UC university system - how does it work?

I'm a bit confused about the UC university system and how it works. Are all the campuses linked somehow, or are they separate entities? Can someone provide a brief overview of the UC system and how everything is connected? Thanks!

The University of California (UC) system is a public university system consisting of 10 campuses spread across the state of California. While each campus operates independently, they are all part of the larger system managed by the UC Office of the President (UCOP). The UC system is designed to allow collaboration between the campuses, ensuring the best academic opportunities and resources for its students.

Each UC campus has its own unique set of academic programs, strengths, and campus culture, but they all adhere to the same high standards of education and research. Some common features across these campuses include rigorous coursework, top-tier faculty, and a commitment to public service.

The UC campuses are as follows:

1. UC Berkeley

2. UC Davis

3. UC Irvine

4. UCLA

5. UC Merced

6. UC Riverside

7. UC San Diego

8. UC Santa Barbara

9. UC Santa Cruz

10. UC San Francisco (graduate-level Health Sciences only)

When applying to the UC system, there is a single application that allows you to apply to multiple campuses simultaneously. This makes it convenient for students who are interested in exploring their options within the UC system. Keep in mind that each campus has its own admissions requirements and decision-making process, which might result in different outcomes for each campus that you apply to.

Financial aid is also handled at each campus individually, and eligibility for scholarships, grants, or other types of aid might differ depending on the specific UC campus you plan to attend. Make sure to research each campus' financial aid programs when deciding which UCs to apply to.

Overall, the UC system offers a wide range of academic opportunities, resources, and experiences across its 10 campuses, while maintaining a shared commitment to excellence in higher education. While each campus operates autonomously, they all contribute to the UC system's reputation as one of the top public university systems in the United States.