UC Admissions

The University of California (also called UC) is a system of public university campuses throughout California. The most visible campuses are Berkeley (often just called "Cal") and UCLA (Los Angeles). The other main campuses are at Irvine, Davis, Merced, Riverside, San Diego (UCSD), San Francisco (UCSF), Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz. UC campuses are known worldwide for their quality academic programs, and are therefore more competitive than their public cousins, the California State System.

Our tutors have lots of experience helping students qualify for and get accepted to the schools in the UC system. We have had students who are borderline in grades and test scores get in with personal statement tutoring.

Please note that for those students applying for the fall of 2012 or later, there will be a new admissions policy. A summary of the differences between the current policy and the new policy can be found on the UC Admissions website. The new policy does not fundamentally change the way students prepare for UC, but applicants should be aware of the minor changes.

Eligibility for Admission

Students must complete what UC calls the "a-g" courses with grades of C or better, which are requirements in core academic and elective classes by graduation (see below for the list). The overall GPA must be at least 3.0 (3.4 for out of state applicants) for these courses.

The a-g courses are:

a. History - 2 Years
b. English - 4 Years
c. Math - 3 Years
d. Lab Science - 2 Years
e. Language Other than English - 2 Years
f. Visual/Performing Arts - 1 Year
g. College Preparatory Elective - 1 Year

Calculating GPA for UC Admission

Student GPAs are calculated using grades from only these courses from 10th and 11th grade. Courses from 9th grade may be used to satisfy the requirements, but the grades are not used in GPA calculations. The minimum GPA in the a-g courses for admission to UC is 3.0 for a California Resident. Click here for answers to specific questions about calculating GPA.

Required Tests

Students are required to take the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with writing assessment. AP Tests and SAT Subject Tests are recommended also, as they show mastery in specific subject areas.

Eligibility Does Not Always Mean Acceptance

Since UC's are competitive schools, they often get more eligible applicants than the available slots for freshmen. Therefore, personal statements, after school activities, leadership positions, and other talents and skills become important aspects that distinguish applicants from each other. The application includes a personal statement that consists of two essays of 1,000 words or less. These essays are extremely important, as they differentiate two students with similar GPAs and SAT scores. We have private tutors that help with personal statements, give us a call if you would like to talk about having a home tutor help with your child's application.

This article should be used as a guideline, not the absolute source of information. The UC system has an elaborate website that explains all of the admissions requirements in detail, including an index calculator, and charts that translate your SAT and ACT scores into "UC Scores." We recommend visiting that site early and often if your student wants to apply to a UC.

More questions? Need Help with College Applications? We can help!

Call us at:
888-802-7587

You can also contact us

Read more about our Free Tutoring Consultation