UC applications are now open. Here’s your guide to all 9 schools and application requirements
College application season is upon us.
The fall 2024 University of California college applications opened Aug. 1 for all nine campuses in California, according to the UC website.
The filling period for applications is between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30 — which gives prospective students two months to prepare before submitting their applications.
If you’re considering applying to one of California UC schools, here’s are a list of application requirements and a snapshot at all nine campuses:
Application Requirements
Below are UC school requirements and tips for prospective incoming freshman students, according to the UC website.
Start your application by making an account on the UC website.
SAT and ACT scores will no longer be considered in the selection process. However, the UC website states that it can be an “alternate method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility of for course placement after enrollment.”
A minimum 3.0 GPA is required, but those who are not California residents need a 3.4 GPA to apply. It’s important to note that the UC system states that it “looks beyond grades” when considering applicants, according to its website.
You must complete 15 college-prep courses, including history, English, math, science, a language course other than English, as well as visual and performing arts and a college prep elective.
Applicants will be asked to choose from eight “personal insight” questions and respond to four. The questions the student chooses should “best reflect the individuals circumstances,” according to the UC website. All answers will need to be no longer than 350 words.
UC campus snapshots
Below is a look at all nine undergraduate UC campuses and the population size for each campus, its tuition fees, and popular majors at each university. We gathered acceptance rates and national rankings from the 2022 U.S. News and World Report. The Bee also referenced Niche, a national college guide, for information on campus community and populations.
University of California, Berkeley
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 15% National ranking: No. 20 School Population: Roughly 32,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $14,226 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,980
Popular majors: Computer science, economics and cellular biology
About the neighborhood: Berkeley is nestled between the Bay Area’s metropolitan city and Northern California’s scenic national parks. The university is located in Berkeley, a suburban town near San Francisco. The city has a population of about 117,000 residents.
University of California, Davis
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 49% National ranking: No. 38 Undergraduate population: Roughly 31,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $14,740 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $44,494 Popular majors: Research and experimental psychology, economics, management sciences and information systems
About the neighborhood: Just outside of California’s state capital is UC Davis. The town is highly agricultural and hosts a weekly farmers market that has won multiple awards. Davis has a smaller population of roughly 66,000 people, but Sacramento is just a short 20 minute car ride away.
University of California, Irvine
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 29% National ranking: No. 34 Undergraduate population: Roughly 29,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $13,985 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,739 Popular majors: Biology, computer science and managerial economics About the neighborhood: Settled in the heart of Orange County, UC Irvine students are in close proximity to Southern California’s beautiful coastal towns like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. For students that need to fly home, John Wayne Airport is a short 10 minutes away from the campus. Irvine, California, is a city of about 300,000 people and offers plenty to do like shopping and the popular Irvine Spectrum Center or coastal hikes through Crystal Cove State Park .
University of California, Los Angeles
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 11% National ranking: No. 20. Undergraduate population: Roughly 32,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $13,804 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $44,830 Popular majors: Economics, sociology and biology
About the neighborhood: UCLA is located in the west side of Los Angeles. In Brentwood, California, UCLA neighbors some of the richest neighborhoods in Los Angeles like Bel Air and Beverly Hills. Its location gives students access to beaches, museums and a vibrant night life. For a late night snack, Diddy Riese cookies is popular destination among students.
University of California, Merced
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 87% National ranking: No. 97. Undergraduate population: Roughly 8,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $13,680 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $43,434 Popular majors: Biology, psychology and business
About the neighborhood: Merced is known as the “gateway to Yosemite” in the Central Valley of California. The city’s population is roughly 89,000 people, giving it a mid-size city feel. The city has lots of outdoor activities to offer from hikes in the Sierras, to fishing and golfing.
University of California, Riverside
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 66% National ranking: No. 89 Undergraduate population: Roughly 22,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $14,276 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $45,302 Popular majors: Business, research and experimental psychology and biology
About the neighborhood: Riverside is in close proximity to many of California deserts like Joshua Tree, Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. The college is in a suburban town with a population of around 317,000 people. Its location is great for day trips to San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange County.
University of California, San Diego
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 34% National ranking: No. 34 Undergraduate population: Roughly 33,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $15,348 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $46,374 Popular majors: Biology, cognitive science and international studies
About the neighborhood: San Diego is a vibrant beach college town bordering Baja California. The area is a top destination for surfers, but there are also plenty of activities for others. The city has a population of around roughly 1.3 million people.
University of California, Santa Barbara
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 29% National ranking: No. 32 Undergraduate population: Roughly 23,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $14,450 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $44,204 Popular majors: Sociology, economics and communications
About the neighborhood: The area is a popular day trip destination for LA folks since the drive is about two hours. The area is popular among retirees, but because of the university there is also a young spirit in the city. The population is roughly 88,000 people. There is a vibrant night culture on State Street and Isla vista is a popular destination for UCSB students.
University of California, Santa Cruz
Acceptance rate: Acceptance rate of 59% National ranking: No. 83 Undergraduate population: Roughly 18,000 . In-state tuition and fees: $14,634 Out-of-state tuition and fees: $45,660 Popular majors: Computer science, psychology and cellular biology
About the neighborhood: Santa Cruz is another beach town along California’s coast. The quiet town is unique for its tree canopy. The area is also a popular surf town destination with annual surf competitions hosted in the city.
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