“The Left Coast, the Best Coast.” Of course, the University of California (UC) schools have to be different. The UC schools have their own unique application (separate from the Common App) with a hard submission deadline of 11/30/20. Be sure to check out the UC Application hub for the most definitive dates, deadlines, and details.
Great news! The UC application already is live! Begin by creating an account. Better news! Students only need to complete one application for all of the UC schools.
Before you begin your application, we recommend that you gather everything you will need so that you are not trying to track down information at the last minute. To better understand how the UC evaluates applicants click HERE.
To begin, you will need:
- Transcripts. The UCs require students to input their classes manually. You will need your transcripts as reference. Check the UC A-G subject requirements to make sure you have completed all necessary classes to apply to the UC system. If not, you still may have time to alter your senior year schedule to meet the requirements.
- Test scores. The SAT/ACT is now optional. However, if you have scores you can self-report them if you wish.
- Social Security number, if you have one. If you do not have one, do not worry. The UC schools have mechanisms for students to apply without a social security number.
- California Statewide Student ID (optional). Each K-12 student in California public schools is assigned an ID number. If it’s not printed on your transcript, ask your counselor or registrar. This does not apply to independent schools.
UC Application Sections
Activities List. As with the Common Application, the UC schools require that students list their activities. We recommend ranking them in order of order of prestige, time commitment, duration, and leadership. Emphasize tangible, measurable impact. The UC Activities List provides applicants with space for inputting up to 20 activities and awards, and up to 500 characters of space for describing each activity. This year, more than ever, the Activities section takes on added significance because most students will not have taken standardized tests and many activities will have been cancelled. The Activities section gives students a chance to highlight how they have been spending their time. Create this activity list in a google document vs. entering it directly into the UC Application to make it easier to edit.
Personal Insight Questions. To complete the writing section of the UC Application, students are given the opportunity to respond to four (4) of eight (8) questions. Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. Here is the link to the Personal Insight Questions. As with the Activity List, write these essays in a Google Doc, but double check when you paste your responses into the UC Application, as formatting and word count can change. Tip: If you are also applying to schools through the Common App you may be able to adapt your essay for the UC questions.
Additional Comments Section. The UC offers students the opportunity to provide additional information in two additional section. One section can be found within the Academic History, under “Other Academic History – Additional Information” and one section falls within the Personal Insight section. Use these to sections to provide information to supplement or further explain something that already appears in your application or to include other relevant information that has not yet been included, but you would like to bring to the attention of the reader.
Selecting Schools. Applicants must select the schools (campuses) and the majors within each school to which they are applying. If a student is unsure of a major, he/she can choose “Undecided” or “Undeclared.”
Recommendations. Gotcha! UC’s do not require recommendations, unless it is requested after the application has already been submitted.
If you are interested in having a guided approach to completing the Common App, sign up for one of our Application Bootcamps or Essay Bootcamps. Give us a Click, we’d love to hear from you.
