UCs and Freshman Year

Hi all, I am an aspiring UC applicant and I've heard some conflicting information about how much the University of California system weighs freshman year performance. Can anyone shed some light on this? Will the courses I take and my grades in freshman year affect my chances of getting into a UC?

Hello there! It's great that you're looking into how the University of California (UC) system evaluates applicants. Historically, UCs did not include freshman year grades in the GPA calculation for admission decisions. However, they did review the coursework to ensure that applicants met the A-G requirements – a series of courses that must be completed satisfactorily to be eligible for UC admissions.

In recent years, this policy has evolved, and now UCs consider the full context of all four years, including the rigor of classes taken during freshman year and improvements or trends in academic performance over time. Although freshman grades may not be included in the UC GPA calculation, anything that shows progress or sustained excellence can be a positive aspect of your application. Simply put, while freshman year grades might not be the deciding factor, they contribute to the full picture of your academic journey, and strong performance can certainly bolster the holistic review of your application. It's beneficial to maintain a steady or upward trajectory in your academic performance throughout high school.

Keep in mind that UCs are looking for consistency and improvement, and a rigorous course load throughout high school, including freshman year, can help demonstrate your readiness for university-level work. Do your best and good luck with your high school career and future UC applications!