Did you know that the University of California uses 13 specific criteria when evaluating students for freshman admissions to UC campuses?
Some of these points are obvious– GPA, rigor of courses. But other factors may go unnoticed by applicants. Knowing what UCs look for is important, as it can inform what topics and information students include in their essays and activities descriptions, so that they can be certain that any qualifying information for their candidacy is considered.
Academic achievement is always the most critical point for UC campuses in admissions decisions. Though not all students need to fulfill all 13 factors to gain admission, and the relative weight of one factor versus another can vary from student to student, here are the qualifications that UC admissions seek in their process of comprehensive review.
1. Academic GPA in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.
A-G courses may not include some electives or non-academic coursework. UC campuses will recalculate your GPA according to A-G qualifying courses. You can look up which courses at your school qualify here: https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist
2. Number of, content of and performance in all A-G subject areas beyond the minimum requirements.
Have you challenged yourself academically beyond the requirements?
3. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors and Advanced Placement courses.
4. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of their high school class (“eligible in the local context,” or ELC).
5. Quality of a student’s senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in any A-G subject area in progress or planned.
6. Quality of their academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in their high school.
If you’ve had limited educational opportunities in high school for some reason, it’s important you bring that up to UCs– they may or may not know given simple information available to them such as the high school you attend. If you’ve excelled despite challenges, it’s your responsibility to tell this story so that your application is considered in the best light.
7. Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.
If you’ve excelled in a particular field in some way, whether winning an award for best Latin student or earning a TA position, it’s important to show these ideas somewhere in your application. Sometimes outstanding performance is less tangible, but still part of a story you have to tell. Make sure that story gets told!
8. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
If you’ve done independent research, science fair projects, or other academic projects, it’s very important to highlight these in your PIQs!
9. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
Sometimes discussing improvements can also be helpful– other times the improvement speaks for itself. But if your story explains how or why you’ve suddenly improved, tell it.
10. Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
This is a big list! So many students have something to brag about from this list, and whatever you’ve got, make sure you highlight it!
11. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of a student’s high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
Some high schools have final projects, special research, or capstone work– if this applies to you, ensure you share the details somewhere!
12. Academic accomplishments in light of a student’s life experiences and special circumstances.
Have you suffered personal challenges that made academic work more difficult? If so, the UCs want to know. Be sure to tell this story.
13. Location of a student’s secondary school and residence.
In-state for the win!
Unlike many ivies, UCs want to know about your academics first and foremost and even in the essays in ways that might see obvious to you. Don’t be afraid to discuss academics in 1-3 of your PIQs. If any of the points above resonate, be sure your story is fully told!
Need essay coaching or editing help? Reach out to our essay experts and California based team!
Featured image: “UCLA Royce Hall and Haines Hall” © Beyond My Ken (Licensed under CC BY 4.0)
