University of California: The 13 Factors That Impact Your Application

When you apply to the University of California, your application is reviewed holistically. That means admissions officers don’t just look at your GPA or test scores—they evaluate your entire academic and personal context. To do this, UC readers use 13 comprehensive review factors. Understanding these can help you highlight the right details in your application.

1. Academic GPA in A–G Courses

Your GPA is one of the most important factors. You must complete at least 15 “a–g” courses (with 11 finished before senior year) and earn at least a 3.0 GPA for California residents (3.4 for non-residents). Be sure to self-report grades accurately from your transcript.

*UCLA Admissions Department has mentioned they calculated a weighted and un-weighted GPA based on Sophomore, Junior and Senior (if available) Year grades.

2. Courses Beyond the Minimum A–G Requirements

Taking additional courses beyond the basics shows initiative and depth. If you’ve gone above the minimums—or if extenuating circumstances affected your performance—use the “Additional Information” section to provide brief context.

3. UC-Approved Honors, AP, IB, or College Courses

Admissions officers want to see how many advanced courses you pursued and how you performed. If your school doesn’t offer many AP or honors classes, you can clarify that in your application. There are also supplemental programs, such as UC Scout, which allows students to take AP courses online.

4. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)

For California residents, graduating in the top 9% of your class with completed A–G requirements earns recognition under UC’s ELC program, which can strengthen your application.

5. Quality of Senior-Year Coursework

Even though your senior-year grades may not factor into the initial review, UC expects students to continue taking rigorous courses. A lighter schedule may raise questions, while a challenging one shows consistency.

6. Academic Performance Relative to Opportunities Available

UC evaluates your transcript in the context of your high school. Did you maximize the rigor available to you? If your school offered limited advanced courses—or if you pursued enrichment outside of school—make sure that’s clear.

7. Outstanding Performance in Specific Subjects

Excelling in a particular subject area, whether through top grades, tutoring others, or pursuing related independent study, is a way to stand out.

8. Special Academic Projects

Projects beyond the classroom—such as research, independent studies, or internships—can strengthen your application. These highlight initiative, curiosity, and a willingness to go deeper into your interests.

UC Berkely campus

9. Improvement in Academic Performance

Upward trends in grades show resilience and growth. If your GPA dipped early in high school but you rebounded strongly, explain what changed and how you grew from the experience.

10. Special Talents, Achievements, and Awards

This includes achievements in arts, athletics, leadership, language proficiency, or community impact. Think broadly about your accomplishments and how they demonstrate your potential contributions to campus.

11. Participation in Educational Preparation Programs

If you’ve taken part in college prep, enrichment, or academic support programs, be sure to include them. They show your initiative to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom.

12. Academic Accomplishments in Light of Life Experiences

Admissions officers consider your achievements in the context of challenges such as financial hardship, family responsibilities, disability, or other significant circumstances. Explaining these briefly helps UC understand the bigger picture.

13. Geographic Location

The setting of your school and home is also considered. Students from under-resourced or rural areas may have faced additional barriers to access—something UC admissions keeps in mind during review.

Final Thoughts

No single factor will determine your admission to the UC system. Instead, your application will be reviewed as a whole, with each of these 13 elements contributing to a fuller picture of your academic potential, personal growth, and ability to thrive on campus. By understanding these criteria, you can make sure the most important parts of your story come through clearly. Contact College Hive if you're considering apply to a UC school.

Additional Resources

The College Admissions Process Podcast with Karly Brockett, Senior Associate Director of Admissions at UCLA

The College Admissions Process Podcast with Jua Howard, Assistant Director of Admissions at UC Berkeley

Inside the Admissions Office: Applying to the UCs: A Comprehensive Guide with Christina Llerena, a Former Admissions Reader at UC Berkeley and UC Santa Cruz