What is the significance of UC ELC?

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

We were notified our son qualifies as UC ELC for the class of 2023. I understand this means he’d be offered Merced if he doesn’t get in at a UC campus of his choice? Does it have any other admissions ramifications?

2

Definitely no ramifications…but it also won’t positively impact the application (to my knowledge). I was ELC and all it really means is that if all the UC’s you apply to reject you, Merced will offer admission if there is room.

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3

Thanks so much. So no better chance of getting into a preferred UC by being ELC designated? My son would love to go to Davis, Irvine, SD, etc… but they all feel very unpredictable these days.

4

ELC is one of the 13 areas of UC application review so a positive.

  1. Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.

  2. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements.

  3. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.

4.Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context, or ELC).

  1. Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.

  2. Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.

  3. Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas.

  4. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.

  5. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.

  6. Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student’s promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus

  7. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.

  8. 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.

  9. Location of your secondary school and residence.

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5

Thank you! So possibly helpful in that he’s already been designated as ELC and that’s a point of criteria for admissions?

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6

Yes, it can be helpful since it is part of the UC admission criteria and as noted that UC Merced is a good backup school when ELC eligible. Caveat for ELC is that UCM is only guaranteed if room is available. In the past, some popular majors were not offered to referral applicants.

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