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This video will give you a quick overview of the UC Application.

Dates & deadlines

You can start working on your fall application as early as August 1st, and submit it by November 30th.

Application filing periods:

Fall quarter/semester: October 1 - November 30
Winter quarter/spring semester: July 1–31

UC Berkeley and UC Merced are on the semester system calendar while all other campuses are on the quarter system calendar. All campuses are open for the fall term. 

What you'll need

It's a good idea to have everything prepared before you start your application so you're not trying to track down information at the last minute.

Here's what you'll need:

1. Transcripts. Don't submit your transcripts to UC at this point, but refer to them as you fill out the application to ensure the information you enter is accurate.*
2. Test scores.  Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, TOEFL or IELTS exams - if applicable. 
3. Annual income for last year and the current year (your parents' if you're a dependent; your income if you're independent). This is optional unless you're applying for an application fee waiver or for the Educational Opportunity Program.
4. Social Security number, if you have one. We use this to match your application to things like your test score report, final transcript(s) and, if you're applying for financial aid, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
5. Citizenship status. You must enter your country of citizenship (or "No Selection"). If your country of citizenship is outside the United States, you'll need to provide your immigration status and your visa type.
6. Credit card. If you prefer to pay by check, you can mail your payment.

* Veterans or active-duty military personnel: If you completed courses offered by a branch of the U.S. military, you may indicate your intention to submit your military transcript by checking the box in the "About You" section of the application. If you are admitted and accept an offer of admission, you can then submit official military transcripts (e.g., ACE, SMAART) to the UC campus.

Apply to more than one UC campus.

This will significantly increase your chances of being admitted to the UC system. While you may not receive an offer of admission from your first-choice campus, all of our campuses  — without exception — provide outstanding opportunities for you to learn and grow.

Submit only one application per term.

Submitting multiple applications will cause a processing delay.

Apply on time.

You can fill out the application in as many sessions as you want. Just remember to submit it by Nov. 30 (for the fall term).

Transcripts & letters of recommendation

Don't send official transcripts when you apply. If you're admitted to UC, then you must submit final transcripts to your campus admissions office.

UC does not require (nor read) letters of recommendation at the time of application. A campus may ask for them later as part of a supplemental review, so be sure to check your email.

Good to know

Because the pool of students who apply to UC is different every year, the level of academic performance necessary for admission to a particular campus or major is different, too.

Acceptance rates depend on the number of applicants, their academic qualifications and the spaces we have available.

Application fees & waivers

The application fee is $70 for each UC campus ($80 for international and non-immigrant applicants). You can make your payment either by credit card or by mail, just be sure follow the instructions in the application.

Once your application has been submitted, you are expected to pay for all your campus choices, even if you cancel your application at a later date. The application fees are non-refundable.

Fee waivers

UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students who would otherwise be unable to apply for admission. The fee waiver program is for United States citizens, permanent residents, and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits.

Fee waivers can’t be applied to more than four campuses, regardless of their source (e.g. UC, CollegeBoard/SAT). If you apply to more than four, you’ll need to pay $70 for each additional choice.

Applying for a fee waiver

You can see if you automatically qualify for a fee waiver within the application. If you enter your family size and income in the “About you” section, you will see if you’ve qualified for an application fee waiver when you select your campuses in the "Campuses & majors" section (a message will appear on that page with real-time feedback about how many campuses you can apply to for free). 

Financial aid is for everyone (including you).

More than 56% of UC's California undergrads pay no tuition!

UC has one of the strongest financial aid programs in the country, and we want you to get every penny of help you deserve!

Filling out the application

 Even though applying to UC is an exciting time in your life, it can also be daunting. But we're here to reassure you - we're not looking for perfection. We want to know about your passions and life experiences...everything that makes you, YOU.

Our application is designed to capture all of this and more.

Personal insight questions

Our personal insight questions are about getting a better sense of who you are. Take time to think about your life experience, ambition and inspiration. It’s just one small part of your application—but it’s a great chance to introduce yourself, and make an impression.

How applications are reviewed

We know you're more than just your grades and test scores. Using a process called comprehensive review, we look at how hard you've worked to take advantage of the opportunities you've had to excel at school, in your favorite extracurricular activities and in your community.

After you apply

You've selected your campuses, submitted your application, paid your application fees. Now what? You still have a few more items to cross off your list.