UC Admission Requirements
The University of California is one of the world’s leading public research universities and among one of the most coveted universities in the United States. Today, we’ll be taking a look at the basic requirements for admission.
To meet minimum admission requirements, you must complete 15 yearlong high school courses with a letter grade of C or better — at least 11 of them prior to your last year of high school.
Keep in mind that taking approved high school (A-G) courses isn’t the only way to satisfy these requirements. You may also meet them by completing college courses or earning certain scores on SAT, Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exams.
A) History
UC-approved high school courses
Two years of history, including:
- one year of world or European history, cultures and geography (may be a single yearlong course or two one-semester courses), and
- one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government
B) English
UC-approved high school courses
Four years of college-preparatory English that include frequent writing, from brainstorming to final paper, as well as reading of classic and modern literature. No more than one year of ESL-type courses can be used to meet this requirement.
C) Mathematics
UC-approved high school courses
Three years of college-preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two – and three -dimensional geometry. A geometry course or an integrated math course with a sufficient amount of geometry content must be completed. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
D) Laboratory science
UC-approved high school courses
Two years of college-preparatory laboratory science, including or integrating topics that provide fundamental knowledge in two of these three subjects: biology, chemistry, or physics. One year of approved interdisciplinary or earth and space sciences coursework can meet one year of the requirement. Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science courses can be used in area D as an additional laboratory science (i.e., third year and beyond).
E) Language other than English
UC-approved high school courses
Two years, or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction, of the same language other than English are required. (Three years/3rd level of high school instruction recommended). Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, composition and culture. American Sign Language and classical languages, such as Latin and Greek, are acceptable. Courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement if the high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
F) Visual and performing arts
UC-approved high school courses
One yearlong course of visual and performing arts chosen from the following disciplines: dance, drama/theater, music, interdisciplinary arts or visual art — or two one-semester courses from the same discipline is also acceptable.
G) College-preparatory elective
UC-approved high school courses
One year (two semesters), in addition to those required in “A-F” above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the “E” requirement or two years of another language)