UCs and Extracurriculars

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - GENERAL
1

Hey guys,

I am very confused on the importance of extracurriculars when it comes to applying for UC campuses. I’ve heard people say that ECs are ridiculously important while other people say that they make little to no difference relative to your GPA and your test scores (e.g SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, AP tests).

Just wondering if you guys have any insight regarding this matter. Thanks all!

2

GPA is #1, then SAT/ACT If you are borderline, strong ECs may get you in but if you are below the 25% mark, it is really unlikely, even if you were class president, football captain, and started the next Facebook while in high school. If you want to go to a UC be sure you are at least at the mid point for both GPA and SAT/ACT. Even there, you need competent essays and but, could get in without a long list of honors and ECs. You should take classes that will allow you to earn a high GPA. A 4.1 with easy classes beats a 3.6 with hard classes.

Take a look at the freshman profiles - which you Davis hear - and navigate the to rest on the left of the page.

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/campuses/davis/freshman-profile/

3

Application review/criteria for each UC campus:

  •   Berkeley

*

  •   Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores

  •   Important: Extracurricular activities, Volunteer work, Work experience

  •   Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, State residency

  •   Note: Thorough review of academic performance; likely contribution to intellectual and cultural vitality of the campus; diversity in personal background and experience; demonstrated qualities in leadership, motivation, concern for others and community; non-academic achievement in the performing arts, athletics or employment; demonstrated interest in major.
  • LOR’s by invitation only as of 2017
    *
  •   Davis

*

  •   Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores

  •   Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work

  •   Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency, Work experience

  •   Note: Scholastic achievement most important, followed by school and community activities, academic interests, special circumstances, special achievements and awards

*

  •   Irvine

*

  •   Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Extracurricular activities, Level of applicant's interest, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience

  •   Important: Character/personal qualities, Class rank

  •   Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence, State residency

  •   Note: Demonstrated record of academic preparation, educational engagement, talent and skills important.

*

  •   Los Angeles

*

  •   Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores

  •   Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience

  •   Considered: First generation college student, Geographical residence

  •   Note: GPA, test scores, course work, number of and performance in honors and AP courses most important. Essay considered. Strong senior program important. Extracurricular activities, honors and awards also reviewed.
  • Merced

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Class rank, Extracurricular activities, Talent/ability
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Level of applicant's interest, Recommendations, State residency, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Academic record and test scores determine eligibility.

  • Riverside

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: A fixed weight point system comprehensive review model that culminates in an Academic Index Score to determine admission for incoming freshmen.

  • San Diego

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: High school course pattern, GPA, essay and test scores most important. Admission for out-of-state applicants more selective than for residents.

  • Santa Barbara

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores
  • Considered: Character/personal qualities, Class rank, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Level of applicant's interest, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Eligibility established by high school GPA, course requirement, and SAT scores. Special consideration for disadvantaged students.

  • Santa Cruz

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, State residency
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Talent/ability
  • Considered: Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Test scores, GPA in required subjects most important. Personal statement very important.
4

I think they are important, esp if you are on the cusp, good ECs can put you over the fence. The key is to have many and varied ECs with leadership positions. Good Luck!