Applying to UC? Help is here.

Whether you're already working on your UC application or just getting started, here's a roundup of helpful information.

Application resources

Get expert tips on how to answer the Personal Insight Questions

Are you in the midst of drafting the Personal Insight Questions on the UC application? Get expert tips on what the "PIQs" are and how to go about answering them.

How UC evaluates first-year applications

Two University of California admissions directors answer common questions about how UC campuses evaluate applications.

This new dashboard sheds light on admissions for each academic discipline
Learn about a new UC data dashboard that shows how many first-year students apply to and are admitted at each campus by academic discipline. If you plan to apply to a specific major, it's information that lets you know more about the applicant pool.

Want help transferring to UC? A new hub streamlines the information you need

Thinking about transferring to UC and looking for information on how to make it happen? Find links to all the resources and planning tools you need on the UC transfer hub.

Money questions

How much is UC going to cost?

Interested in going to a UC, but unsure of how much it'll actually cost? A UC expert shares why everyone should apply for financial aid.

10 surprising facts about UC financial aid

Students looking at college sometimes assume they can't afford to attend the University of California. But did you know that nearly 70 percent of UC undergrads get gift aid that doesn't need to be repaid? And more than half of California undergrads get enough gift aid to cover all systemwide tuition and fees.

More than half of UC transfer students pay no tuition: 8 little-known facts about paying for UC

Transfer students are often surprised at how much financial help UC provides to offset college costs. In fact, UC has one of the best financial aid programs in the country - the idea is to put that degree within reach, no matter who you are or where you're starting from.

The economic clout of a UC degree

Is college really worth all this time, effort and money? University of California researchers have dug into reams of data to understand the outcomes associated with a UC degree. The upshot? A degree brings a lifetime of economic, social and personal rewards, from making more money to living longer and being happier.

A UC degree launched Miguel Tamayo's life as an aerospace engineer. Here's how he paid for college.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Miguel Tamayo dreamed of attending the University of California, but was scared that he would need to take out a ton of loans. Financial aid changed everything.

Transfer student Alexis Acosta followed her curiosity to UC. Here's how she paid for college.

When Alexis Acosta was ready to transfer to UC from community college, she worried about how she would fit in and how she would pay for it all. It turned out there were a lot of resources to help.

UC inspiration

Discover your place at the University of California

Across our nine unique undergraduate campuses, UC students learn to ask questions, push boundaries, transform themselves and prepare to shape our collective future. Join a community of thinkers, explorers and dreamers - find your place at UC.

Welcoming UC's newest undergrads

The University of California admitted the largest and most diverse class in its history for fall 2024. Meet a few of our newest students.

The UC experience: Classes, clubs and programs you can only find here

There's so much to explore in college. Get a glimpse of some of the thousands of unique experiences that await students across UC's nine undergraduate campuses.

Get more information about University of California admissions requirements, find answers to your application questions and apply now for fall 2025. Applications are due by Dec. 2, 2024.