University of California

Apply to more than one UC campus 

This will significantly increase their chances of being admitted into the UC system. While they may not get into their first choice, all of our campuses — without exception — provide outstanding opportunities for them to learn and grow.

Submit only one application per term

Submitting multiple applications will cause a severe processing delay.

Spend time on the personal statement

The personal statement is an important part of the application for admission and scholarships. It helps us know students as individuals. Early on in the admissions process, students should review the personal statement guidelines and take time to write, revise and thoroughly proofread the statement before adding it to the application. They are welcome to solicit feedback from teachers, family and friends, but the essays must be their own work.

Provide accurate information

Students should refer to transcripts to complete the academic history section of the application. Please tell them not to work from memory. It's very important that all the information requested be included and is accurate. The information on the self-report will be verified when we receive admitted students' official transcripts. 

Apply on time

Most campuses do not accept applications after the regular filing period.

UC Berkeley and UC Merced are on the semester system. All other campuses are on the quarter system. Not all campuses are open in winter and spring. Students should check open & closed majors before applying.

Pay the application fee

The $70 application fee entitles a student to apply to one UC campus. If a student applies to more than one campus, he or she must pay an additional $70 for each campus selected. The online application automatically determines the application fees. These fees are not refundable and are subject to change.

Fee waivers

We will waive application fees for up to four campuses for students who otherwise would not be able to apply for admission. Students who qualify for fee waivers and who select more than four campuses must pay $70 for each additional choice. To be accepted for the fee waiver program, a student's family income and size must fall within specific guidelines. Students can apply automatically for a fee waiver within the online application.

International and non-immigrant students

Applicants must pay a higher application fee of $80 for each campus selected. However, students who meet any of the following conditions qualify to pay the lower application fee of $70 per campus.

• Have lived in California for at least the last 12 months
• Are under 18 and have a parent or legal guardian living in California
• Have a parent, legal guardian or spouse who is an employee of UC
• Currently attend a California high school or college or have attended one for two or more years.

Report test results

Students applying for fall admission must take the ACT With Writing or SAT Reasoning Test no later than December of their senior year to ensure their application receives prompt and careful consideration. It is unlikely that scores from tests taken after December will arrive in time for our review process.

A few guidelines:

• Students should report their ACT and/or SAT scores on their application, and then request that an official copy of the scores be sent to us from the testing agency. They can have their official score report sent to one UC campus, and all campuses they apply to will receive it. 
• Advise students to have the testing agencies report all scores. We will use the highest scores from a single test administration.
• For the ACT With Writing test, we will focus on the highest combined score from the same test administration.
• For the SAT Reasoning test, we will focus on the highest total (composite) score from a single test date.
• We do not require results of tests taken for the purpose of talent programs in middle or junior high school (e.g., Johns Hopkins Center for Talent Youth, Duke University's Talent Identification Program, etc.). Those test scores do not have to be sent to us.
• We do not accept test substitutions.

Submit any additional required materials

Some UC majors require an audition, submission of a portfolio or supplemental application, or specific prerequisite coursework, test scores or GPA.

Explore financial aid and scholarships

We offer a comprehensive financial assistance program for qualified students and a variety of other tools that all families can use to make higher education possible.

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Ask for help

If students have a question about the application process that is NOT technical or if they have a question after submitting their application, call the application processing service at (800) 523-2048 (in California) or (925) 808-2181 (outside California) during normal business hours, or e-mail ucinfo@ucapplication.net.

If they're having technical difficulties completing the application, call the Help Desk at (800) 914-8820 (in California) or (925) 808-2150 (outside California) or e-mail ucpath@ucapplication.net.