The University of California system is one of the finest public university systems in the world. The UCs review applications using a multi-point checklist they call “comprehensive review.”
The University of California Multi-Point Checklist
The UC multi-point checklist has 13 points. Many refer to academics. The UCs measure student performance on many axes. While items 1 through 6 are self-explanatory and objective, the rest involve some judgment. It’s important students take advantage of the educational opportunities their school offers and demonstrate ongoing improvement in their academic performance. Students can use the activities list on the UC application to describe their talents, achievements, and awards. The personal insight questions highlight specific aspects of a student’s application: leadership, impact on the community, academic interests, and so on.
- Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.
- The number of, content of, and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements.
- Number of and performance in UC-approved honors and Advanced Placement courses.
- Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of their high school class (“eligible in the local context,” or ELC).
- Quality of a student’s senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.
- Quality of their academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in their high school.
- Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas.
- Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.
- Recent, marked improvement in academic performance, as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.
- Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication, or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
- Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of a student’s high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects, or programs.
- Academic accomplishments in light of a student’s life experiences and special circumstances.
- Location of a student’s secondary school and residence.
The University of California Review System
The University of California has a helpful presentation discussing the application review process. It’s useful to take a look.
The UC A-G SYstem
The term “A-G courses” refers to the University’s system for categorizing high school coursework and community college courses you take while in high school. The system classifies all relevant courses into six letter categories:
- A: History
- B: English
- C: Math
- D: Science
- E: Language Other Than English
- F: Visual and Performing Arts
- G: College-Preparatory Electives
The university system has required and recommended criteria for students who want to apply. You must understand both.
Beyond these requirements, some UCs prefer students with four years of the A-E requirements (English, Math, History, Science, and a Language Other Than English), so plan your coursework accordingly while you’re in high school.
You can also satisfy each requirement through exams, such as Advanced Placement tests and community college courses. For students who attend California high schools, UC has a helpful page where you can check your coursework against their requirements.