How UC Admissions Really Work
The University of California system is the largest public university system in the country, and one of the most popular and competitive in the nation as well. With nearly 250,000 freshman applications submitted each year, families often ask: What exactly are the UCs looking for?
Unlike private colleges that may emphasize a single, narrative-driven personal statement, the UCs take a holistic, point-by-point approach to evaluating their applicants. But don’t let that intimidate you —understanding what the UCs value can help you build a strong, authentic application that stands out for the right reasons.
What Is the UC Comprehensive Review?
Every UC campus uses the same 14 factors to evaluate applicants, a process called Comprehensive Review. These criteria are designed to help admissions officers evaluate your academic performance in context and get a more complete picture of who you are.
Here are the 14 UC admissions criteria used across all campuses:
- Grade point average
- Test scores
- Performance in and number of courses beyond minimum a-g requirements
- UC-approved honors courses and advanced courses
- Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) – CA residents only
- Quality of senior-year program of study
- Academic opportunities in California high schools
- Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas
- Achievement in special projects
- Improvement in academic performance
- Special talents, achievements and awards
- Participation in educational preparation programs
- Academic accomplishment in light of life experiences
- Geographic location
Good to know: The UC system evaluates your application holistically; no single factor will make or break your chances. Instead, your application is reviewed as a whole, with context and consistency in mind.
So What Are They Really Looking For?
While knowing what’s on the 14-point list is helpful, most students want to know what actually matters when an application is read. Here’s how we guide students at Avalon:
The UCs are looking for students who:
✔️Challenge themselves academically
✔️Show up for their communities
✔️Take initiative or create their own opportunities
✔️Overcome challenges with reflection and resilience
✔️Think deeply about their goals, values, and impact
Grades and rigor matter, but so do things like intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and how you’ve used the resources available to you.
How the UC Essays Fit In: The PIQs
Instead of a personal statement, the UCs ask students to respond to four out of eight Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). These short essays (max 350 words each) help admissions officers understand your personality, interests, and lived experience in your own voice.
The best PIQ responses:
- Provide new, specific information not found elsewhere in your application
- Use action and reflection to show what you’ve done and why it matters
- Connect to at least one of the 14 comprehensive review points
- Highlight different parts of who you are, not just your academic successes
You don’t need to have “solved world hunger”, you just need to showcase what drives you, how you think, and what kind of student and community member you’ll be.
How to Stand Out in the UC Application
You don’t need to be perfect to impress UC admissions, but you do need to be thoughtful. Here are a few practical tips we share with Avalon students:
✔️ Course rigor and consistency matter
Take challenging classes where you can, especially in areas you care about. UCs notice when students stretch themselves and when they coast.
✔️ Think strategically about your PIQ topics
Each one should show something new about you. Avoid reusing the same theme, and steer clear of overdone topics like sports injuries or moving to a new school unless you have a truly unique take.
✔️ Focus on depth over breadth in your activities
Leadership, impact, and initiative carry more weight than long lists of surface-level involvement.
✔️ Context is key
UCs evaluate students based on the opportunities available to them. If you’ve made the most of limited resources, highlight that. If you’ve overcome challenges, show how they shaped you.
Final Takeaways
So — what are the UCs looking for? They’re looking for students who are more than just strong academics. They want thoughtful, engaged, self-aware individuals who are ready to contribute to their campus communities.
The good news: you don’t need to check every box. Instead, focus on telling a clear, consistent story across your application. Use the PIQs to show your values. Let your activities reflect your interests. And be honest about your journey — including the growth, challenges, and impact that got you to this point.