UC System Overview
The University of California (UC) system is composed of 10 campuses, with UC Berkeley as its founding institution. The UC system stands out as a highly ranked group of public universities—unlike many other top U.S. institutions, which are mostly private.
UC Campus Rankings (QS 2022)
| Campus | World Ranking |
|---|---|
| UC Berkeley | 32 |
| UCLA | 40 |
| UC San Diego | 48 |
| UC Santa Barbara | 146 |
| UC Davis | 138 |
| UC Irvine | 232 |
| UC Santa Cruz | 347 |
| UC Riverside | 403 |
| UC Merced | 847 |
| UC San Francisco | 1001-1200 |
Test-Optional Policy Announcement
- Since 2021, the UC system does not consider SAT/ACT scores for admission or scholarship decisions.
- Official Policy:
"UC will not consider SAT or ACT test scores when making admissions decisions or awarding scholarships. If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll."
- Submitting SAT/ACT scores is optional and, if submitted, may be used for placement purposes only after admission.
What This Means for Applicants
UC campuses now focus more on:
- Academic Performance: High school GPA and course rigor
- Extracurricular Activities: Clubs, volunteer work, sports, leadership roles
- Personal Insight Questions (PIQs): Essays highlighting your unique experiences and achievements
- Research, Internships, Projects: Demonstrated commitment to academic and professional growth
This holistic review process ensures that applicants are evaluated on a comprehensive set of criteria, not just standardized test scores.
