If you want to be educated in the heart where knowledge is created --medical discoveries that cure diseases, inventions that revolutionize how cars are powered and food is grown, new
technologies that push the boundaries of the media and music --then UC is for you. On campus, you'll learn from men and women famous for reshaping how the world works and thinks. The point of a UC education isn't to just earn a degree; it's to do something amazing with it. You can apply online to any of the UC's through the Admissions website.
UC freshmen come from all over California and throughout the world, from every culture and ethnicity and from across the economic spectrum. Every year, they arrive on our campuses nearly 40,000 strong — ready for challenge and discovery.
So, who do we consider to be a prospective freshman? You're a freshman applicant if you're currently in high school or have graduated from high school, but not enrolled in a regular session at a college or university after high school graduation.
While we recognize that each student is unique, with different strengths and life experiences, all prospective freshmen need to display academic rigor and meet the same minimum requirements to be considered for admission.
Click on the school name you're interested in to learn more information and obtain resources:
UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley became a catalyst of economic growth and social innovation--the place where vitamin E was discovered, a lost Scarlatti opera found, the flu virus identified, and the nation's first no-fault divorce law drafted. Scholars at Berkeley have conducted groundbreaking research on urban street gangs and on basic human nutritional requirements, identified why wartime supply ships were failing at sea, invented technologies to build faster and cheaper computer chips, and imaged the infant universe.
UC Berkeley became a catalyst of economic growth and social innovation--the place where vitamin E was discovered, a lost Scarlatti opera found, the flu virus identified, and the nation's first no-fault divorce law drafted. Scholars at Berkeley have conducted groundbreaking research on urban street gangs and on basic human nutritional requirements, identified why wartime supply ships were failing at sea, invented technologies to build faster and cheaper computer chips, and imaged the infant universe. In recognition of broad and deep excellence, respected sources have repeatedly ranked UC Berkeley at or nearthe top in fields ranging from engineering and the "hard" sciences to the social sciences, arts, and 
humanities. Case in point: A National Research Council ranked graduated programs in the the country. It ranked doctoral programs within a range (such as between 1st and 5th) and found that 48 out of 52 Berkeley programs assessed ranked within the top 10 nationally.
humanities. Case in point: A National Research Council ranked graduated programs in the the country. It ranked doctoral programs within a range (such as between 1st and 5th) and found that 48 out of 52 Berkeley programs assessed ranked within the top 10 nationally.In accordance with UC's "public" character, the university has long served talented individuals regardless of means. As early as 1897, financial aid was available for the "needy and deserving" students. More than a century later, UC Berkeley combines outstanding teaching and research programs with broad access for students of all means --educating more federal Pell Grant recipients from low-income families than all eight Ivy League universities combined. Close to 30 % of UC Berkeley freshmen are the first in their families to attend college.
UC Davis
One of the top public research universities in the world, UC Davis offers undergraduates a challenging
education and unmatched research and internship opportunities in every academic discipline. You will become part of an active, diverse student community on a beautiful campus immersed in the arts.
education and unmatched research and internship opportunities in every academic discipline. You will become part of an active, diverse student community on a beautiful campus immersed in the arts.UC Davis students bring to the campus their inspiration, energy, curiosity and a commitment to excellence. Combined with our top-ranked academics, global leadership and unparalleled research opportunities, undergraduates are prepared for any post-baccalaureate choices, whether in the workforce, graduate studies or professional school.
Davis is a vibrant college town of about 68,000 located in the heart of beautiful Northern California. The state capital is 15 minutes away, and world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and the Napa Valley are within a two-hour drive. A Mediterranean climate with dry summers, mild winters and about 265 days of sunshine annually means our students are active and outdoors much of the year.
The student-friendly, student-focused atmosphere that makes UC Davis one of the top 10 happiest college campuses in the United States (Newsweek and The Daily Beast College Rankings, 2011) extends to the surrounding city of Davis as well. So it's no surprise that most students live in Davis, and make up nearly half the population. Davis is known as a progressive, environmentally-conscious city. Long recognized as a pioneer in urban planning, Davis is designed to be accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists, and growth limitations have preserved much of the surrounding area as open space. The city has more than 100 miles of bike paths and lanes, and is home to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. UC Davis West Village, which includes student, faculty and staff housing, a recreation center, village square and the Sacramento City College Davis Center, is the largest planned zero net energy community in the United States. Extensive recycling and waste reduction programs demonstrate Davis' commitment to conserving our environment.
The student-friendly, student-focused atmosphere that makes UC Davis one of the top 10 happiest college campuses in the United States (Newsweek and The Daily Beast College Rankings, 2011) extends to the surrounding city of Davis as well. So it's no surprise that most students live in Davis, and make up nearly half the population. Davis is known as a progressive, environmentally-conscious city. Long recognized as a pioneer in urban planning, Davis is designed to be accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists, and growth limitations have preserved much of the surrounding area as open space. The city has more than 100 miles of bike paths and lanes, and is home to the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. UC Davis West Village, which includes student, faculty and staff housing, a recreation center, village square and the Sacramento City College Davis Center, is the largest planned zero net energy community in the United States. Extensive recycling and waste reduction programs demonstrate Davis' commitment to conserving our environment.UC Irvine
With more than 600 student clubs and organizations, UCI is a hub of energy. Whether your interests are academic, environmental, multicultural, political, recreational, religious, service, social, athletic, or in Greek fraternities or sororities — get involved in one or more clubs, make new friends and have fun. Campus Recreation provides UCI students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to enhance their campus experience by developing and maintaining a physically active lifestyle through fitness and wellness, outdoor adventures, club sports, intramural sports, and activity classes.
The average class size is 31 students. The number of courses with fewer than 30 students is 71%, and 79% with fewer than 50 students. The student/faculty ratio is approximately 19:1. The transition to college life is made simple by the welcoming feel of UCI’s campus. The circular layout of our campus reflects the peaceful unity within our diverse community.
UC Los Angeles
With more than 5,000 courses in 109 academic departments, UCLA offers 125 majors to help you define your academic path. And 70 percent of our undergraduate classes have 30 or fewer students, maximizing your personal engagement with their internationally renowned faculty.The faculty includes Nobel Prize winners, Fulbright Scholars and a Fields Medal recipient.
UCLA's academic requirements are among the most rigorous in the nation. But once students arrive, they have the full force of resources behind them. There are countless opportunities for research, fellowships and internships and for connecting with major players in almost any field. Whether you want to change a life, a generation or the whole world, imagine what you can do with the resources only UCLA can provide.
UCLA provides a reach and scope of academic experience that has a reputation for producing world-
renowned, highly influential, game-changing graduates. They are politicians and Academy Award-winning directors. Olympic gold medalists and Nobel Prize winners. Doctors, scientists, researchers and social activists who aren't just saving lives—they're changing life as we know it. What are you looking for in a university? Are you hoping to just learn or make an impact? Would you like to leave with a degree or a career? At UCLA we're looking for more than straight-A students. You might also be in your high school's jazz band and the starting point guard on the basketball team. Or perhaps you're the senior class president and coordinator of a local charity organization. Ideally, you are all these things and more. And your rich experience brings the type of perspective and leadership we value at UCLA. So check out the links below to help you get started!
UCLA provides a reach and scope of academic experience that has a reputation for producing world-
renowned, highly influential, game-changing graduates. They are politicians and Academy Award-winning directors. Olympic gold medalists and Nobel Prize winners. Doctors, scientists, researchers and social activists who aren't just saving lives—they're changing life as we know it. What are you looking for in a university? Are you hoping to just learn or make an impact? Would you like to leave with a degree or a career? At UCLA we're looking for more than straight-A students. You might also be in your high school's jazz band and the starting point guard on the basketball team. Or perhaps you're the senior class president and coordinator of a local charity organization. Ideally, you are all these things and more. And your rich experience brings the type of perspective and leadership we value at UCLA. So check out the links below to help you get started!UC Merced
The mission of the University of California, Merced, is embodied in its proud claim of being the first American
research university of the twenty-first century. Opening in 2005 as the 10th campus of the University of California, UC Merced continually strives for excellence in carrying out the university's mission of teaching, resarch and services, benefiting society through discovering and transmitting new knowledge and functioning as an active repository of organized knowledge. As a key tenet in carrying out this mission, UC Merced promotes and celebrates the diveresity of all members of its community.
As of fall 2013, UC Merced has more than 6,200 undergraduate and graduate students that make up the Bobcat community. They are some of the best and brightest students from around the country, and are integral to the university's mission of education, research and public service.
Since 2005, UC Merced's students have formed almost 200 clubs and organizations, written their own constitution and created a thriving governing body. They participate in research across the campus, serve internships at companies, nonprofits and in government, study abroad, contribute to the local community through outreach projects and pride themselves in having helped build the foundations of this campus.
The mission of the University of California, Merced, is embodied in its proud claim of being the first American
As of fall 2013, UC Merced has more than 6,200 undergraduate and graduate students that make up the Bobcat community. They are some of the best and brightest students from around the country, and are integral to the university's mission of education, research and public service.
Since 2005, UC Merced's students have formed almost 200 clubs and organizations, written their own constitution and created a thriving governing body. They participate in research across the campus, serve internships at companies, nonprofits and in government, study abroad, contribute to the local community through outreach projects and pride themselves in having helped build the foundations of this campus.
UC Riverside
Located on nearly 1,200 acres near Box Springs Mountain in Southern California, the park-like campus provides convenient access to the vibrant and growing inland region. The campus is a living laboratory for the exploration of issues critical to growing communities--air, water, energy, transportation, politics, the arts, history, culture and healthcare. UCR gives every student the resources to explore, engage, imagine and excel. The University of California, Riverside offers: 107 bachelor degree programs, 56 master's degree programs, 47 Ph.D. programs and 10 California teaching and administrative credential programs (through GSOE).As a university, we help educate students to reach their potential and goals. As the only public research university in Inland Southern California, UCR is on the leading edge of pioneering research that affects the
Head of Southern California’s Inland Empire, UCR is close to a variety of beaches, mountains, and deserts.
The campus is about an hour from Los Angeles, Hollywood, Disneyland, Palm Springs, legendary Southern California beaches, and The Getty Museum. As a highly respected national research university, UCR provides incredible research opportunities to undergraduates as well as graduate students
The campus is about an hour from Los Angeles, Hollywood, Disneyland, Palm Springs, legendary Southern California beaches, and The Getty Museum. As a highly respected national research university, UCR provides incredible research opportunities to undergraduates as well as graduate students
UC San Diego
UC San Diego ranks #1 in the nation for positive impact on the country. UC San Diego is the 8th best public 
university in the nation, and 15th among national universities in the category of "Up and Coming Schools," according to U.S. News and World Report.
university in the nation, and 15th among national universities in the category of "Up and Coming Schools," according to U.S. News and World Report.UC San Diego’s rich academic portfolio includes six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions and five graduate and professional schools. The university’s award-winning scholars are experts at the forefront of their fields with an impressive track record for achieving scientific, medical and technological breakthroughs.
UC San Diego is unique among other UC campuses—our university offers undergraduates the “small college” concept patterned after those at Cambridge and Oxford universities. Each of the six undergraduate colleges has its own residence halls, student services, traditions and even graduation ceremonies. While the undergraduates remain part of one university, they also develop a sense of identity within the smaller family of their chosen college.
UC San Francisco
The leading university exclusively focused on health, UC San Francisco is driven by the idea that when the best research, the best education and the best patient care converge, great breakthroughs are achieved. The four professional schools and Graduate Division all rank among the nation's most prestigious advanced study programs in the health sciences, and their academic missions reflect UCSF's innovative spirit by emphasizing health care advocacy, pioneering patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. UC San Francisco (UCSF) is among the nation's premier academic health centers at the forefront of educating health professionals in dentistry, medicine, nursing and pharmacy and the Graduate Division. It consistently ranks among the top programs nationwide and attracts the world's finest students. UCSF is unique in that it only offers graduate degrees (meaning it does not have an undergraduate student population).
UC Santa Barbara
UCSB is located near beautiful Santa Barbara, California, a city of over 88,000 residents located between the 
Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara is often described as the "American Riviera" because of its Mediterranean climate, which provides the city with dry, warm summers and mild winters. The climate and location make Santa Barbara ideal for outdoor recreation including surfing, hiking, kayaking, golfing, swimming, biking, running and more.
Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Barbara is often described as the "American Riviera" because of its Mediterranean climate, which provides the city with dry, warm summers and mild winters. The climate and location make Santa Barbara ideal for outdoor recreation including surfing, hiking, kayaking, golfing, swimming, biking, running and more.UCSB is a leading research institution that provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. As a campus of the University of California, the country’s premier public university, UCSB is internationally distinguished for its outstanding
academic programs. This reputation draws top students from across the United States and from 76 countries worldwide. When students graduate from UCSB, they are armed with a degree that opens doors.
Our academic community of faculty, students and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. Over half of all graduating seniors collaborate with faculty members on original research or creative projects.
UC Santa Cruz
UCSC is a world-class research and teaching university featuring interdisciplinary learning and a distinctive residential college system. From building more efficient solar cells to developing an artificial retina to restore sight, UC Santa Cruz's focus is on improving our planet and the lives of all its inhabitants. Within our extraordinary educational community, students, faculty, and staff create new knowledge, new technologies, and new ways of expressing and understanding cultures.A campus with world-class facilities and one of the most visually spectacular settings in higher education, UC Santa Cruz provides unparalleled opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experience. A commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement are also central to UCSC's core values.
Undergraduates pursue course work in 65 majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences. Graduate students work toward master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates in 39 academic fields. UCSC people, including about 88,000 alumni, are leaders in virtually every field; and the campus is highly regarded for the positive impact it has on society.
Undergraduates pursue course work in 65 majors in the arts, engineering, humanities, physical and biological sciences, and social sciences. Graduate students work toward master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and graduate certificates in 39 academic fields. UCSC people, including about 88,000 alumni, are leaders in virtually every field; and the campus is highly regarded for the positive impact it has on society.
Reputation for Excellence
In its 45 years, UC Santa Cruz has earned national and international recognition for quality research and world-class teaching. Faculty include two of the University of California’s honored University Professors, 24 members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, 14 members of the National Academy of Sciences, and 33 members of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
