong high school courses with a grade of C or better.

a. History/social science (2 years)+ Principal of Democracy & Economics.

b. English (4 years)

c. Mathematics (3 years) + additional year of higher Math course.

d. Laboratory science (2 years) one year of a Biological and one year of a Physical Science  + one year of additional Science.

e. Language other than English (2 years) + one year of an additional Spanish class.

f. Visual and performing arts (1 year)- Highly recommended to take an additional year.

g. College-preparatory elective (1 year)- Highly recommended to take an additional year.

(chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university)

GPA

You must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (3.4 if you're a nonresident) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

What you'll need

It's a good idea to have everything prepared before you start your application so you're not trying to track down information at the last minute.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Transcripts. Don't submit your transcripts to UC at this point, but refer to them as you fill out the application to ensure the information you enter is accurate.*

2. Test scores. The SAT/ACT is optional for all freshman and sophomore applicants beginning fall 2022. You may want to report the SAT/ACT along with any SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, TOEFL or IELTS exams they have taken. 

3. Annual income for last year and the current year (your parents' if you're a dependent; your income if you're independent). This is optional unless you're applying for an application fee waiver or for the Educational Opportunity Program.

4. Social Security number, if you have one. We use this to match your application to things like your test score report, final transcript(s) and, if you're applying for financial aid, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

5. Citizenship status. You must enter your country of citizenship (or "No Selection"). If your country of citizenship is outside the United States, you'll need to provide your immigration status and your visa type.

6. California Statewide Student ID (optional). Each K-12 student in California public schools is assigned an ID number. If it's not printed on your transcript, ask your counselor or registrar.

7. Credit card. If you prefer to pay by check, you can mail your payment.

SAT/ACT

Fall 2022 and fall 2023 enrollment

UC will be "test-optional" for Fall 2022 and Fall 2023. Freshman applicants are not required to submit SAT/ACT test scores. 

What does "test-optional" mean? 

• You choose whether or not to submit SAT/ACT scores with your application.

• If you are unable or choose not to submit test scores, your application will still receive full consideration. 

 SAT/ACT scores may be used for:

• Admissions: Some campuses may choose to consider your test scores as part of their application review process. Remember, no admission decision is based on a single factor.

• Scholarships. Some scholarships may include test scores as a factor in selection.

• Determining eligibility for the statewide admissions guarantee. 

• Course placement after you enroll.

Additional campus-specific information will be available this fall for the fall 2021 application cycle. 

Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 enrollment 

Admission to the UC will be "test-blind" for applicants. 

What will “test-blind” mean? 

• UC won't use your test scores to make admissions decisions.

SAT/ACT scores may be used for:

• Scholarships. Some scholarships may include test scores as a factor in selection.

• Determining eligibility for the statewide admissions guarantee. 

• Course placement after you enroll.

California students
If you're a state resident who has met the minimum requirements and aren't admitted to any UC campus to which you apply, you'll be offered a spot at another campus if space is available, provided:

• You rank in the top 9 percent of California high school students, according to our admissions index, or

• You rank in the top 9 percent of your graduating class at a participating high school. We refer to this as "Eligible in the Local Context" (ELC).

The Holistic Review: How UC's Evaluate your Application
UC's evaluate your academic achievements in light of the opportunities available to you and your demonstrated capacity to contribute to the intellectual life at UC. The 14 factors they weigh are:

1. Academic grade point average in all completed "a-g" courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.

2. The number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum "a-g" requirements.

3. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.

5. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context, or ELC).

6. Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.

7. Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.

8. Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.

9. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.

10. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.

11. 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 demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student's promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.

12. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.

13. Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.

14. Location of your secondary school and residence.

Apply to any UC school through the UC application!!! - Application Deadline: November 30, 2022