By: Brennen Carter, M.Ed., MLS

The UC’s are one of eight schools / school systems that are not utilizing the Common App. So, as the UC schools are a huge draw for many people, we thought we’d (here at GOAT Tutors) give you some tips for the University of California Application.

1. Be Authentic, Be You

As with the Common App (and other apps)–be authentic and be you! Tell your story in your answers and responses!

2. Good Grades, Special Talents, Improvement and Progress, Competitiveness, & Special Projects are All Awesome for the App

The UC’s love talented students that are good in the fields they are in. Showcase the best of your abilities to really make your application “pop.”

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Recycle Common App Responses

The Common App and the UC App are different applications read by different sets of folks. Don’t be afraid to recycle your answers, tweaking them to answer the prompts fully and coherently.

4. Be Original but Related with Your Four PIQ’s

Use different information on the PIQ’s and don’t repeat yourself too, too much, but make sure you are telling a consistent story and a good narrative about yourself.

5. Don’t Write to One School, Don’t Be Afraid to Apply to Many of the Schools

Remember, unless you apply to one school, you shouldn’t write that you “only want to go to UCLA,” or anything along those terms. Also, don’t be afraid to apply to numerous schools, they all review applications independently, so it’s not a hurt to apply to UC Irvine and UC Davis in addition to UC Berkeley; in fact, it could also help a ton if you don’t get into your top choice(s).

*Source: University of California Admission, Brennen Carter