The University of California ApplicationAn overview NJUHSD college night 2013

Academic Preparation• The University of California employs cutting edge

professionals that “push the boundaries.” • All undergraduate students will have research

opportunities. • A-G courses – to verify check UC Doorways for HS

A-G list• The UC is seeking students who can read, write,

and think critically. This focus will continue throughout the student’s UC education.

• Senior year course work must include at least 4 A-G courses.

Fall 2013 Outcomes for California Residents• Applicants: 99,129 (up 5,893)

• Average # of Campuses Applied to: 4

• Admits: 62,212 (down 91)

• Admit Rate for System: 62.8% (down 3%)

• Statements of Intent to Register (SIR): 35,964 (down176)

Technical details to the application• Do not use a family email account • Check email every 2 days after you submit. Email

is still the primary source of communication. A few campuses are piloting the use of text messages. They will email as well.

• Follow the progress bar. It is suggested that you work through the application in the order presented.

• There is no save button – toggle between pages to save after 30 minutes you’ll be logged out. That page will not be saved unless you moved to the next or previous page.

• If you get stuck, look at the help icon. Email askuc@ucop.edu

The application is an interview• The holistic review is NOT a formula, it’s a context.

• Accuracy is KEY -- This includes accuracy in your NAME! Keep consistent between your application, legal name, SAT registered name etc.

• Each application is read 1-3 times.

• If you don’t apply, the answer is already no!

• All campuses review applications independently without regard to other campus decisions.

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Important Dates• Applications for fall 2014 -- October 1-November

30• The truth is the majority of students apply the last

3 days of the application window!• The help desk will be closed on Thanksgiving.• Students will be notified March 1-30.• May 1, 2014 is the national acceptance date.• Most UC campuses will have a wait list. Students

are admitted from the wait list.

Self reporting A-G course work• Have a copy of your transcript• Pre-application – Make two lists A-G courses grades 9-12 and A-G courses grades 10-11 Weighted courses -- 4 soph yr and 4 junior yr allowed• Self report A-G math taken grades 7 and 8. Final

letter grade for each needed. No transcript needed. Those course DO NOT need to be on your high school transcript.

• Courses in progress – at least 4 A-G SR year or indicate WHY in “additional comments” section.

The Essay• This is a personal interview not a creative writing

assignment.• 2 prompts – up to 1,000 word count each• Decisions are not made on the personal statement

alone.• The UC is asking for you to explain not complain.• Helpful tips on each campus’s website. • You Tube UC Personal Statement – What the

statement isn’t• UC Readers on NU’s campus – take advantage of

this resource.• Cut and paste essay into the actual application.

SAT and/or ACT test scores• The UC does not have a preference of ACT or SAT.

Just take one.• UCs will take the up to the Dec test date• The UC does not recommend using score choice.

Just send them all and they will only use the highest scores.

• No “super” score – 1 sitting only

Activities and Awards• 6 areas and 5 entries per area• They are looking to understand the 5 MOST

important and impactful for each area.• Do not use acronyms – for example CSF• Illustrate interest – they not want a “laundry list”

they do want to see dedication and consistency.• Leadership – this can include being a shift leader

at work, being a family care taker, etc• Random selection in January – est 10% chosen by

the UC regents office (not by each campus) to verify activities and awards.

Eligibility in the Local Context• Top 9% of the senior class (A-G eligible) at each

high school within CA. Names and GPAs were submitted in June 2013 by the head counselor for each campus.

• 92% of ELC eligible students were admitted into their #1 UC campus.

• 8% were offered a second choice UC.

The AP question• There is a myth going around that the UCs don’t accept

AP scores.

AP Exam Credit http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/index.html

• Scores are due to the campus the student enrolls at by July 15.

• The university will reward unit credit.

• How the credit is issued varies within each campus and varies within the majors within each campus.

About You section• This is where the UC will find EOPS students and

may offer fee waivers for up to 4 campuses. • Confidential financial and family information• If you did not qualify for a fee waiver and feel that

you should have, indicate pay by mail and write a letter to the UC regarding the situation (such as underemployment).

Final Steps• “Release and Signature” – giving your permission

for a counselor to contact admissions if needed.• Statement of integrity• Review and Submit – Final blue Submit button!• Print payment stub • View and print (7-12 pages)• If you need to contact the help desk or a specific

campus, always refer to your application ID#.

RESOURCES• a-g” Course List website: ucop.edu/doorways/• High school and CCC course lists

• “Options for Satisfying UC’s ‘A-G’ Subject Requirements for Freshman Applicants”, including the use of international courses

• hadmission.universityofcalifornia.edu• • Revised Validation Matrix• admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/validation_m

atrix_math_lote.pdf • • AP Exam Credit

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/index.html

• You have questions, we have answers: AskUC@ucop.edu

Additional Resources• UC Admissions Home Page• www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions

• Online Application• www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply

• Quick Start Guide: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/index.html

• Help Desk• ucinfo@applyucsupport.net• 1-800-207-1710 (U.S. only)• 1-661-336-5723 (outside U.S.)

• UC Application Center• P. O. Box 1432• Bakersfield, CA 93302