Requirements: 

3.0+ GPA

Completion of your A-G Courses

A-G course list: https://oflschools.org/program/a-g-courses/#

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Paperwork: 
Transcripts
Test scores (optional)
Annual income
Social Security Number
Citizenship status

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Access: 

Opens: August 1st 
Due: November 30th *
 

Link: https://apply.universityofcalifornia.edu/my-application/login/logout

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Step 1) Create a UC account. Select your college term and choose "First-year" as your application level.

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Step 2) Fill in all your Personal Information. These sections include: "About You", "Campuses and Majors", "Academic History", "Test Scores", "Activities and Awards", "Scholarships & Programs", and "Personal Insight Questions". Double-check for accuracy! Each campus you apply to will cost $70 (4 can be waived for free based on income).

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Step 3) Submit your application. Again, double-check your application for any mistakes!

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Personal Insight Questions

- Answer 4/8 prompts 

- UCs do not want advanced storytelling; be concise 

- Each prompt has a maximum of 350 words

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PIQ Prompts (2025): 

1. Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

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2. Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

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3. What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

4. Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5. Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

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6. Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

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8. Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

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Advice from the UC website:

1. Start early. (senior summer is a great time to start brainstorming) 
2. Write persuasively and personally.
3. Use “I” statements. (talk about yourself, this is not a resume) 

4. Tell a story and its impacts (they want to know about you)
5. Proofread and edit. (create multiple drafts) 
6. Solicit feedback. (reach out to others others to give you valuable suggestions) 
7. Copy and paste. (into the application) 
8. Relax.

 

Additional Tips:
1. Ask your counselor about the fee waiver! 
-  waive up to 4 UC applications for free! 
2. Submit your application early
- Website is known to be faulty on submission day 

3. Good Luck!