Applying to the University of California 2014-2015 Presented by the WHS Counseling Department
University of California (UC) Overview Nine undergraduate campuses state-wide: Berkeley Davis Irvine Los Angeles Merced Riverside San Diego (6 college system: colleges.ucsd.edu) Santa Barbara Santa Cruz (open to all students who qualify as Statewide eligible!) Highly competitive Apply online: www.universityofcalifornia.edu Application is open now!!! Application submission window: Nov. 1 st Nov. 30 th Berkeley
UC Entrance Requirements Subject Requirement: Freshman applicants are required to complete a minimum of 15 yearlong "a-g" courses in grades 9-12. Seven of these courses must be taken in the last two years of high school. Seniors will self report all classes and grades on their application. a. History/social science 2 courses b. English (composition/literature in the language of instruction) c. Mathematics (including elementary algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra) d. Laboratory science (from two disciplines) e. Language other than English (foreign language) 4 courses 3 courses 2 courses 2 courses f. Visual and performing arts 1 course g. College-preparatory elective 1 course Examination Requirement: SAT or ACT with writing. Send official scores from either College Board (SAT & Subject tests) or ACT (ACT test). Reports sent to one campus are available to all. SAT Subject Tests are not required but are recommended for particular majors on particular campuses Scholarship Requirement: A minimum 3.0 GPA is required and all classes must be completed with a C or higher.
Comprehensive Review All California high school seniors who fulfill the minimum requirements to apply will be entitled to a comprehensive review of their applications at each UC campus to which they apply. Academic grade point average in all completed "a-g" courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses. Scores on the ACT Plus Writing or SAT Reasoning Test. Number of, content of, and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum "a-g" requirements. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors and Advanced Placement courses. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of their high school class ("eligible in the local context," or ELC). Quality of a student's senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned. Quality of their academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in their high school. Merced
Comprehensive Review (cont.) Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress. San Diego 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. 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. Academic accomplishments in light of a student's life experiences and special circumstances. Location of a student's secondary school and residence.
Who receives guaranteed admission to the University of California? Within the pool of applicants, two categories of students will be guaranteed admission somewhere in the UC system (ELC): 1. Those who fall in the top 9 percent of all high school graduates statewide. http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/freshman/california-residents/admissions-index/ 2. Those who rank in the top 9 percent of their own high school s graduating class. http://woodbridgehigh.org/counseling/profile.pdf Class of 2015 Top 10% = 4.1 Determination of ELC status is made by the University of California Because selectivity varies by campus due to the size and academic quality of applicant pools, a student's chance for admission will also vary by campus. For this reason, it is important for students to review all of their options and choose both carefully and broadly. Riverside
UC Office of the President I want to apply broadly, but how do I know if a campus is a reach, target or safety school for me? From the Woodbridge High School website, select the Counseling tab On the counseling site, look under the College Planning tab for the UC links Detailed freshman data reports by campus http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/freshman/profiles/index.html UCLA
Application Basics One online application to as many campus as you select. $70 per campus Fee waiver for up to 4 free campus applications is imbedded in the online application. Have handy: transcript(s), SAT/ACT results, social security number, or immigration status and visa information, credit card Application guide is available online: http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/counselors/files/apply-online-freshmancal.pdf For additional help: (800) 207-1710 or ucinfo@applyucsupport.net. Davis
Application Basics (cont.) Apply for Fall 2015 as a Freshman Include courses and grades from all schools attended (community college, other high schools, UC approved online classes, etc.) Transcripts are not required to be sent along with initial application although a final transcript will be requested to verify the self reported information after graduation in June. Be sure your self report is accurate. Space to report extracurricular involvement, leadership, awards, etc. is limited. Seniors should choose their 5 most meaningful experiences. Include contextual information when possible. No acronyms. Changes after submission to contact information, test scores are allowed. Changes to senior course schedule or report of low grades (below a C) must be made to the UC application center. Print a copy of the completed application for your records. Admissions decisions will come in February/March
University of California (UC) Personal Statement Required Personal Statement includes two prompts Maximum of 1000 words for both, no less than 250 words on each Two prompts: 1. Freshman application prompt 2. Prompt for all applicants Santa Cruz Read the Tips and Techniques : http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-statement/ Need help? Students can ask English teachers and/or counselors for feedback
Costs Estimated average costs for California residents, 2014-15 Living on campus Living off campus Tuition and fees* $13,456 $13,456 Books and supplies $1,500 $1,500 Health insurance allowance/fee $1,632 $1,632 Santa Barbara Room and board $12,254 $9,650 Personal expenses /transportation $2,400 $3,468 TOTAL $31,242 $29,706 Financial aid calculator: www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/paying-for-uc/financial-aid
A word about transfer California s Master Plan for higher education established an admissions principle of universal access and choice, assigning UC to select its freshmen students from the top one-eighth (12.5%) of the high school graduating class and CSU from the top one-third (33.3%). The California Community Colleges were to admit any student capable of benefiting from instruction. The Master Plan was subsequently modified to provide that all California residents in the top one-eighth or top onethird of their high school graduating classes who apply on time be offered a place somewhere in the UC or CSU system, respectively. The community college transfer function is an essential component of this commitment to access. Under the Master Plan, UC and CSU set aside upper division places for and give priority in the admissions process to eligible California Community College transfer students. from University of California Office of the President Irvine
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