Undergraduate First-Year Admissions

We're excited that you're considering »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ University of California! We are here to guide you, answer your questions and prepare you for the beginning of your »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ story. Let's get started. 

A group of students walking outside on the »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ University of California campus.

Start Your Journey Here

The first-year admission process includes the evaluation of several factors, including academics, leadership both inside and outside the classroom, recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader, and your personal essay. 

Admissions Events & Tours   

Marin Advantage Program (MAP)

At »¨¶ùÖ±²¥, we're committed to educational equity in Marin County and supporting students who thrive in our unique learning environment. Designed as a guide to higher education and success, the program is specifically for students from select Marin-based institutions, community organizations, and/or partner agencies affiliated with the University. Learn More »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ MAP.
 

Apply to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥

Apply to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ in five easy steps. See Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

  1. Write your personal essay. (Please see guidance in the FAQ.)
  2. Complete and submit your application. It's free!
  3. Submit your transcripts. Find complete instructions on how to submit your transcripts to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ here.
  4. Decide whether to submit your test scores. Please note — while »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ is test optional for most, homeschooled students are required to submit SAT or ACT test scores. International students who need to demonstrate English proficiency should check our International Admissions page.  
  5. Decide whether to submit a letter of recommendation. Please note — for most students, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or community leader is optional. Only nursing majors are required to submit letters of recommendation.

Ready to begin? You have two choices: 

Application and Aid Deadlines

»¨¶ùÖ±²¥ has a rolling admissions policy, which means we evaluate applications as they are received until we’ve filled all the slots for our incoming class. If an application deadline falls on a weekend and/or holiday, applications will be accepted through the end of the next business day.

Fall Priority February 1
Spring Priority December 1

Nursing application deadlines are final. For priority consideration, please have a completed application by the deadline. Our nursing program is competitive and admission is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Fall Deadline February 1

All students are encouraged to fill out the as the first step towards receiving need-based financial aid from the University. 

Deadline: The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. To qualify for a for fall 2024, the FAFSA must be submitted by April 2. 

Cal Grant Deadline
Fall 2024
April 2

To learn more about scholarships and financial aid at »¨¶ùÖ±²¥, visit our Tuition and Financial Aid page

After Applying

Thank you for applying to »¨¶ùÖ±²¥! We look forward to reviewing your application. Please log in to the to confirm we’ve received all required documents, view information about virtual events and appointments, and connect with us on social media. 

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Admissions Events And Tours

You may virtually visit our campus, or meet with an Admissions or Financial Aid Counselor online.

Connect with Us
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»¨¶ùÖ±²¥ is Test Optional

As a first-year student, it's up to you whether you share your standardized test results with us. »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ takes into consideration your grades, rigor of your high school curriculum (including AP and honors classes), and involvement with extracurricular activities when considering your application.

Learn More »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Test Optional
Group of students sitting on the steps outside Magnolia House on the »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ campus.

Student Ambassadors

Our team of student ambassadors are here to help you throughout your admissions journey.

Meet our Ambassadors
Magnolia House, Office of Undergraduate Admissions at »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ University of California

Tuition and Financial Aid

A degree from a private university like »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ University of California is more accessible than you might think. We’re here to help you and your family discover the possibilities.

LEARN MORE »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Tuition and Aid

The »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Difference

What makes »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ stand out? Our students, our outcomes, our education and more.

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99%

Receive Aid

First-year undergraduate students receiving aid.

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71%

Diversity

Undergraduate students who identify as ethnically diverse.

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1/3

Ranked Nationally

Ranked in the top one-third by Wall Street Journal for delivering outcomes and quality education.

The »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Experience

Experience Personal Growth Experience Accomplishment Experience Connectedness Experience Readiness

Everything you do at »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ contributes to your personal and professional goals. That's because our innovative »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Experience is rooted in proven educational methods. What will your »¨¶ùÖ±²¥ Experience look like? 

Meet our Team

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Zaya Erdenebaatar

Executive Director of Operations and Undergraduate Admissions
Julissa Ramirez headshot

Julissa Ramirez-Romo

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions
antonia pettit

Antonia Pettit

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions
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Breegan Arnett, MM

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Barowsky School of Business
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Maddie Larson

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
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Carlos Rodriguez

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor
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Andrew Salas

Undergraduate Admissions Counselor

Admissions And Aid Blogs