The University of California is the United States' largest public university system, offering undergraduates a prestigious name and nine campuses with exciting programs. However, given the lengthy and highly competitive application, students and parents must weigh some key factors to decide if it’s right for them. Here’s what you need to know!
The Pros
Efficiency: Nine universities in one application, with options ranging from more likely to high-reach
The most competitive campuses are Berkeley and UCLA, which have acceptance rates of around 10% overall and 5% for international students. Three of the other six campuses have acceptance rates over 60%, making them safer options.
Diversity: Varied geography, student body, and ‘feel’
California is a beautiful state, with UC Davis, Berkeley, Merced, and Santa Cruz in the middle to northern parts, and Santa Barbara, UCLA, Riverside, Irvine, and San Diego in the south. Berkeley and UCLA offer urban campuses; along with UC Santa Cruz, both were recently recognized on Architectural Digest’s ‘Top 64 Most Beautiful Campuses in America.’ Whether you are into school spirit and sports (UCLA), highly competitive academics (Berkeley), STEM (San Diego and Berkeley), or nature and beach vibes (Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz), the UC system offers atmospheres to suit almost any student. While 70% of the student body comes from California, the rest includes students from across the USA and the world.
Reputation: Respected public research universities with many majors and expert faculty
Each campus offers a wide variety of majors; however, some campuses are especially well-known for specific programs. Berkeley, UCLA, and San Diego are highly ranked in engineering and computer science. Given California’s long coast, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Diego are ideal for students interested in environmental studies and marine biology. UC Davis is renowned for agricultural and environmental research. Film and art students also have great options, especially at UC Irvine, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, Berkeley, and UCLA. Aspiring business majors should note that only Berkeley, Riverside, and Irvine have undergraduate business schools, but other campuses offer business-oriented economics majors.
Standardized Testing: Not required
In 2020, the UC system removed SAT and ACT scores from consideration in its admission process. In a world where testing is becoming more important, this ‘test-blindness’ can make applying to the UCs attractive, especially for students who lack preparation time or struggle with testing.
The Cons
Competitiveness: Falling acceptance rates for non-Californians
In the late 2010s, the California State Assembly became concerned about Californians’ access to UC education. In response, it required the UC Board of Regents to cap non-resident enrollment at 18% as a condition of continued funding. This change has led to falling acceptance rates for non-resident students since 20211. At the same time, the UCs’ popularity means they draw enormous numbers of applicants: UCLA had over 146,000 applicants for 13,128 places in 2023-24. Given the policy shift and increase in competitiveness, some strong students who feel they are “UCLA” caliber may be surprised when they are not even admitted to San Diego or Santa Barbara.
Size: Large classes
Like other public universities, class sizes can be very large. For example, introductory-level computer science classes at Berkeley often enroll over 1,500 students. With many students chasing limited opportunities, getting to know professors or gaining undergraduate research positions can be difficult. For students who need research experience and professor recommendations for graduate school, it may be better to attend a smaller college where such opportunities are more accessible.
Administrative challenges: Limited external support
UC students report difficulties getting into classes needed to graduate and managing any financial aid. With limited pastoral care and individualized attention, successful students must be organized and motivated to manage their educational path, schedules, and lives.
Application process: Lengthy and early
Unlike many US universities, the UC system does not use the Common App. Instead, it has its own application, which includes four 350-word essays, a self-reported academic record, and a twenty-item activity and award list. With the December 2 application deadline rapidly approaching, students should start early and complete this application accurately and thoughtfully.
Cost: Expensive for non-California residents
The UCs are pricey, especially for public universities. On average, non-resident undergraduates (out-of-state and international students) pay total fees exceeding $80,000 per year, compared to the $45,234 per year for Californians. There is little in terms of financial aid or scholarship money for non-residents.
UC's At-A-Glance
It pays for students to be intentional when applying to any university, but the UC campuses require special consideration. We hope this article will help you decide if they might be a good fit for your academic goals. Please speak to your Ivy Options advisor if you have any questions.
Notes and Sources:
Common Data Set
Comments