Does race affect admissions in UC system? I am fortunate enough to have Native American in me and plan to put it on my college application. Yes, I have an affiliation code and am registered with a tribe. My test scores are a bit low but I have a high GPA. Any thoughts/knowledge on this subject?
Are you a CA resident? The UCs are prohibited from considering race as a factor in admission, but - in the case of CA residents - they have policies for admission under “local context.” That means that they guarantee admission to at least one UC campus to anyone graduating in the top 9% of his or her class. For many students from disadvantaged backgrounds this will mean UC Merced or Riverside. That option is not available to non-residents. Were you raised within a tribal community? That, in and of itself, would not give you preferential status, but it could be the basis for a compelling essay.
Affirmative action has been outlawed in CA public universities since 1996.
URM status is not considered in UC admissions but definitely incorporate your Native American background into one of your essays. Essays/GPA/Test Scores and HS rigor are considered very important in the UC application review. Good Luck.
Though helpful for opening casinos, it won’t matter one bit on your UC ap. As others note, UC admissions are race blind - though they do have some demographic latitude.
Each campus has a slightly different list but, here is UCSB’s official list of how they evaluate applicants. Obviously GPA and test scores are top but, items 13 and 14 gives them some latitude to select applicants from under-served areas.
https://admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/applying/freshman/selection
13 - Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.
14 - Location of your secondary school and residence.