Aptos High School

The UC System:
The University of California system is made up of 10 campuses, with one, San Francisco, being dedicated to graduate programs only. These public schools are some of the most competitive in the country and nearly 90% of the undergraduate students attending are from California.

For more information about the UC system, click below:
UC Homepage
 

Applying to a UC:
The UC system requires students apply online. The application opens August 1 and can be submitted November 1 through November 30. Students cannot begin filing before November 1 and must file their applications no later than 11:59 pm on November 30. Due to the volume of applications, students are strongly encouraged to file their applications prior to Thanksgiving.
 

To apply to a UC online click below:

admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/applicant/login.htm

Campus Information:
Visit each site to get more specific information about each of the 9 undergraduate campuses.
 

Berkeley
Davis
Irvine
Los Angeles
Merced
Riverside
San Diego
San Francisco (graduate programs only)
Santa Barbara
Santa Cruz

 

Required "A-G" Courses:
The UCs (and CSUs) have certain course requirements called the "a-g" coursework.
To satisfy this requirement, students must complete the 15 yearlong high school courses listed below. These courses are also known as the "a-g" subjects. At least seven of the 15 yearlong courses must be taken in the last two years of high school.

 

Two years of history/social science, including one year of world history, cultures and geography; and one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government.

 

Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.

 

Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two- and three-dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades that your high school accepts as equivalent to its own math courses.

 

Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in two of these three foundational subjects: biology, chemistry and physics. Advanced laboratory science classes that have biology, chemistry or physics as prerequisites and offer substantial additional material may be used to fulfill this requirement. The final two years of an approved three-year integrated science program may be used to fulfill this requirement.

 

Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. Courses in languages other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.

 

A single yearlong approved arts course from a single VPA discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.

 

One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in "a-f" above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts (non-introductory level courses), history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the "e" requirement or two years of another language).

 

Eligibility:
1. The UC GPA
Students must have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 with grades no lower than a C- in the "a-g" courses to be eligible to apply to a UC.

2. ACT/SAT Test Scores (SAT Subject tests are OPTIONAL!) 

3. Personal Insight Questions. Four "essays" must be written by each UC applicant. . Check out this YouTube video from the UCs about the personal statement.

4. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC):
Many times, students have questions regarding their ELC status. Many of our students who are not ELC are still admitted to the most competitive UCs.

Factors considered in the Comprehensive Review Process:

Academic grade point average in all completed "A-G" courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses. Scores on the ACT with writing or SAT Reasoning Test. SAT Subjects are optional, but strongly recommended depending on campus and major. 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% of the high school class at the end of junior year.  Quality of a student's senior-year program, as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned. Quality of academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in the 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.

 

While academic achievement is of highest importance, that alone does not guarantee admission to a particular UC campus.

 

UC Representative Support:
Saratoga High School hosted UCLA rep Amanda Eversmann on November 2 during tutorial in the McAfee. Contact Amanda directly ataeversmann@saonet.ucla.edu with your questions and essays.

 

Acceptance:
All acceptance is PROVISIONAL and CONDITIONAL upon eligibility index (GPA and test scores) and transcript. Contact each campus you apply to before making any schedule changes during senior year.
 

~~~For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please call UC campuses directly or visit their websites.~~~