Letters of Recommendation for University of California?

As I'm getting ready to apply to some UC schools, I was wondering if the University of California system requires letters of recommendation. Can anyone please clarify this for me? Thanks!

The University of California (UC) system does not require letters of recommendation as part of their standard application process, and does not read them if they are submitted. Instead, they focus primarily on your grades, course rigor, extracurricular activities, and the personal insight questions you'll need to answer.

However, there are a few occasions where a campus within the UC system might request a letter of recommendation. These requests are on a case-by-case basis and are typically sent out after the application has been submitted. For instance, some applicants may be invited to supply up to two letters of recommendation if admissions officers believe such information will offer additional insight into their potential success at the campus.

If you receive a request to submit a letter of recommendation, you can ask a teacher, counselor, or someone else who knows you academically or personally to write it for you. Keep in mind, though, that receiving a letter of recommendation request does not guarantee admission, nor does it imply that an applicant is deficient in any way.

To prepare for the possibility of receiving a letter of recommendation request, you may want to approach potential recommenders in advance, inform them about your application to UC schools, and ask if they would be comfortable writing a letter for you if needed. This way, you'll be ready to provide the necessary information promptly if you receive a request later on.