Applying for Admission

The University of California prefers that you use the online application. It's faster and more accurate than a paper-based application. For help with the online application, you can take a guided tour to get you started.

UC gives first consideration to students who apply during the filing periods listed below:

Application Filing Periods

Berkeley
Fall Semester 2008: November 1-30, 2007

Merced
Fall Semester 2008: November 1-30, 2007
Spring Semester 2009: July 1-31, 2008

All Other Campuses
Fall Quarter 2008: November 1-30, 2007
Winter Quarter 2009: July 1-31, 2008
Spring Quarter 2009: October 1-31, 2008

Applications are accepted after these periods only if space is available. Most campuses stop accepting applications at the end of the filing period or shortly thereafter.

A more complete list of dates and deadlines is available here.

Most majors and programs are open to new students in the fall term. There are fewer openings in the winter and spring terms. Check with the campus Admissions Office if you are considering applying for a term other than fall. Information about which campuses and programs are accepting applications is available here.

You may apply to one or more of UC's nine undergraduate campuses using a single application. Your application will be sent to the campuses you designate and it will be considered simultaneously by each one. You may apply to different majors at different campuses. Submit only one application per term, and indicate all campus choices on it. Submitting multiple applications will result in a serious processing delay.

Not every student can be admitted to his or her first-choice campus. Applying broadly can significantly increase your chances of being admitted.

For students who do not have easy online access, a printable application and an instruction booklet is available to download here.

Fact: The University of California received more than 110,000 applications during the fall 2006 filing period and more than 99 percent of those were done online.

What to Send

Send only the original application form, fees, and personal statement. Do not include letters of recommendation, transcripts, test score reports, or other supporting documentation such as awards, photographs, poetry, etc.

International Applicants

Special information for international applicants is available here.