<p>I've decided to add UCSD and UCB to my app list and I'm just wondering if someone could fill me in on some of the stuff. I know they have a separate app, which I've already started, but the whole thing for the UC's seems kind of weird. </p>
<p>Like what is this UC GPA? and is there some sort of point system that UCSD uses for their applicants? </p>
<p>Also, what are the chances of getting in OOS, is it much harder?</p>
<p>Lastly, do the UCs require letters of rec for undergrad admissions? I couldnt find an answer to that anywhere online.</p>
<p>The UC applications look at only a specific set of course categories, ignoring grades in classes like PE. They also attempt to normalize GPAs (somewhat) among schools by establishing a common system that ignores + or - on grades, converts all to a common system that runs to 4.0, and clarifying the way they bump grades for honors and AP courses. Thus, you will list all the courses you took and the grades you received, then the application system will convert those into a UC GPA which is used among many other factors for making admissions decisions.</p>
<p>UCB has a holistic admissions system, where the admissions staff choose those to offer a spot after looking at all the data and submissions of the applicant, using their individual judgement of how that applicant fits the needs and interests of the school. UCSD, like almost all the other UC campuses, has an algorithmic method of determining admissions, with carefully defined, weighted factors that are combined to produce a single net number (the point value), then admission is offered or not solely by whether the points are above or below the cutoff value established for that year, college and sometimes major. In addition, different cufoff values are set for OOS and residents. </p>
<p>Due to the budget issues in California and reduced funding, the UC system has decided that they will admit a higher percentage of OOS students. The reason is clear - the higher fees that are charged to OOS students are a source of funding to compensate for the reduction of state funds. In a way, the state funds can be viewed as a payment to increase the number of residents who are admitted, giving them preference over OOS applicants who might be equally or better qualified. Less money, less preference. Good for you as an OOS. </p>
<p>The UC approach is a bit different in other ways too. No transcripts sent unless you are offered admission and accept. Instead, you are self-reporting your grades. If you are admitted but the transcript doesn’t match those application grades, the admission is rescinded. Letters of recommendation are not read. if they are sent in unsolicited, they will likely enter the recycling system rather than show up in your application. There is a minority of recommendations requested - a sliver of all applicants are selected by UCB and a few of the other top campuses for augmented review. In this process, after they look at your application, they can send you a request for supplemental information, which includes first half senior year grades if available, a single online letter of recommendation, and some other questions whose nature varies based on the reason for the augmented review. If you are not asked, which most are not, then there are zero letter of recommendations involved.</p>
<p>make sure you note the application deadine- it’s earlier than most colleges!
And don’t wait until the last minute, or even the last few days to submit your application.
The UC servers have a history of crashing.</p>