Applying to a UC? 

The UCs make it clear what they are looking for in their UC points of comprehensive review. The following criteria provide a comprehensive list of factors campuses may use to select their admitted class. Based on campus-specific institutional goals and needs, admissions decisions will be based on a broad variety of factors: 

• 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 academic courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements.

• Number of and performance in UC-approved honors and Advanced Placement courses.

• Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of their high school class ("eligible in the local context," or ELC).

• Quality of a student's senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.

• Quality of their academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in their high school.

• Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.

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

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

• 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.

• Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of a student's high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.

• Academic accomplishments in light of a student's life experiences and special circumstances.

• Location of a student's secondary school and residence.

No single factor determines admissions. You application will undergo the holistic evaluation. Remember what the factors are when answering the Personal Insight Questions.