Study in the United States | Countdown to UC Series Applications, Take Note of These Important Matters

Countdown to UC Series Applications, Take Note of These Important Matters

The “California Month” that almost all U.S. undergraduate applicants are eagerly anticipating is coming to an end soon. I believe most of you have your applications ready, but in the final stages, be sure not to be careless, as there are still many common mistakes and post-submission matters to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can UC campuses see applicants’ application status, such as which campus and major they applied to?

A: Yes, all UC campuses use the same application system. Applicants only need to fill out one application to apply to all 9 campuses. The decisions of one campus do not affect the decisions of others.

Q: How should backup majors be selected to not affect admission?

A: It’s recommended to choose a major that is not highly competitive as a backup. For example, if the first major is Computer Science and Engineering, the backup major should ideally be in a non-engineering field or a less competitive major.

Q: Should extracurricular activities be filled out completely?

A: It’s crucial to fill out the activity list thoroughly. Include at least 10 activities in the first 20 slots. Provide detailed information about each activity, including examples, content, and various verbs. Be specific about activity names, time, and location.

Q: Is choosing “Undecided” beneficial for admission?

A: Choosing “Undecided” doesn’t impact admission considerations. However, it’s essential not to express a strong preference for any specific school in essays or application forms, as it may lead to rejections from all schools.

Q: When should TOEFL scores be submitted?

A: If your TOEFL score is above 90 when submitting the application, it’s advisable to send it first. If the score is below 90, consider waiting until you achieve a satisfactory score before submitting.

Q: Should Additional Comments be filled out? Will it affect admission?

A: Additional Comments are recommended to be filled out. It’s an opportunity to explain any discrepancies in grades, showcase additional achievements, or discuss personal challenges. It can positively impact the admission process.

Q: Can you choose a less competitive major and later switch to a popular major after admission?

A: The ability to switch majors depends on the specific major. Switching within the same department is generally easier, but it might be challenging to switch to a highly competitive major.

Q: Should the “Scholarship” section in the UC form be filled out? What are the chances of getting awarded?

A: The chances of getting awarded scholarships vary, and the criteria are diverse. It’s advisable to select scholarships that align with your interests, talents, and criteria. However, it’s essential not to have overly high expectations, and leaving it blank is acceptable if no suitable conditions apply(quotes from usms.ac.ma).

Pre-submission Checklist Guidelines

First and Last Name: Ensure that you do not mix up the First Name and Last Name fields.

Enrollment Term: Select “Fall quarter/semester 2022” and the “Freshman” option. Click the “Save & continue” button below the blue icon to proceed.

Email Address: Avoid using strange or unconventional email names or addresses. For U.S. high school students, it is recommended to use Gmail, and for international students, 163 mailbox is suggested.

Campus and Major Selection:

Multiple campuses can be selected, but for Berkeley, only one major can be chosen. Other campuses allow selection of one alternate major.

Course Information (7th and 8th Grade): UC requires information on math and foreign language (excluding English) courses taken in grades 7 and 8.

Grading System and Transcript:

Choose the Grading System that matches your transcript. Enter scores as displayed on your transcript.

If an exact match is not found, select “Other” and input scores as shown on your transcript without converting.

For differences like +/- (e.g., A+ or A-), still choose the standard “A B C D F” Grading System.

Ensure accuracy, as incorrect information can impact subsequent score entries. If needed, corrections can be made, but existing entries will be cleared.

Exam Scores: UC does not accept composite scores. Submit all individual scores for exams taken.

Statistical Information (Optional): Participation in surveys for statistical information is optional. It is unrelated to the application, and you can choose not to fill it out.

Note: It is crucial to be truthful when reporting grades, and if you have taken college courses, make sure to include them in the transcript section. UC strictly enforces the accuracy of information, and any falsification may result in the cancellation of admission eligibility.
Overview of UC Campuses

The University of California (UC) system can be roughly divided into five tiers:

Tier 1: UCLA, UCB

UCLA consistently ranks higher than UCB in national rankings. It excels in STEM fields (especially mathematics and chemistry), engineering, computer science, life sciences, filming, business economics, and psychology.

Tier 2: UCSB, UCSD

UCSB, located with its own beach and lake, offers a unique atmosphere. Strengths include physics, earth science, English, and chemical engineering.

UCSD, located north of San Diego, has the largest campus in the UC system. It features distinctive dormitories and emphasizes life sciences, arts, psychology, and engineering.

Tier 3: UCD, UCI

UCD, situated in Davis, provides a rural California experience. Known for safety, it offers a free saferide service at midnight. Strengths include agriculture, food science, biology, veterinary, and animal science.

UCI, located in a safe affluent town, boasts strong infrastructure and a significant Asian student population. Renowned for its crime science program, computer science, and STEM fields.

Tier 4: UCSC, UCR

UCSC, considered a smaller campus, may lack the geographical advantages of other UC campuses. Strengths lie in marine biology, physics, astronomy, geography, humanities, arts, and environmental science.

UCR, often underestimated, is the smallest UC campus but is known for its modern atmosphere, emphasis on personal ability, and individualized education. Strengths include computer science, medicine, and biology(sources from usms).

Tier 5: UCM

UCM, the youngest UC campus established in 2005, is located in the central-northern part of the state. Although smaller and less populated, it is regarded as safe and affordable. Strengths include humanities, social sciences, and arts.

In summary, each UC campus has its unique strengths and atmosphere, providing a range of options for students. Good luck to everyone in fulfilling their UC dreams in March!