What You Need to Know About the University of California Admissions Process

Demystifying the UC Admissions Process: Strategy, Story, and Smart Choices

Jun 05, 2025

a couple of people sitting at a table in a park — The University of California, Berkeley. Photo by Georg Eiermann on Unsplash

Every March, when UC decisions land in students' inboxes, emotions run high: excitement, disappointment, confusion. We've seen students with near-perfect GPAs passed over and others with less conventional paths get into the most selective majors.

This year alone:

One student with a solid, but not exceptional, GPA got into UC Santa Barbara's highly competitive computer science program.
Another, who had a perfect GPA and strong course rigor, was denied by her dream school, UCLA.
A student with a good but not top-of-the-class GPA was admitted to UC Berkeley for chemical engineering.
One student received a Regents Scholarship to study computer science at UCLA, yet didn't get into UC San Diego, which is generally less selective.

To say the results are unpredictable would be putting it mildly.

The truth is, UC admissions can be confusing. We work with dozens of applicants each year, and it's essential to understand how the system works. In summary, the UC application requires you to:

Be concise and clear, because time is of the essence.
Think through your application using the UC’s 13 points of evaluation as a guide.
Choose your major and alternate major wisely.
Use your academic history to emphasize depth, preparation, and growth over time.
Make the most of your personal insight question (PIQ) responses and activity list, because you’re the only voice in your application.
Clarify your context if you need to.

At the end of this piece, we share resources where you can learn more and links to LifeLaunchr's UC profiles and coaching programs. So read on to the end.

Each UC Campus Reads Your Application—Quickly and Separately

Even though students submit one application for all UC campuses, each campus reviews it independently. There is no coordination or sharing of notes, and no UC sees where else you applied within the system. That means one campus may admit you, while another might not. Each decision is based solely on how that specific campus evaluates your application using the UC’s 13 points of evaluation according to its own priorities and standards.

Most families don't realize that the UCs process an enormous volume of applications—in 2024, nearly 250,000 students applied across the system. To manage this, each application is initially read by two trained readers in about 8–12 minutes. Some applications may receive additional reads (especially borderline or special cases), but the first impression is critical.

Because of this, there's a premium on clarity and conciseness. Students should aim to get to the point quickly in their activities lists and Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). Long-winded stories, vague descriptions, or overly abstract reflections often fail to land. Admissions officers look for substance, impact, and a clear sense of who you are.

What "Comprehensive Review" Really Means—And Why It Matters

When students apply to the University of California, they aren't judged on their GPA alone. Every UC campus uses something called “comprehensive review:” a system designed to look at the whole student, not just their grades.

This process was created over 20 years ago to make admissions more fair and flexible, especially for students from different high schools and backgrounds. However, each campus applies this policy differently, using faculty committees and trained readers to guide how they evaluate applicants.

Here's what families need to know:

All applications are read, even if a student doesn't meet all the minimum A–G requirements.
Applications are reviewed by trained professionals, including UC staff, counselors, teachers, and sometimes alums.
Most campuses do multiple reads, especially for students on the borderline.
The review is fast: each reader spends 8–12 minutes per application, so being clear and concise is critical.

UCs look at 13 factors when reviewing applications. These include:

GPA in 10th and 11th grade UC-approved courses
The difficulty of a student's classes, based on what their school offers
Senior-year course choices
Leadership and extracurricular involvement
Special talents or achievements
Hardships or challenges (like family responsibilities, illness, or being the first in your family to go to college)
Part-time jobs or work experience

The Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) are a big part of this process. These short essays help students explain things that numbers can't—like how they've overcome challenges, what motivates them, or why an experience was meaningful. Some campuses use PIQs mainly for admissions, while others also use them to decide scholarships.

So, what does this mean for students?

It means you need to tell your story clearly and confidently. You don't need to have a "perfect" GPA, but you do need to show how you made the most of your opportunities.

Families are often surprised that UC admissions decisions can feel unpredictable, but this review process helps explain why. Olufemi Ogundele, formerly head of admissions at UC Berkeley and now Berkeley's Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, once called the process "rational but not predictable" at a conference. So, two students with the same GPA can have very different results if one took more challenging classes, led a club, worked a job, or wrote compelling PIQs that showed resilience or insight.

The takeaway: context matters, and every part of the application counts.

What Factors Don't Matter in UC Admissions?

Understanding what doesn't factor into UC admissions can help students focus their efforts:

Race or Ethnicity: Due to Proposition 209, passed in 1996, UC campuses are prohibited from considering race or ethnicity in admissions decisions.
Gender: Similarly, gender is not considered in the admissions process. While UC collects gender identity information to support inclusive campus environments, this data is used solely for statistical purposes and does not influence admissions decisions.
Legacy Status: Having a parent or sibling who attended a UC does not provide any advantage in the admissions process.
Letters of Recommendation: UC campuses do not accept letters of recommendation for undergraduate admissions, with one exception: UC Berkeley may invite a small percentage of applicants to submit up to two letters of recommendation as part of an augmented review process. This invitation is extended to select applicants and is not required for full consideration.
Demonstrated Interest: Activities such as campus visits, attending information sessions, or contacting admissions officers do not impact admissions decisions.
Extracurricular Prestige: The UCs look for impact and consistency, not perceived prestige or association with well-known organizations.
Private vs. Public School Attendance: The UCs evaluate academic performance in relation to their high school's offerings and environment, without preference for private or public institutions.
Standardized Test Scores: The UC system is test-blind; they do not consider SAT and ACT scores in admissions decisions, even if submitted. But they do consider AP and IB scores in their admissions process.

Regional Diversity and Geographic Context

The UC system values geographic diversity and aims to enroll students from all parts of California. Students from underrepresented regions—areas that historically send fewer applicants to UC campuses—may find that, all else being equal, their geographic background provides additional context during the comprehensive review.

UC's Eligibility in the Local Context program also offers certain students in the top 9% of their class the opportunity to be guaranteed admission to UC, but not to a particular UC or the major of their choice.

Out-of-State and International Admissions Trends

California residents comprise over 80% of the undergraduate population of the UCs. However, out-of-state and international students are also part of the community.

Recently, the enrollment of out-of-state and international students has declined because of the legislature's efforts to prioritize California residents. In Fall 2024, out-of-state and international students made up approximately 15.8% of the undergraduate population, a decrease from previous years.

In the admissions process, out-of-state and international applicants are considered separately from California residents. But they are evaluated using the same comprehensive review process.

It's vital for non-resident applicants to demonstrate strong academic performance and to articulate clearly how they will contribute to the UC community. International applicants also need to follow visa policies and other regulations.

Choosing a Major: Strategy, Selectivity, and Surprises

One of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of the UC application is major choice. Students are often surprised to learn that the major they choose can significantly impact their chances of admission, depending on the UC campus and the program.

Why Major Choice Matters

Every UC allows students to choose a major on the application, and most allow a first and alternate major. But here's the catch: not all campuses consider alternate majors in the admissions process. Some UCs admit students directly into their major or academic college; others admit to a broader division (like the College of Letters and Science) and allow students to declare later.

Here's what parents and students need to know:

Some majors—like computer science, engineering, biology, psychology, and business—are capped or selective, meaning there are more qualified applicants than available spots.
Applying to a highly selective major can increase competition.
Not all majors are open to first-year applicants, and some majors can't be declared after admission unless students apply to them from the start.
Some colleges only admit applicants to “pre-major” status and require students to choose a major once they enroll.

This tool (UC’s “Freshman admission by discipline”) lets you explore UC admission rates by discipline.

Look Beyond the Usual Majors

The University of California system offers hundreds of majors, and many of them receive relatively few applications simply because they are less well-known. But that doesn't mean they're less valuable.

Take time to explore the complete list of UC majors here: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses-majors/majors

Sometimes, choosing a less common but equally rigorous major can:

Improve your odds of admission.
Still lead to the same long-term career or academic outcomes.
Allow you to stand out through a more distinctive academic narrative.

For example:

A student interested in data science may find that applying to statistics or math offers an easier path.
A student aiming for medical school might choose anthropology, global health, or human biology instead of general biology.

🎓 Thoughtful major selection can both reflect your interests and strengthen your application.

Applying to Highly Selective Majors

If you're applying to a high-demand major, you'll need to show clear preparation and interest through:

Relevant coursework
Related extracurriculars, projects, or awards
PIQs that connect your experiences to your major

Don't expect to switch later—many UCs make it harder to transfer into capped programs after admission.

Applying to Majors That Require Supplementary Materials

If you're interested in music, dance, theater, visual arts, or architecture, check whether your major requires a portfolio, audition, or additional statement. These materials are typically submitted after the main application but are essential for your file to be considered.

What About Undeclared?

Applying undeclared is a valid option for genuinely undecided students, but it's not a workaround for selective majors. If you want to study CS, business, or biology, you should apply for those majors directly or choose an alternate major you'd truly enjoy. Applying undeclared can improve your odds of admission, but it can make it nearly impossible to enroll in a very selective major later.

Smart Strategies for Choosing a Major

Be honest about your goals and interests.
Explore widely—you may find a less common major that's a better fit.
Use your PIQs to show your academic curiosity and long-term plans.
Choose alternate majors carefully—your choice should be intentional, but it doesn't have to be related.
Use your major choice to advance your application, not just as a placeholder.

The Personal Insight Questions (PIQs): It's Not an Essay—It's Your Voice

When students sit down to work on their UC application, the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) can feel intimidating. Are they essays? Stories? Mini autobiographies?

According to the University of California, they're none of the above. In fact, UC admissions officers say it clearly and repeatedly:

"It's not an essay."

The PIQs are more like short interview questions in writing: a chance for students to talk directly to the admissions team and share what matters most about who they are, what they've done, and how they've grown.

What Are the PIQs?

Students choose four out of eight prompts.
Each response is up to 350 words (most strong answers are 250–350).
There's no preference for which questions you choose.
Every response is tied to one or more of the 13 UC admissions factors.

The UC system doesn't read recommendation letters. There are no interviews. The PIQs are the only place students can explain themselves in their own words. That's why they matter so much.

As UC says in its 2022 Counselor Conference presentation, the PIQs are about:

Personal stories, experiences, and emotions.
Insights: what the student learned and how it shaped them.
Clarity: no fluff, no fancy intros, no literary essays.

What Makes a Great PIQ Response?

UC admissions readers are looking for real substance, not style. According to both the UCSB PIQ video and official UC training:

Get to the point quickly. Don't warm up—start with the moment or idea that matters.
Answer the question directly. Don't tell a story just for storytelling's sake; connect it to growth, values, or action.
Give specific examples. Vague statements ("I learned to persevere") don't stick. Real examples do.
Reflect. What did you learn? How did it change you? What does it say about your future?

💡 Tip: The PIQs aren't just a list of accomplishments. They're about meaning and impact.

💡 Tip About the Use of AI: While tools like ChatGPT can help brainstorm or revise, the UC strongly advises that your PIQs reflect your own voice and thinking. Admissions officers are trained to look for authenticity.

What to Avoid in Your PIQs

UC makes it clear that the PIQs are not like other college essays:

Don't copy and paste your Common App essay—the structure and tone don't match.
Don't use quotes, song lyrics, or outside references—UC readers won't click links or follow up.
Don't try to impress: Be honest, reflective, and concise. Don’t “set the scene” or use dialogue.

"The aim of the PIQs is not to assess a student's writing ability."

Advice for Students (and Parents Helping Them)

Students: Ask yourself, "What are the four most important things I want UC to know about me?" Choose the prompts that let you tell those stories, and ensure your activities list backs them up.

Parents: Encourage your student to use their own voice. It's okay if it's simple and conversational. In fact, that's what UC wants. Help them brainstorm, but let the insights and tone be theirs.

The best PIQs are like great conversations: honest, thoughtful, and specific. You don't need to sound unique. You need to sound like you.

Make the Most of the Activities & Awards Section

Alongside the PIQs, the Activities & Awards section of the UC application is critical, especially since UC readers spend only 8–12 minutes reviewing each file, which may mean they spend 2-4 minutes reading your activities section.

Here's how to make it count:

Use the right categories. UC allows up to 20 entries across categories such as extracurricular activities, volunteer work, jobs, awards, and non-A–G coursework.
Order the activities in a logical way: The UCs don’t require you to order the activities in a particular way, but, for example, you could order the activities by how meaningful they are to you, how much time you’ve spent, or even by category. Use a system that makes sense, so your reader can get a clear understanding of you.
Focus on impact, not just titles. Instead of listing "Treasurer, Key Club," explain what you did: Managed $500 budget, organized two fundraisers for local shelter.
Be specific. Include numbers, timelines, and outcomes where you can.
Avoid repetition. Each entry should highlight a new part of your life or personality.
Use strong verbs. Words like led, created, organized, and launched make a stronger impression than helped with or attended.
Don't worry about "hitting 20" or piling up lists of activities. Focus on impact, not on counts.

And remember: this section helps anchor your PIQs. A story about organizing a climate march will be much more effective if "Climate Action Club—Co-Founder" is listed clearly in your activities.

Academic History: What the UCs Value—and How to Plan for It

Your academic record is one of the most critical parts of your UC application. But, understanding how the UCs evaluate coursework—and how to enter it correctly—can make a significant difference in the admissions process and your college planning strategy.

What Counts (and What Doesn't)

The UC system reviews your academic history through the lens of the A–G subject requirements—a set of high school courses students must complete to be eligible for admission. These include seven subject areas:

A – History/Social Science

B – English

C – Mathematics

D – Laboratory Science

E – Language Other Than English

F – Visual and Performing Arts

G – College-Preparatory Elective

Only UC-approved A–G courses count toward your calculated UC GPA. For California high school students, you can look up which courses qualify at hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist.

🔍 Important Tip: Courses not approved for A–G credit (like PE, Health, or some electives) will not factor into the GPA that the UC calculates.

Entering Your Academic History

Every high school and college-level course you've taken—including those taken online, in summer, or outside your regular high school—must be reported on the UC application. This includes:

Dual enrollment classes
Online or summer courses
Courses from a different high school
Repeated or failed classes

UCs make admissions decisions based on your self-reported coursework, so accuracy is critical. Any discrepancies with your transcript could jeopardize your admission later. Even if a course isn't used in GPA calculation or if you didn't earn a passing grade, it must be entered. UC may exclude some repeated classes when calculating GPA, but they still need to see the complete academic record.

The UC Quick Reference Guide emphasizes: If it's on your transcript, it goes in your application.

How the UCs Use Your Academic Record

When reviewing your transcript, UC admissions readers evaluate the following:

Overall GPA in A–G courses from 10th and 11th grade.
Rigor of coursework in the context of your high school.
Progression from introductory to more advanced courses that demonstrate you seek continued challenge.
Performance in relevant subjects for your intended major.
Breadth and depth across academic disciplines.

This means your course choices do more than show grades—they demonstrate how well prepared you are for college-level work, your ability to handle challenges, and your alignment with your chosen academic path.

Planning Your High School Courses and Rigor Strategically

To stand out—especially if you're applying to competitive UCs or selective majors—plan your coursework with these principles in mind:

1. Go Beyond the Minimum A–G Requirements

The minimum is just that—a starting point. The most competitive applicants exceed these requirements, particularly in:

English and Math (4 years strongly recommended)
Lab Science and Social Science (at least 3–4 years)
Language Other Than English (3+ years shows strength)
Electives that align with your major or interests

2. Take AP or IB Exams to Validate Your Learning

While the UCs are test-blind for the SAT/ACT, they do consider AP and IB exam scores, especially when they reinforce your success in a course or show college-level mastery in a subject related to your major. AP exam scores are not required, but if you earned a three or higher, they can help validate your academic preparation, especially if the class grade wasn't as strong. Students should report these in the Test Scores section of the application.

3. Focus on Both Breadth and Depth

UCs want to see that you've built a strong foundation across all subjects and deepened your knowledge in areas related to your intended major. For example:

A future engineer should take calculus and physics.
A future political science major should go deep into social science and writing.
A future film or art student should show creative skill and growth over time.

4. Use Your Local Resources

UC admissions officers evaluate rigor in context—they don't expect all students to have access to 15 AP courses. But they do expect you to take advantage of what's available to you, including:

Honors courses at your school.
Dual enrollment at community colleges.
Online UC-approved classes during summer or independently.

5. Choose Rigor Wisely—Don't Follow the Crowd

Just because others are loading up on APs doesn't mean you should. It's better to take 1–2 challenging classes and do well than to overload and struggle. UC admissions readers value success, growth, and judgment more than course count.

🎯 Ask yourself: "Will I be able to stay engaged and succeed in this course?"

6. Use Coursework to Showcase Artistic or Specialized Talent

If you're applying to majors that require portfolios, performances, or special skills (like music, design, theater, or architecture), take related academic classes that show your development. Visual and performing arts courses also fulfill Area F of the A–G requirements.

Putting it Together: It's Not Just About Checking Boxes

UC admissions readers are asking:

"Can this student thrive in our classrooms—and in the major they've chosen?"

Your coursework is one of the clearest answers. Plan your schedule not to impress but to grow your skills, explore your interests, and demonstrate readiness.

Context Matters: Using the Additional Comments Sections Wisely

The UC application offers two optional "Additional Comments" sections, but students often don't know when (or whether) to use them. These sections are not essays and are not required, but when used appropriately, they can provide critical context that might otherwise be missing.

Where You'll Find Them

There are two Additional Comments fields:

After the Academic History section: Use this to explain anything about your academic record that needs clarification—gaps in schooling, unusual grading systems, missed semesters, repeated classes, or limited course options.
After the PIQs section: Use this to share anything personal that significantly shaped your high school experience but wasn't addressed elsewhere.

When Should You Use the Additional Comments?

Use these sections only when your application needs context that cannot be communicated through grades, activities, or PIQs. Here are appropriate uses:

A serious illness or mental health challenge that affected your performance
A major family issue, like the death or illness of a parent or grandparent
A change in schools or curriculum that caused gaps or grade inconsistencies
A temporary drop in grades due to life circumstances outside your control
A situation like sexual assault, trauma, or violence (shared only if the student is comfortable and it's relevant)

When we work with students who have dealt with these kinds of significant issues, we advise them to craft brief and factual statements, so admissions officers understand why the student's record looked the way it did—and how they persevered.

What Not to Do

These sections should not be used to:

Continue a PIQ or write a bonus mini-essay.
Rehash your résumé.
List every challenge you've ever faced.
Complain or seek sympathy.

Most importantly, don't overshare in ways that may unintentionally raise red flags about your ability to manage the academic and emotional challenges of life at a UC campus.

💡 If you're going to share something difficult, frame it around resilience, responsibility, or reflection. Show what you learned or how you adapted. Focus 75% of your response on your adaptation and resilience, and 25% on the challenge, not the other way around.

Final Advice: Be Clear. Be Brief. Be Thoughtful.

You're not trying to win points or impress. The goal of these sections is clarity, not creativity. Think of them as your chance to tell the admissions team, "Here's something important you should know that isn't obvious from the rest of my application."

And if there's nothing you need to add?

That's fine, too. Leaving the Additional Comments blank does not hurt your application in any way.

Competitive and Compelling: A Final Word on the UC Application

Olufemi Ogundele once shared a simple but powerful framework for understanding how UC Berkeley reviews applications (this is a paraphrase, not a quote):

"We look first for students who are competitive—those who have shown they can handle the academic rigor of Berkeley. From that pool, we look for students who are compelling—those who bring something meaningful to the campus community."

That philosophy applies across the UC system and offers a clear lens for approaching the application.

First, Show That You're Competitive

That doesn't mean you need a 4.5 GPA or 15 APs. It means you've:

Taken challenging coursework based on what your school offers.
Performed strongly in core academic areas (especially in subjects related to your major).
Used your academic history section to demonstrate growth, focus, and readiness for college-level work.

This is the foundation. If you don't show you can do the work, nothing else matters.

Then, Show That You're Compelling

That's where your:

PIQs (which offer insight into who you are and how you think)
Activities & Awards (which show where you've made an impact)
Additional Comments (which provide key context, if needed)

…come in.

Being compelling isn't about being flashy or having a dramatic story. You don't need to have cured cancer or started a nonprofit. What makes you compelling is how you've engaged with the world around you. Your curiosity, resilience, or kindness can shine just as brightly. It's about helping admissions readers see why you matter and how you'll contribute to the UC campus you join through your curiosity, resilience, creativity, and initiative. Write in your voice.

Build a Smart, Balanced College List

Finally, no matter how strong your application is, UC admissions is competitive and unpredictable. So, build a thoughtful college list that includes:

California State Universities (CSUs)
Private universities (many of which use holistic review, offer strong aid, and value the same qualities UCs do)
Out-of-state public universities, which may offer merit aid or more predictable admissions for California students

The more you diversify your list, the better your chances of finding the right match and the right opportunities.

Resources for Your UC Journey

Applying to the University of California system can be both exciting and overwhelming. The good news? You don't have to do it alone. Below is a curated list of trusted resources to help you and your family navigate every part of the UC admissions process—from understanding the A–G requirements to crafting compelling PIQ responses.

🔗 Official UC Resources

The UC's A–G Subject Requirements: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/subject-requirement-a-g.html
California High School A–G Course List Search: https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist
Freshman Admission by Discipline (Major Selectivity by Campus): https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/information-center/freshman-admission-discipline
Freshman Admission By Source School: https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/about-us/information-center/admissions-source-school
The 13 factors for UC Admission: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/how-applications-are-reviewed.html
UC Berkeley Augmented Review: https://admissions.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/LOR-Tools-for-Recommenders.pdf
UC Eligibility in the Local Context Program: https://www.ucop.edu/enrollment-services/programs-and-initiatives/eligibility-local-context.html
The UC Personal Insight Questions: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/personal-insight-questions.html
UC Personal Insight Questions Guide: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/applying-as-a-freshman/personal-insight-questions.html
Quick Reference Guide for UC Admissions (PDF):

Quick Reference Guide to UC Admissions

UC Santa Barbara's PIQ Overview Video (What the UCs are looking for in PIQs):

UC Santa Barbara's Activities and Awards Video:

UC Counselors Conference Presentations:

LifeLaunchr Coaching, Tools, and Support

From brainstorming and refining PIQs to strategizing course selection and major choice, our coaches help students present their most authentic and competitive applications. Learn more about LifeLaunchr's coaching packages, including our coaching package for UC and CSU applications specifically, at this link.

University of California Campus Profiles

Our intensively researched profiles offer detailed insights—both quantitative (admit rates, GPA ranges, test-blind policies) and qualitative (campus vibe, institutional priorities, unique strengths)—to help students find the best UC fit.

No matter where you are in the UC application journey—researching campuses, writing essays, or just trying to make sense of the process—the right information and support can make all the difference.

If you need guidance, we're here to help. LifeLaunchr offers personalized coaching, free resources, and tools to empower students to apply confidently.