Applying to the University of California Schools

California has two public university systems: the University of California (UC) and the California State University (CSU) system. Each has its own application process and does not accept the Common Application. This post will focus on the UC system, which includes the following campuses, ranked by acceptance rate:

UC Berkeley 9%

UC Los Angelas 11%

UC San Diego 25%

UC Irvine 26%

UC Santa Barbara 28%

UC Davis 42%

UC Santa Cruz 63%

UC Riverside 71%

UC Merced 93%

UC San Francisco is the 10th school in the UC system but does not offer undergraduate programs. Its focus is on graduate-level health sciences and life sciences. It’s a premier university that researches medical and biological sciences. 

The UC application allows students to apply to as many UC schools as they want. It differs from the Common App in these ways: 

Essay Requirements

• UC Application: Requires four Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) from a set of eight prompts (350 words each). Some majors will require additional essays. These are like interview questions, so answer them directly, don’t write a story. 

• Common App: Requires one personal statement (650 words max) from a set of prompts, plus supplemental essays depending on the school.

  
  

Activities Section

• UC Application: Allows 20 entries across categories like coursework, extracurriculars, awards, and volunteer work. Each entry has a 350-character limit.

• Common App: Allows 10 activities, each with a 150-character description.

  
  

Awards and Honors

• UC Application You can list up to 5 awards and honors in the "Awards & Honors" section. Each entry includes:

  • Award Name

  • Level of Recognition (School, State, National, or International)

  • Description (Max 350 characters)

  • Note, once you enter the awards, you can change the order! So do it in a separate doc first.

• Common App allows you to list up to 5 awards and honors in the "Honors" section. Each entry includes:

  • Honor Name

  • Grade Level (9, 10, 11, or 12)

  • Level of Recognition (School, State, National, or International)

  • Brief Description (100 characters max)

Since space is limited, it's best to prioritize your most prestigious and relevant honors for each application. 

Letters of Recommendation

• UC Application: Generally does not require or accept letters of recommendation (except for special cases like Berkeley's ELC program or specific scholarships).

• Common App: Typically requires one to three letters, depending on the school.

  
  

Application Fees

• UC Application: $80 per campus ($95 for international students).

• Common App: Varies by school, typically $50–$90 per school (fee waivers available).

  
  

Deadline & Submission

• UC Application: Opens August 1 and must be submitted between October 1 – November 30. No early action or early decision options.

• Common App: Opens August 1 with deadlines that vary by school (Regular, Early Action, Early Decision).

  
  

Test Scores

• UC Application: UC schools are test-blind (they do not consider SAT/ACT scores). I recommend still taking the SAT even if you are only applying to UC schools. They often use your SAT scores for math and English placement after the student is admitted. 

• Common App: Some schools are test-optional, while others still require SAT/ACT scores.

  
  

Race/Ethnicity

• UC Application system does not ask for race/ethnicity due to California Proposition 209, which prohibits public institutions from considering race in admissions.

• The Common App asks about race/ethnicity, but it is optional and not shared with admissions committees at schools that are legally prohibited from considering it.

  
  

 Sexual Orientation

• The UC application does include optional questions about sexual orientation and gender identity, aligning with California's policies on inclusivity and student support services.

• In 2022, the Common App added optional questions about gender identity and sexual orientation to be more inclusive, but responses are not required.

  
  

Each UC school has a very different vibe; here are the descriptions: 

UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) – ~45,000 students

UC Berkeley is the flagship campus of the UC system and known for its prestigious academics, activism, and research. The city of Berkeley offers a vibrant, eclectic atmosphere with a mix of urban culture and natural beauty, located just across the bay from San Francisco.

UCLA (Los Angeles, CA) – ~48,000 students

UCLA is a top-ranked university with strengths in film, medicine, business, and athletics. Located in Westwood, students enjoy a mix of big-city life and beach culture, with Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills just a short drive away.

UC San Diego (La Jolla, CA) – ~43,000 students

UC San Diego is a STEM powerhouse, particularly in engineering, biology, and oceanography. La Jolla is an affluent coastal community known for its beaches, cliffs, and mild climate, offering a relaxed yet innovative atmosphere.

UC Irvine (Irvine, CA) – ~38,000 students

UC Irvine excels in STEM fields, business, and the arts and has a modern, suburban campus. Irvine is one of the safest cities in the U.S., with a planned community layout and easy access to Orange County beaches and Los Angeles.

UC Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) – ~26,000 students

UC Santa Barbara has strong programs in sciences, engineering, and the arts, with a lively social scene. The campus is right on the beach, and Santa Barbara is a picturesque, upscale coastal city with a Mediterranean climate.

UC Davis (Davis, CA) – ~40,000 students

UC Davis is known for its agriculture, veterinary medicine, and environmental science programs. The town of Davis has a laid-back, college-town feel with a strong focus on sustainability and bike-friendly streets, located about 15 miles from Sacramento.

UC Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, CA) – ~19,000 students

UC Santa Cruz blends progressive academics with a stunning natural environment, excelling in marine biology, computer science, and environmental studies. The city is a quirky, beachside town known for its redwood forests, surf culture, and laid-back vibe.

UC Riverside (Riverside, CA) – ~26,000 students

UC Riverside is known for its diverse student body and strong STEM programs. Riverside is a growing inland city with affordable living compared to coastal areas, located about an hour east of Los Angeles.

UC Merced (Merced, CA) – ~9,000 students

The newest UC campus, UC Merced, emphasizes research and sustainability. Merced is a smaller, more rural city in California’s Central Valley, offering a quieter setting and proximity to Yosemite National Park.

Other things to note: 

• The individual UC schools do not compare admission notes. 

• UC Schools require 1 year of art (two semesters) of a Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) course in a single discipline to meet the "A-G" subject requirements for freshman admission.

UC "A-G" Art Requirement ("F" Category)

• Students must complete one full year (or two semesters) of the same VPA course in areas like:

  • Dance

  • Music

  • Theater

  • Visual Arts (drawing, painting, photography, etc.)

  • Film/Video Production

• Courses must be UC-approved and taken for a letter grade of C or higher.

• Integrated or interdisciplinary arts courses may qualify if they meet UC criteria.

Exceptions & Alternatives

• Students can satisfy the VPA requirement in different ways, such as:

  • Taking a college-level art course

  • Completing an AP or IB art course

  • Some out-of-state students may substitute an extra academic course (must be approved by UC).

• AP Tests- the UC schools want to see all of the AP scores (even if they aren’t great).

How does the UC System Calculate GPA?

The UC system calculates GPA using a specific method that differs from many high schools. Here’s how it works:

1. Which Classes Count?

• Only A-G courses taken in 10th and 11th grade are included.

• 9th and 12th-grade courses are required but not factored into the GPA calculation.

• Summer courses after 9th grade count, but 12th-grade summer courses do not.

  
  

2. Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA

UC calculates three GPAs:

1. Unweighted GPA – No extra points for honors/AP/IB classes.

2. Weighted (Capped) GPA – Extra points for up to 8 semesters (4 years) of approved AP, IB, UC-approved honors, or college courses.

3. Weighted (Fully Uncapped) GPA – Extra points for all eligible weighted courses, with no cap.

   
   

3. GPA Calculation Formula

• A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, F = 0 points

• Honors/AP/IB/college courses get an extra point (if approved by UC).

• Only grades of C or higher are counted (D/F grades do not get the extra point).

  
  

4. Extra Weight for Honors/AP/IB

• California public high schools: Only UC-approved honors, AP, and IB courses qualify.

• Out-of-state/private schools: Only AP, IB, or college-level courses receive extra points.

  
  

Example GPA Calculation

Course	Grade	UC Points	Weighted?
AP English	A	5	Yes
Algebra II	B	3	No
Chemistry Honors	A	5	Yes
World History	A	4	No
Spanish II	B	3	No
AP Biology	A	5	Yes

• Unweighted GPA: (4+3+4+4+3+4) ÷ 6 = 3.83

• Weighted (Capped) GPA: (5+3+5+4+3+5) ÷ 6 = 4.17

• Weighted (Uncapped) GPA: Same as above but with no 8-semester cap

  
  

How to Check Your UC GPA?

You can use the UC GPA calculator on their website to double-check your numbers.

What classes are required for incoming freshman?

UC A-G Subject Requirements

• A – History/Social Science: 2 years

• B – English: 4 years

• C – Mathematics: 3 years (4 recommended)

• D – Science (Lab): 2 years (3 recommended)

• E – Language Other Than English: 2 years (3 recommended)

• F – Visual & Performing Arts: 1 year (same discipline)

• G – College-Preparatory Elective: 1 year

Must earn a C or higher in all A-G courses, UC-approved honors, AP, IB, or college courses; earn extra GPA points. Only 10th and 11th grade A-G courses are used to calculate the UC GPA

Other things to note:

• Residency- CA residency takes precedence; only 20% of out-of-state students get in. The standards for higher for out-of-state students. Out-of-state students also have to pay an extra $60k a year. 

• Majors- Some UC schools, such as UCLA, only allows you to select one major. UC Davis, on the other hand, lets you select an alternate major. UC San Diego allows you to rank 8 majors. Each school has different majors that are “impacted” or very competitive. Undeclared is the most popular major.

• Transcripts- They are not sent to UC schools; you have to add your courses and grades manually. 

• Legacy- It is not considered in the UC system. It’s illegal to use legacy for admissions. 

• Additional Information- There is a section to explain performance in certain courses or subjects or anything else that is not apparent in your application.

• First-generation students receive consideration in the admissions process at UC schools.

  
  

While both the Common App and UC application serve as gateways to top universities, they differ in structure, requirements, and the way students present themselves. The Common App offers flexibility with essays and activities across multiple schools, while the UC application follows a standardized format with Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) and a unique UC GPA calculation. Understanding these differences can help students strategically showcase their strengths and maximize their admissions chances. By preparing early and tailoring each application accordingly, students can put their best foot forward in both systems.