Hi guys! Just made an account so I’m super new at this
So I’m an incoming senior right now and a California resident. Here’s my tentative college list:
UC San Diego
UCLA
UC Santa Barbara
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
Cal Poly SLO
and a safety school (haven’t decided yet)
I can’t help but feel like my list has too many UCs. I love all of these schools that I plan on applying to and would be happy at any of them. But is there any downside to this? Each individual UC won’t be able to see that I’m apply to six of them right? And if they do, will that look bad?
Thanks in advance!
The admission counselors may be able to see which other UC’s you applied to if they wanted but they do not have the time or probably care. You have to remember that the UC system has a lot of applicants at each University and the readers of these applications go through a lot of applications and won’t have the time to look up which student applied where.
Now whether or not these are too many UCs is simply up to you, I personally believe if you feel that you would be happy at each one and can afford it, apply to as many as you want. But beware that these UCs are all pretty different, the atmosphere in Berkeley is different than Los Angeles and certainly Davis. Heavily research each UC to see which ones that you’d like, visit them if you can.
Agree, they won’t care.
Just make sure you have the stats to get in.
Get some more safeties.
@HeyItsNick Great, thank you! I’ve visited all of them and taken an official tour at all but Irvine (they weren’t offering a campus tour when I visited). And yes, I’m happy with all the campuses, and I would prefer for them to give off different vibes so I can have more options (hopefully lol) when I have to decide on one. Tbh I’ve probably spent more time researching all of these colleges than I should be doing haha thank you for your help!
My mom told me I can’t apply to more than one safety because she thinks it’s a waste of money 
If the safety has an acceptance rate of >70% and my stats are well above the averages, she says it’s no use. Is it worth it to spend my own money applying to another safety? What do you guys think?
If you select a safety carefully so that you know you will be admitted, know that you can afford it, and will be happy attending, then you only need one.
Where people go wrong is choosing one that they do not get admitted to, cannot afford, or do not really like, because they focus on reach schools and throw in the supposed “safety” as an afterthought.
Be aware that many UCs and other schools are more selective if you apply for a popular major, like CS or an engineering major.
It is ok to have that many UCs, since they all use the same app and it isn’t more work (just more money to apply to each). And since you seem to know that you will be happy at all of them, I say go for it.
But I echo other members when they say that you should have more than one safety. Sometimes safeties will reject people who are way above their stats because they think that person almost definitely wouldn’t come. So just one is risky.
I wouldn’t worry about applying to more than one UC. I think they expect California residents to do that. I would apply to more than one Cal State - maybe SDSU or CSULB as safeties depending on your stats.
Look in surrounding states - how about ASU, Oregon, NAU, Utah as possible safeties. NAU is $25 to apply and they have rolling admissions so you would find out soon and maybe be able to eliminate other safeties. Granted it is only a safety if you are actually willing to go there. Otherwise it is a waste of money. I believe ASU is $50 and they have a good honors college.
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My mom told me I can’t apply to more than one safety because she thinks it’s a waste of money If the safety has an acceptance rate of >70% and my stats are well above the averages, she says it’s no use. Is it worth it to spend my own money applying to another safety? What do you guys think?
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Well, what is your mom saying about how much she’ll pay each year? Safeties often give LOUSY aid.
What if you only get into your safety and it’s not affordable? Then what?
Yes, apply to another school that FOR SURE will give you the aid you need AND will accept you. If it ends up being your only affordable choice, then your mom owes you the app fee…lol.
But…if your mom will happily pay $50-60k per year for any school, then you dont’ have to worry as much.
What are your stats?
If you have competitive stats, NAU may waive their application fee so no costs to apply. It is part of the WUE which gives you reduced tuition and can be similar in costs to Cal states (if you include room/board). Both son’s had their app fees waived and would make a good safety if you are willing to attend. Also, if you are top 9% of your HS making you ELC eligible, UCM would be a safety and no need to apply
@lkg4answers Tuition would be super expensive then because I’ll be OOS though right?
@mom2collegekids The two possible safeties I have in mind are the cheapest options for me right now. Would it be better to apply to the one where I could commute to school in case of a financial crisis, or the school that I would prefer to attend?
@Gumbymom Thank you! I’ll check it out
@Forever tired, you REALLY need to tour IRVINE before you apply.
The feel is very different than the other UCs-very commuter.
Based on what my kids and their friends said, you really need to tour it before you check it on the UC app.
Apply to your local CSU if you like it as your safety. Riverside has a very good program and is underrated, but being in the inland corridor can be an issue.
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The two possible safeties I have in mind are the cheapest options for me right now. Would it be better to apply to the one where I could commute to school in case of a financial crisis, or the school that I would prefer to attend?
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A school being “the cheapest” doesn’t mean it’s affordable IF your parents can’t/won’t pay for it.
How much WILL your parents pay each year for college? Please ASK!
What are your stats?
What is your major?
If you won’t want to go to the school where you can commute to, then you should find another safety. We can help you with that IF you answer the above questions.
@auntbea I took the self-guided your of Irvine and spent about 4 hours on campus
It’s a great list. CA students should apply to all the UCs that appeal to them. Your ultimate safety is to go to a nearby community college and then transfer to your dream UC after two years (assuming the grades of course). If you’re comfortable with that as a fall back, then your mom’s opinion makes sense.
I agree with aunt bea that Riverside is an underrated gem. If you get the opportunity to visit Irvine, try to fit in a visit to Riverside as well and look up its programs for your area of interest. You might be pleasantly surprised.
@mom2collegekids
Major: biology
New SAT: 1400
ACT: 31
Unweighted GPA: 4.0
Weighted capped UC GPA: 4.31 if I did it correctly
(Weighted uncapped: 4.5)
Rank: 3 of 100 (even though UCs don’t use this lol)
My parents have been able to afford UC tuition and room and board for my older sister, and they’d be able to do the same for me
Do you have assured admittance into a UC?
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Major: biology
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Are you premed? If so, the UCR would be a great option if it still has that arrangement that X number of their students are assured into UCLA med
@mom2collegekids premed or pre-dentistry. Is UCR known for that? Thanks for letting me know
Med school needs undergrads to have: excellent MCAT scores, top grades, good recommendations, and ideally research experience and clinical volunteering.
Competition for everything but the first will be fierce at most UCs. Standard College Confidential advice is to go to the school where you will shine brightest. It’s all theoretical right now but it does bolster the argument for putting UCR on your list (you’re not deciding on a school now, just figuring out which ones should be on your list).
I didn’t know about that UCR had an agreement with UCLA med though…that would be a big plus.
UCR just opened a new Medical school and sets aside some spots specifically for UCR students. Definitely worth a visit and application.