The UC Application: Dates, Requirements, and What to Expect

One application covers all nine University of California campuses that admit undergraduates. You pick the campuses, answer four short essay questions, and list your activities. Here is what to know and when.

The dates that matter

August 1, 2026The application opens. You can start filling it out.
October 1 to November 30, 2026Submit your application in this window.
March 2, 2027File your FAFSA or CADAA, and make sure your GPA was sent for the Cal Grant.
March 2027Most admission decisions come out. Some campuses send them earlier.
May 1, 2027Accept one offer (the Statement of Intent to Register).
July 1, 2027Final transcripts due. AP and IB scores are due by July 15, 2027.

The minimum requirements

15 A-G courses, with at least 11 done before senior year. Each one needs a grade of C or better.

A 3.0 GPA in those courses for California residents, 3.4 for nonresidents. Most campuses admit students with higher GPAs.

Area	Subject	Years
A	History and social science	2
B	English	4
C	Math	3 (4 recommended)
D	Science	2 (3 recommended)
E	Language other than English	2 of the same language (3 recommended)
F	Visual and performing arts	1
G	College-prep elective	1

How UC reads your application

Campuses use comprehensive review, which looks at 13 factors. Grades and courses count, and so do your activities, awards, jobs, family responsibilities, and what you have done with the opportunities you had. Your activities list and your four Personal Insight Questions are where admission readers see that.

Personal Insight Questions: UC asks 8 questions. You answer 4, up to 350 words each. All 8 count the same.

Activities and awards: up to 20 entries, with 350 characters to describe each one.

What UC doesn't ask for

SAT or ACT scores. UC doesn't use them for admission.
Letters of recommendation. UC doesn't read them with your application. A campus may ask for one later.
Transcripts. You enter your grades yourself. Official transcripts come after you are admitted.

Cost and fee waivers

The application costs $80 per campus. A fee waiver covers up to 4 campuses for students who qualify, including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and students eligible for AB 540 benefits. The application checks whether you qualify when you enter your family information.

Working with an Empowered Admissions coach? Track these steps in Launch Lab with your access code. Your work saves to your account.

Questions families ask

How many UC campuses should I apply to?

As many as fit your goals and budget. Each campus reviews you on its own, so applying to more than one gives you more chances.

Can I change my application after I submit it?

You can update some contact and academic information. Your essays and activities can't change after you submit, so read everything out loud first.

Do I need to finish all 15 A-G courses before I apply?

No. You need at least 11 done before senior year. The rest can be in progress during senior year.

Where these facts come from

Dates change every year. We check them against the official sources above and update this page when they change.

More guides: Financial aid · Recommendation letters

The UC application: dates, requirements, and what to expect