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.

Eligibility for admission can be obtained in three ways.

1. Eligibility in Statewide Context

This is eligibility is the most common way to gain eligibility: by a combination of your SAT scores and GPA. Students also have to 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.

The a-g courses are:

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

The GPA

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.

If students earn a D or F in an a-g course, they must re-take the class and earn a C or better. The original F or D will still factor into the GPA, as will the new grade.

The Tests

Students are required to take the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with writing assessment. They are also required to take two SAT Subject tests.

The UC Eligibility Index and the UC Score

• The UC Eligibility Index is a composite of the applicant's GPA and Test Scores--The SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT with writing assessment.
• Since the SAT and ACT are scored on different scales, UC translates these scores into a comparable "UC Score."
• The UC score is then paired with the applicant's GPA, and that determines an applicant's eligibility.
• The higher a student's GPA, the lower SAT or ACT score the student will need to be eligible.

Example:

For example, a California resident with a 3.0 GPA will need an SAT score of around 1950 to be eligible. This can be calculated very easily for your student's GPA and test scores on the UC Admissions Website.

2. Eligibility by Examination Alone

Students can gain eligibility by scoring exceptionally well on Standardized Test Scores. There are five scores the student must use to determine this: 3 scores from the SAT or ACT plus writing, and the two highest SAT Subject Test Scores. As an example, a student who takes the SAT Reasoning test and gets a 690 for all five scores (2070 SAT score and 690 on both subject tests taken), then the student will be eligible for admissions on test scores alone. This can also be calculated by using the table on the UC Website.

3. Eligibility by Exception.

If a student does not meet the requirements of the university, he or she can ask to be eligible by exception. Students who wish to be establish eligibility this way must demonstrate that they can be successful at the university. Students with special skills or achievements gain eligibility this way: athletes, musicians, dancers, etc. Students who wish to apply by exception should contact the campus they are interested in attending.

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 tutors that help with personal statements, give us a call if you would like to talk about having a 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.

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