The University of California application goes live Aug. 1

This week, the University of California announced that its application will go live on Aug. 1.

The University of California (UC) is arguably the best public school college system in the nation, and the world. More than 206,000 students applied to attend the University of California as undergraduates in fall 2016, a jump of 6.4% over fall 2015 and the 12th consecutive year of record-breaking high numbers of applicants.

Here is what rising seniors should know specifically about applying to any of the UC schools for undergraduate admission:

Transcripts: You do not submit your transcripts to the UC when you apply, although you do fill in your transcript information on the application. If you’re admitted to UC, then you must submit final transcripts to your campus admissions office.

Test score: You will need to send scores for ACT with writing or the SAT with writing. If you’re applying for fall, be sure to complete these tests by December. All applicants should report scores for any SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate exams they have taken, but none of these is required.<

Letters of recommendation: 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.

ID: Each K-12 student in California public schools is assigned an ID number. If it’s not printed on your transcript, ask your counselor or registrar.

The essay prompt(s): Unlike the Common Application where a student picks 1 of 5 prompts (and completes school specific supplements), on the UC application, the student responds to 4 of 8 questions.  Each response is limited to a 350 words maximum.

Deadline: You can submit your application between Nov. 1-30. The deadline is Nov. 30. Mark this date! You should the admission decision by end of March.

Questions: If students have a question about the application process, they can call the application center at (800) 207-1710 (within the U.S.) or (310) 513-2715 (outside the U.S.) during normal business hours, or e-mail ucinfo@applyucsupport.net.

Best of luck to all students applying to the University of California this year. California residents are so blessed to have such amazing educational state school choices; from the community colleges, to the Cal States, to the jewel options of the nine UCs.

For more on the author see CeceJane.com

Anxious rising seniors can access the application Aug. 1 at: 

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/apply-online/