The University of California has released a collection of resources aimed at assisting prospective students with their UC application process. The guidance covers topics such as completing the application, selecting a major, understanding financial aid options, and exploring post-graduation outcomes.
UC admissions staff provide direct advice on what is most important in the application. They address common questions about how undergraduate applications are evaluated and offer tips for shaping personal narratives, especially regarding the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). For additional support, applicants can view YouTube videos from the UC Santa Barbara admissions team that break down the PIQs and offer advice applicable to all nine campuses.
For those interested in specific majors or academic disciplines, an online data dashboard provides information on how many first-year students apply to and are admitted at each campus by discipline. This resource helps applicants understand the competitiveness of different fields. Students considering transferring to UC can find centralized information and planning tools through an online transfer hub.
According to recent data, more than 77 percent of California applicants were offered admission for fall 2025 across UC’s nine campuses. The university offers over 300 majors among its undergraduate programs. Tools are available to help students connect their interests with potential fields of study and learn about career outcomes associated with various majors.
Financial aid remains a key focus for UC. Nearly 70 percent of undergraduates receive gift aid that does not need repayment, and more than half of California undergraduates receive enough aid to cover all systemwide tuition and fees. Transfer students also benefit significantly; over half pay no tuition due to available financial assistance programs.
Alumni outcomes show that 67% of UC graduates enter the workforce without student debt. Data indicate that UC degrees lead to careers in high-growth industries such as biotechnology, computing, engineering, finance, education, health care, and entertainment—sectors central to California’s economy.
Students also have opportunities for hands-on learning through experiential programs across all campuses. These experiences allow them to connect classroom knowledge with real-world work in various fields.
Personal stories from alumni like Miguel Tamayo and Alexis Acosta highlight how financial aid enabled them to attend UC without incurring significant debt or worrying about fitting in after transferring from community college.
“Receiving financial aid made me realize that going to college was totally doable.” Alumni and current students share their journeys in short video features provided by the university.
A range of unique classes, clubs, and programs await undergraduates at each campus as part of the broader UC experience.
