UC applications are now open. Here’s your guide to all 9 schools and application requirements
College application season is upon us.
The fall 2024 University of California college applications opened Aug. 1 for all nine campuses in California, according to the UC website.
The filling period for applications is between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 — which gives prospective students two months to prepare before submitting their applications.
If you’re considering applying to one of California UC schools, here’s are a list of application requirements and a snapshot at all nine campuses:
Application Requirements
Below are UC school requirements and tips for prospective incoming freshman students, according to the UC website.
- Start your application by making an account on the UC website.
- SAT and ACT scores will no longer be considered in the selection process. However, the UC website states that it can be an “alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility of for course placement after enrollment.”
- A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, but those who are not California residents need a 3.4 GPA to apply. It’s important to note that the UC system states that it “looks beyond grades” when considering applicants, according to its website.
- You must complete 15 college-prep courses, including history, English, math, science, a language course other than English, as well as visual and performing arts and a college prep elective.
- Applicants will be asked to choose from eight “personal insight” questions and respond to four. The questions the student chooses should “best reflect the individuals circumstances,” according to the UC website. All answers will need to be no longer than 350 words.
UC campus snapshots
Below is a look at all nine undergraduate UC campuses and the population size for each campus, its tuition fees, and popular majors at each university. We gathered acceptance rates and national rankings from the 2022 U.S. News and World Report. The Bee also referenced Niche, a national college guide, for information on campus community and populations.
University of California, Berkeley
About the neighborhood: Berkeley is nestled between the Bay Area’s metropolitan city and Northern California’s scenic national parks. The university is located in Berkeley, a suburban town near San Francisco. The city has a population of about 117,000 residents.
University of California, Davis
About the neighborhood: Just outside of California’s state capital is UC Davis. The town is highly agricultural and hosts a weekly farmers market that has won multiple awards. Davis has a smaller population of roughly 66,000 people, but Sacramento is just a short 20 minute car ride away.
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
About the neighborhood: UCLA is located in the west side of Los Angeles. In Brentwood, California, UCLA neighbors some of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles like Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Its location gives students access to beaches, museums and a vibrant night life. For a late night snack, Diddy Riese cookies is popular destination among students.
University of California, Merced
About the neighborhood: Merced is known as the “gateway to Yosemite” in the Central Valley of California. The city’s population is roughly 89,000 people, giving it a mid-size city feel. The city has lots of outdoor activities to offer from hikes in the Sierras, to fishing and golfing.
University of California, Riverside
About the neighborhood: Riverside is in close proximity to many of California deserts like Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The college is in a suburban town with a population of around 317,000 people. Its location is great for day trips to San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County.
University of California, San Diego
About the neighborhood: San Diego is a vibrant beach college town bordering Baja California. The area is a top destination for surfers, but there are also plenty of activities for others. The city has a population of around roughly 1.3 million people.
University of California, Santa Barbara
About the neighborhood: The area is a popular day trip destination for LA folks since the drive is about two hours. The area is popular among retirees, but because of the university there is also a young spirit in the city. The population is roughly 88,000 people. There is a vibrant night culture on State Street and Isla vista is a popular destination for UCSB students.
University of California, Santa Cruz
About the neighborhood: Santa Cruz is another beach town along California’s coast. The quiet town is unique for its tree canopy. The area is also a popular surf town destination with annual surf competitions hosted in the city.