Tag Archives: university of california

Key Insights to the UC App Updates in 2022-2023

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The University of California (UC) application portal has been open for 2022-2023 admissions since August 1. As Insight Counselor Jenny guided our seniors step-by-step through filling out their UC apps, she discovered some important updates to the UC applications that you wouldn’t want to miss!

 

Key Insight #1: UC Berkeley Major Choices Update

In the past, UC Berkeley only allows applicants to select one major. In the 2022-2023 admissions season, you can indicate your alternate major choices on all UC campuses. This is in an effort to standardize the University of California system’s application process.

 

However, UCB will only review your alternate major as space permits. What does that mean? It means your second major choice for UC Berkeley may not be reviewed. In short, nothing has changed in the review process. If you want to study Computer Science (CS) and not Electrical Engineering/Computer Science (EECS), then you should be honest in that preference in your application. Keep in mind that CS at UCB is a pre-major, and if accepted, you will enroll in the College of Letters and Science (L&S) as undeclared. On the other hand, those admitted to EECS will spend their 4 years in the engineering program.

 

Not sure what you should do to maximize your chances? Interested in other competitive majors? Let our College Admissions expert do a 360-review of your profile and help you plan the path to your dream school!

 

Key Insight #2: UC Approved Courses in You Academic Section

This is a massive improvement! In the past, UC applicants had to visit the UC A-G Course website and check how the UC admissions office categorizes their high school classes. Now, once you enter your high school in the UC application, you should be able to find the classes offered in your high school in the academic section.

 

While this is true for many high schools across the United States, there are of course exceptions. If you cannot find your school or coursework on the UC A-G Course website, then follow your transcripts as closely as you can. Avoid any unclear abbreviations. Most importantly, make sure you satisfy the UC subject requirement.

 

Did you know? At Insight, each college application is thoroughly reviewed by multiple counselors. We don’t just check your academic records, activities, and essays. Our team carefully examines your personal information and your major choices to make sure your application is complete!

Key Insight #3: UCSD’s New Eighth College

For those who are applying to UCSD, you should know to rank the colleges you want to be at. These are usually not related to your major (though it can be), but the community you want to be a part of. At Insight, our counselors guide their seniors to carefully rank these colleges to maximize the overlapping of required coursework and personal interests. This year, San Diego has a new college – the Eighth College.

 

The Eighth College’s theme is “engagement and community.” The Eighth students will be taking more writing-intensive courses which focus on community, critical engagement, and structural racism.

 

This begs the question: will you be more likely to get accepted into UCSD this year if you rank the Eighth College as number one? Sadly, no. You will only be placed in one of the UCSD colleges AFTER you are accepted. We know we say this a lot at Insight; it is important to be true to yourself and be authentic on your application. Rank the colleges where you can see yourself thriving in the next four years!

 

Concluding Thoughts:

The UC made many changes in the past couple of years, and the historically low acceptance rates of some UC campuses may be daunting. If you are a high school senior right now, take a deep breath and understand this: while you cannot change your past, you have the power to do your best in the present. Focus on what is important right now. Fill out the UC application carefully and accurately. Continue to do your best in your classes. Brainstorm and revise those Personal Insight Questions and personal statements. And should you need any guidance on major choices, college essays, or comprehensive application review, all of us at Team Insight are happy to help you!

 

Help! I Got A D – Can I Still Go To A UC?

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We have been asked the question “If I get a D grade in Freshman year, does that mean I can’t go to a UC?” 

 

Here’s the good news: YOU CAN STILL GO TO A UC!! So exhale, take your hand off the panic button and let that sink in.

 

(Prefer a video instead? Check out our Senior College Admissions Counselor Zach’s advice HERE)

Help I got a D Can I still go to a UC

But before we talk about how to fix the D, I want you to dig deep and ask yourself why you got a D in the first place, especially if this is in freshman year. School only gets harder, and it’s only going to get harder in college.

 

Perhaps you took a class that was way too hard for you in the first place, which is a common reason why someone might get a D. If that’s not why you got the D, then you really need to consider the behaviors and influences in your life may have led to this outcome. WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO CHANGE??? These are deep questions, but important ones to consider so that you can be sure not to repeat the same mistake again. 

 

Ok, so let’s assume you answered those deep existential questions, how do you “fix” the D? Now, know that you DO need to retake the class. A D is NOT considered a passing grade to colleges. This is a little confusing because sometimes my students will hear that either the class is not required for college and they, therefore, do not need to retake it, or that D is considered a “passing” grade.

 

For your high school, a D is passing. You can graduate with Ds, but you cannot go to college with Ds. Colleges will give you ZERO credit for the class, just like you got an F. This is true no matter what the class is, even if it is not a required class. 

 

Insight counselor Jenny H reflected on her studying for the ACT test prep

You need to find a way to retake the class either over the summer or online or by repeating the class in school. Ideally, you want to take the EXACT same class to be sure that colleges will consider this class an adequate replacement for the class you failed. Be sure to verify in writing with a counselor at your school to confirm that the class you are signing up for will qualify as a replacement. 

 

On your college applications, you will have space to address this grade and discuss what you learned from it and how this experience made you a better student. Which is WHY you cannot skip asking yourself those deep questions of why you got the D in the first place. Retaking the class shows colleges that you care about learning and that you’re trying to fix your mistake, and discussing what you learned from the experience is a very important message to address in your college apps. 

 

All the best,

Team Insight