How to get into a UC School
The team at Link will give you tips on submitting your UC application on time.
If you're applying to one of the UC schools, you want to make sure the application is correct. The team at Link will guide you through the process of applying for a UC school from start to finish. Learn about which documents you need to complete the application.
Crucial information about the UC Application
It's paramount to know important information about the UC application early. You need to have enough time to gather and submit your materials before the deadline.
Where to get the UC application: Get the UC application here. This application applies to all UC schools. No matter your choice, you need to complete this application.
When to submit the application: It's the student's responsibility to know when the application deadlines are. If you miss a deadline, you won't get that far. Here are the University of California application deadlines.
Date Action
Aug 1st UC Application opens
October 1st FAFSA and Cal Grant verification form open for applicants.
Nov 1st- 30th Period application can be submitted online.
December Self-report December scores
Jan- Feb Submit official December test score results
Mar 1st Admissions decisions begin to be sent out.
Mar 2nd Financial Aid Applicants due
May 1st Reply date for all accepted first year students
Jul 1st Admitted students must have submitted their final high school transcript
Based on the chart, the most important date is November 30th. You have to submit your application by this day. Admission officers have used these administrative tests for years; now, these tests have options. The University of California doesn't accept late applications. Don't miss this deadline!
How to apply to a UC school
There are five steps to apply to UC schools. The earlier you begin, the more time you'll have to complete the application before the deadline.
Create an account
To apply to a UC school, you need to create an account. This step will only take a few minutes since you need to fill out simple information such as email, name, the semester you want to start, and if you're applying as a freshman or a transfer student.
2. Complete the UC Application
The application consists of eight sections:
About You
You will answer questions such as your birth date, contact information, which languages you speak, your family's income if you are a resident of California.
Campuses and Majors
There are nine UC schools, and students can apply to as many as they want. Each UC school you apply to requires an application fee of $70 ($80 for international students). Here are the schools:
Next, select your major. If you're applying to multiple schools, you'll need to do this separately for each school since they have different majors. For instance, if you apply to the University of Los Angeles, you need to rank the colleges to see which is the best fit for you.
Academic History
You'll need to enter information about the high schools you attended, the classes you took in high school if they were honors or AP, and the grade you received. It's like entering information on your transcript.
Test Scores
Test scores can still be reviewed and submitted even though they are test-optional. UC schools accept SAT and ACT scores, but you don't need to take the optional essay section. You can also report your SAT Subject Test, AP, and IB scores. If you're an international student, you can submit any scores of international exams you took.
Activities and Awards
You'll discuss the activities you participated in outside of the classroom. Here are six categories:
Coursework other than A-G
Educational Preparation Programs
Awards and Honors
Extracurricular activites
Volunteer and community service
Work experience
For each category, you can add up to five classes, activities, jobs, awards, etc.
Scholarships and Programs
You'll select eligibility for different scholarship opportunities, such as ethnicity, career plans, and work experience. There are ten categories with multiple characteristics. You can choose only once. You can also apply for the Educational Opportunity Program in this section.
Personal Insights
You'll answer personal statement questions. There are eight questions, and you have to answer only four of them. The response needs to be 350 words or less. Write your essays in a word document to make it easier to review them, then paste it into the application.
Here's the essay prompts:
Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.
Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.
What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?
Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.
Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?
Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.
What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?
3. Submit your application and pay fees
Once you finished each section of the application, you can submit it, if it's between November 1st and November 30th. When you apply, you'll need to enter some demographic information and your state of legal residence. The application will be submitted once you pay the fee.
4. Submit Your Standardized Test Scores (optional)
If you decide to take the tests and submit those scores, you'll submit your test scores when you fill out your application, but you also need to send official score reports.
5. Complete Additional Materials (optional)
Some students won't need to submit additional materials, but some will. It depends on the college and major. Some students won't need to submit additional materials, but some will. It depends on the college and major. For instance, students majoring in arts will have to submit a portfolio
