Applying to the University of California - Presented by the WHS Counseling Department

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     (open to all students who qualify as “Statewide” eligible!)
Riverside
San Diego      (6 college system: colleges.ucsd.edu)
Santa Barbara
Santa Cruz

•“Highly competitive”
•Apply online: www.universityofcalifornia.edu
•Application is open now!!!
•Application submission window: Nov. 1st – Nov. 30th

                                                                     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)
                                                                                          4 courses
    c. Mathematics
    (including elementary algebra, geometry and intermediate algebra)
                                                                                          3 courses
    d. Laboratory science
    (from two disciplines)
                                                                                          2 courses
    e. Language other than English
    (foreign language)
                                                                                          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.
                                                                                             San Diego
   Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic
     GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.

   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-freshman-
cal.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               Living
                              on campus           off campus
Tuition and fees*                $13,456             $13,456

Books and supplies                $1,500              $1,500

Health insurance
                                  $1,632              $1,632
                                                                 Santa Barbara
allowance/fee

Room and board                   $12,254              $9,650
Personal expenses
                                  $2,400              $3,468
/transportation
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 one-
    third 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

QUESTIONS??