While academic achievement is the most important criterion the UCs consider, majority of the UCs also pay attention to applicant achievements outside of the classroom. Given how competitive the top UCs are, extracurricular activities are also a way for you to distinguish yourself from other highly qualified applicants.
Do UC’s check extracurriculars?
Applicants are asked to provide original documentation to verify one item from the following sections on the UC Application: academic history, honors and awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and community service, special program participation, employment or information contained in the personal insight
Does UCLA look at extracurricular activities?
Without a doubt, UCLA is tough to get into. Not only will two admissions counselors review your application, but you also need a strong GPA and extracurricular activities profile to demonstrate your dedication to one or two pursuits. You also need strong essays that exhibit your personality.
What extracurricular activities should I do for UCs?
FIRST, HERE ARE SOME AWESOME EXAMPLES:
- Educational Prep Programs.
- Volunteer & Community Service.
- VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICE.
- Work Experience.
- Awards and Honors.
- EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
- OTHER COURSEWORK (OTHER THAN A-G REQUIREMENTS)
How many extracurricular activities do you need for UC?
Part 2: UC Application extracurricular activities examples
The UC Activities & Awards section allows for 20 entries across 6 categories. There are no limits on how many activities students may enter per category.
What is the easiest UC to get into?
The easiest UC schools to get into include UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced, all of which have acceptance rates over 50%.
Do UCs check volunteer hours?
The UC application evaluates students based on their achievement in special projects, leadership, and unique talents. They do not evaluate students based on how many community service hours they complete. Some kids love volunteering and develop long-term connections to one or two organizations in their community.
Can you get into UCLA with a 3.5 GPA?
The average GPA of admitted transfer students is above 3.5 and admitted students have completed most or all major preparatory courses. We give highest priority to applicants from California community colleges and other UC campuses. UCLA admits students for fall quarter only.
Are UC schools test blind?
2021, 2022, and 2023: UC Becomes Test Blind for all Students
Test blind means that UC schools will not consider students’ SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process. Even if you submit your scores, they won’t be reviewed.
Can you get into a UC with a 3.0 GPA?
UC has a specific way to calculate the grade point average (GPA) it requires for admission. California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement.
Do I need to fill all 20 UC activities?
All 20 activities do not need to be filled in. Having only 12 or 15 works fine. The key is to supply activities that represent who you are and how you spend your time.
Do extracurriculars matter for transfer students UC?
While extracurricular activities can still be an important part of your application if you are a transfer student, you do not need to strategize and carve out a lot of additional time to create an extracurricular resume to impress a college.
Do internships count as extracurricular?
Yes, internships count regardless of when they occur in the year! Internships would go on the extracurricular portion of your CommonApp/Coalition App. Make sure to keep track of # hours per day and how many weeks you spend at the internship at such a case.
What extracurriculars does Harvard like?
What Extracurricular Activities Does Harvard Look for? There are no particularly “best extracurricular activities for ivy league applications”. It could be anything from creative writing to swimming to theatrics to cooking to cinematography, as long as it shows some exceptional talent.
How many hours of extracurriculars is too much?
In general, between 5 and 10 hours per week for each main activity is a good benchmark, depending on how many activities you are involved in and how much time you devote to other responsibilities. (Remember to never let your academics suffer at the expense of extracurriculars!)
What if I have more than 10 activities Common App?
Don’t worry if you have more than 10 activities you want the admission counselors to know about. Many colleges allow you to upload a full extracurricular resume as part of your application. Alternatively, you may be able to find ways to reference additional extracurriculars in your supplemental essays.
What is the smallest UC?
UC Merced
UC Merced, which opened in 2005, is the newest of the UC campuses and has the smallest enrollment. It has around 8,000 undergraduates. UCLA, which has the largest undergraduate enrollment, has over 30,000.
What is the cheapest UC school?
Cheapest Colleges in California: University of California Schools
| School | In-State, On-Campus | Avg Net Price (In-State) |
|---|---|---|
| UCLA | $36,787 | $16,474 |
| UC Santa Barbara | $36,949 | $17,223 |
| UC Santa Cruz | $39,137 | $17,842 |
| UC Berkeley | $41,528 | $19,329 |
What grades do UC schools look at?
UCs do look at courses you take in freshman and senior years; the grades and rigor of your coursework are considered in context of your overall curriculum. But freshman and senior year grades are NOT included in the GPA calculation. UC-approved Honors, AP, IB and community college courses are weighted.
How do I prove my extracurriculars?
Volunteer and shadowing digital credentials are accurate and verified, helping you build credibility. Submit proof on your college app with links to your digital transcript, online badges, and Letters of Recommendation. Always corroborate your extracurricular activities and community service.
How do UCs verify grades?
Each summer, UC campuses verify the academic accomplishments of admitted students to ensure they have met all the conditions of their admission to UC. Campuses typically request official high school or community college transcripts, as well as official test scores from testing agencies.
