The University of California Application

1. The University of California Application An overview NJUHSD college night 2013

2. Academic Preparation • The University of California employs cutting edge professionals that “push the boundaries.” • All undergraduate students will have research opportunities. • A-G courses – to verify check UC Doorways for HS A-G list • The UC is seeking students who can read, write, and think critically. This focus will continue throughout the student’s UC education. • Senior year course work must include at least 4 A-G courses.

3. Fall 2013 Outcomes for California Residents • Applicants: 99,129 (up 5,893) • Average # of Campuses Applied to: 4 • Admits: 62,212 (down 91) • Admit Rate for System: 62.8% (down 3%) • Statements of Intent to Register (SIR): 35,964 (down176)

4. Technical details to the application • Do not use a family email account • Check email every 2 days after you submit. Email is still the primary source of communication. A few campuses are piloting the use of text messages. They will email as well. • Follow the progress bar. It is suggested that you work through the application in the order presented. • There is no save button – toggle between pages to save after 30 minutes you’ll be logged out. That page will not be saved unless you moved to the next or previous page. • If you get stuck, look at the help icon. Email askuc@ucop.edu

5. The application is an interview • The holistic review is NOT a formula, it’s a context. • Accuracy is KEY -- This includes accuracy in your NAME! Keep consistent between your application, legal name, SAT registered name etc. • Each application is read 1-3 times. • If you don’t apply, the answer is already no! • All campuses review applications independently without regard to other campus decisions.

6. Important Dates • Applications for fall 2014 -- October 1-November 30 • The truth is the majority of students apply the last 3 days of the application window! • The help desk will be closed on Thanksgiving. • Students will be notified March 1-30. • May 1, 2014 is the national acceptance date. • Most UC campuses will have a wait list. Students are admitted from the wait list.

7. Self reporting A-G course work • Have a copy of your transcript • Pre-application – Make two lists A-G courses grades 9-12 and A-G courses grades 10-11 Weighted courses -- 4 sophyr and 4 junior yr allowed • Self report A-G math taken grades 7 and 8. Final letter grade for each needed. No transcript needed. Those course DO NOT need to be on your high school transcript. • Courses in progress – at least 4 A-G SR year or indicate WHY in “additional comments” section.

8. The Essay • This is a personal interview not a creative writing assignment. • 2 prompts – up to 1,000 word count each • Decisions are not made on the personal statement alone. • The UC is asking for you to explain not complain. • Helpful tips on each campus’s website. • You Tube UC Personal Statement – What the statement isn’t • UC Readers on NU’s campus – take advantage of this resource. • Cut and paste essay into the actual application.

9. SAT and/or ACT test scores • The UC does not have a preference of ACT or SAT. Just take one. • UCs will take the up to the Dec test date • The UC does not recommend using score choice. Just send them all and they will only use the highest scores. • No “super” score – 1 sitting only

10. Activities and Awards • 6 areas and 5 entries per area • They are looking to understand the 5 MOST important and impactful for each area. • Do not use acronyms – for example CSF • Illustrate interest – they not want a “laundry list” they do want to see dedication and consistency. • Leadership – this can include being a shift leader at work, being a family care taker, etc • Random selection in January – est 10% chosen by the UC regents office (not by each campus) to verify activities and awards.

11. Eligibility in the Local Context • Top 9% of the senior class (A-G eligible) at each high school within CA. Names and GPAs were submitted in June 2013 by the head counselor for each campus. • 92% of ELC eligible students were admitted into their #1 UC campus. • 8% were offered a second choice UC.

12. The AP question • There is a myth going around that the UCs don’t accept AP scores. AP Exam Credit http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/index.html • Scores are due to the campus the student enrolls at by July 15. • The university will reward unit credit. • How the credit is issued varies within each campus and varies within the majors within each campus.

13. About You section • This is where the UC will find EOPS students and may offer fee waivers for up to 4 campuses. • Confidential financial and family information • If you did not qualify for a fee waiver and feel that you should have, indicate pay by mail and write a letter to the UC regarding the situation (such as underemployment).

14. Final Steps • “Release and Signature” – giving your permission for a counselor to contact admissions if needed. • Statement of integrity • Review and Submit – Final blue Submit button! • Print payment stub • View and print (7-12 pages) • If you need to contact the help desk or a specific campus, always refer to your application ID#.

15. RESOURCES • a-g” Course List website: ucop.edu/doorways/ • High school and CCC course lists • “Options for Satisfying UC’s ‘A-G’ Subject Requirements for Freshman Applicants”, including the use of international courses • hadmission.universityofcalifornia.edu • Revised Validation Matrix • admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/validation_matrix_math_lote.pdf • AP Exam Credit http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/exam-credit/index.html • You have questions, we have answers: AskUC@ucop.edu

16. Additional Resources • UC Admissions Home Page • www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions • Online Application • www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply • Quick Start Guide: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/index.html • Help Desk • ucinfo@applyucsupport.net • 1-800-207-1710 (U.S. only) • 1-661-336-5723 (outside U.S.) • UC Application Center • P. O. Box 1432 • Bakersfield, CA 93302