Successful UC application examples?

Hi! I'm currently working on my UC applications and feeling a bit overwhelmed. I'd love to see some examples of successful UC applications or read about your personal experiences with the UC application process. Any advice is appreciated!

Hey there! I understand applying to the UCs can be overwhelming, but don't worry, I'm here to offer you a rundown of the key elements that make a UC application successful.

1. Personal Insight Questions (PIQs): UC schools require you to answer four of the eight Personal Insight Questions. Each response is limited to 350 words. Make sure to pick the questions that align with your interests and experiences and allow you to showcase different aspects of yourself. Remember that UCs are looking for well-developed interests, so choose questions that will allow you to demonstrate your “spike,” or speciality that sets you apart from other talented applicants.

For guidance on how to tackle the PIQs, check out CollegeVine's breakdown of each prompt option. https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-university-of-california-essays. Their blog also contains some examples of strong PIQ responses: https://blog.collegevine.com/university-of-california-essay-examples.

Finally, if you want help with your PIQs, consider utilizing CollegeVine's Free Peer Essay Review Tool, or submitting your essay for a paid review by an expert college admissions advisor through CollegeVine's marketplace. Either of these resources can help you get a clearer sense of what's working in your essay and what still needs adjusting.

2. Academics: UC schools have a somewhat unconventional way of calculating your GPA, based on only particular courses that you took from sophomore year on. You can read more about it on the UC website: https://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/admission-requirements/freshman-requirements/gpa-requirement.html.

While the particulars may be a little unusual, overall you want to strive for academic excellence, take a challenging curriculum relevant to your intended major, and demonstrate an upward trend in your grades if possible.

3. Extracurriculars: A strong UC application will have solid extracurricular activities that show engagement, leadership, and commitment in one or more areas relevant to your intended major or personal interests. Aim for a mix of tier 2 and tier 3 activities - if you want to learn more about extracurricular tiers, check out CollegeVine's blog post on the topic: https://blog.collegevine.com/breaking-down-the-4-tiers-of-extracurricular-activities.

4. Letters of Recommendation: While the UC system doesn't require letters of recommendation, certain situations or UC campuses may ask for them (e.g., if you're applying to a specific program or if a UC admissions officer requests a recommendation). If asked, seek out teachers or mentors who know you well and can speak to your strengths, character, and growth. Be sure to give them enough time to write a thoughtful letter.

5. Test Scores: While many colleges have gone test-optional, the whole UC system is in fact test-blind, meaning they will not consider your test scores even if you submit them. So, if you're only applying to UC schools, there's no need to spend time or energy on studying for/taking the SAT/ACT. Even if you do have to take one of those tests for another one of your schools, make sure you don't send your scores to your UC schools, as there's a fee for doing so and you would just be wasting your money.

Finally, some logistical tips for the UC application: Start early, create a timeline, and set deadlines. Break your tasks down into manageable parts, so the whole process feels less overwhelming. And most importantly, be true to yourself and let your unique story shine through.

Good luck with your UC applications!