A Student will only need to submit one application, regardless of how many University of California schools they are applying to. Now is the time to begin the application process for students who are currently in their senior year of high school. The top ten questions for filling out the application are listed below:
When should a student begin their application for the University of CA? The University of California application opened August 1st. The earlier a student begins the application process, the less pressure they will have to meet the deadlines. A student can return to the application as many times as they would like after creating their account. The important date to remember is November 30th, that is the deadline for submitting the completed application.
What does it cost to apply to the University of CA? Each school applied to will cost $70. Fee waivers are available for qualifying students to use for up to four campuses. The waiver can be applied for within the application.
Are the ACT and SAT optional for fall of 2021 applicants? The University of California system will be test optional for the incoming classes of 2021 and 2022. The Board of Regents voted to eliminate the use of the Writing/Essay portion of the ACT/SAT. Students who choose to sit for the ACT/SAT during the test optional admissions cycles do not need to sit for the Writing/Essay. Official test scores do not need to be sent until time of acceptance.
Last year I received a pass/fail in one of my classes due to moving to distance learning during the coronavirus pandemic. Will that be held against me? The UCs will allow pass credit grades for A-G courses during COVID-19 impacted terms of winter, spring and summer 2020.
What items will I need to complete the application?
Transcripts-Students will enter courses and grades from each school they have attended, including college classes they’ve taken while in high school.
Test Scores-Please see question on SAT/ACT test reporting above. If you have taken a college admissions exam, include your scores. However, official test scores are not needed until a student enrolls at the university. Other scores, like Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate will also need to be listed.
Parent(s)’ Annual Income (optional)- Refer to tax records or paystubs for annual pre tax income from 2018. (especially needed if applying for fee waiver).
Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number-The student’s Social Security number or ITIN will be used to verify identity and match the application to transcripts.
California Statewide Student ID (optional) – Students in California public schools are assigned a 10-digit ID number. It should be found on the transcript. If not, check with the high school registrar.
Credit card– To complete the application students will need the account number, expiration date, cardholder’s name and billing address as well as the security code.
Will I need to write an essay for the UC application? Yes, students will choose 4 of the 8 personal insight prompts. These prompts should add to and enhance the other parts of the application. Students should not wait to draft and redraft their personal insight responses, as these are an important piece to the application and should be carefully prepared.
What is the purpose of the “additional comments” field? The additional comments can be used if a student wants to address something they did not have the opportunity to discuss anywhere else on the application. This is for unusual circumstances or anything that might be unclear in parts of the application. It can also be used if there are any extraordinary circumstances related to COVID-19.
Can I apply to scholarships within this application? Yes, students should select any and all scholarship categories that apply to them. There is no limit. Another option one can apply for is the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) which provides support services, if needed.
Is there a limit of how many extracurricular activities and awards a student can list? Yes, there are five entries that can be made for each category: Coursework for other than A-G, Educational Preparation Programs, Volunteer/Community Service, Work Experience, Awards/Honors and Extracurricular Activities. Be aware! There are limitations of each of these for how many characters you can use to describe them. Character spaces, not word limits, so use your words carefully. Make concise descriptions of the most significant awards and activities since the 9th grade.
Are there any other things I should keep in mind? Yes, remember to save each page of the application. Also, if a student gets up and leaves the computer, it may time out and not save the work they have done. Always review before submitting to make sure everything is accurate. Also, provide an email address that the student will check regularly. It will be important to receive and respond to all UC communications promptly.
For more information on applying to University of California visit https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/