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The University of California

University of California

The University of California is home to over 220,000 students including undergraduate and graduate students across a total of ten campuses. The UC's have 700 majors, exposure to research, study abroad and access to internships.  The University of California is very competitive and admit the top 12.5% of California's high school graduates.  Students must meet the "A-G" Subject Requirements, the examination requirement and meet the academic eligibility requirements.  Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee you a place within the system, major or campus.  Admissions to the UC’s is highly competitive and highly selective.  Please keep in mind, that the UC’s are impacted and there are more applicants than spaces available each year. Remember, that many campuses are very selective and admit students with higher qualifications then the minimum required. 

A-G Requirements for CSU and UC Universities

A grade of "C" or better in the following college preparatory courses are required for admissions. Visit University of California website and look under freshman admissions requirements.

Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (a-g courses), with at least 11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year.


The 15 courses are:

a. History/social science

2 years

b. English

4 years

c. Mathematics

3 years

d. Laboratory science

2 years

e. Language other than English

2 years

f. Visual and performing arts

1 year

g. College-preparatory elective
(chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university)

1 year
  1. Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (3.4 if you're a nonresident) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.

When can I apply? Application opens - August 1, 2025

Personal Insight Questions:

Instructions: You will have 8 questions to choose from. You must respond to only 4 of the 8 questions.

Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words.

 

Answer any 4 of the following 8 questions:

  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.
  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.
  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?
  6. Describe your favorite academic subject and explain how it has influenced you.
  7. What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?
  8. What is the one thing that you think sets you apart from other candidates applying to the University of California?

Make sure you have a copy of the following before beginning your application:

  • a copy of your unofficial Culver City HS transcript/Community College transcripts
  • Your Social Security number/AB540 students do not need to have a SS# to apply
  • Parent income information for qualifying for the fee waiver.
  • Check with individual campuses for supplemental applications such as Engineering, Architecture etc.
  • Parents’ residency information- know the date they moved to California.
  • Activities/Awards
  • Citizenship Status: If you’re not a U.S. citizen, see Mrs. Valverde about AB540.
  • Statewide Student ID # located on your HS transcript lower left hand corner

 

Can I appeal my admissions decision to a UC campus?

  • If you are denied admissions to a UC campus, you may appeal their decision if you have new and compelling information that was not originally on the UC application.
  • New information could be a serious illness, documented personal/family hardship. You may write an essay and ask for up to three letters of recommendation.
  • Deadline to appeal is usually by April 15th. **Double check with individual campuses.
  • Please keep in mind, that only a very small percentage of students who appeal their decision for admission get their admissions decisions reversed.

 

UC Writing Placement Exam:

  • Entering freshman must earn a passing score on the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination. You may find more information at : http://www.ucop.edu/sas/awpe/index.html
  • Testing usually begins on May 10.  You will receive an email that details how to register online.



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