Recently, the UC Admission website updated the application data for the 2022-2023 cycle for freshmen and transfer students.
This year, the University of California received a total of 245,768 applications, down 2.2% from last year's 251,179.
Undergraduate applications numbered 206,405, down 2.1% from last year; transfer applications were 39,424, down 2.4%; and international applications were 39,363, down 6.3%. Overall, there was a decline across all categories.
After announcing the elimination of SAT/ACT requirements in 2020, UC application numbers had been rising sharply each year.
Though applications have dipped this year, as a public university system with limited resources and increasingly stringent admission criteria, the acceptance rate is expected to remain challenging.
UC has not yet released admission data; CheersYou（清柚教育） will keep following this closely.
Let's take a look at the latest application trends at the nine UC campuses through this year's data.
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UC Freshman / Transfer Application Overview
UC Freshman Application Data
Here are the undergraduate freshman application numbers for all UC campuses over the three years from 2021 to 2023:
Compared to 2022, for the 2023 cycle, except for UCI, UCR, and UCSC which saw increases, all other campuses experienced declines.
Specifically, UC Berkeley (UCB) saw 2,318 fewer applicants than in 2022, with international applicants down by 1,281.
UCLA's total applicants dropped by 3,897, but international applicants increased by 858.
UC San Diego (UCSD) saw a decrease of 396 total applicants, including 1,151 fewer international applicants.
UC Irvine (UCI) had 1,909 more applicants overall, but international applicants decreased by 1,539.
UC Transfer Application Data
Here are the transfer application numbers for all UC campuses from 2021 to 2023:
UC Berkeley (UCB) had a similar number of applicants as in 2022, with only 81 fewer international applicants. Interest in UCB remains strong among both international and domestic students.
UCLA saw 953 fewer total applicants and 171 fewer international applicants compared to 2022.
UC San Diego (UCSD) had an increase of 260 total applicants, but international applicants decreased by 208. The decline was mainly in the international pool.
Due to California state policies, UC admissions are now more heavily favoring in-state residents, while previously preferred international students are increasingly being squeezed out. This has caused some out-of-state and international applicants to lose confidence, with some even giving up on applying to UC's top campuses, contributing to the overall decline.
Although application numbers dropped, third-party data suggests the admissions outlook is still grim. We await the official final admissions data for UC's Fall 2023 from the university.
What Kind of Students Does UC Want?
UC admissions officers clearly state on their website that they evaluate each application based on 13 criteria, not just GPA.
The university takes a holistic approach to academic assessment, considering the resources and opportunities available to students along with their demonstrated abilities.
Here are the 13 evaluation criteria from UC Admissions:
1. Average grades in completed A-G courses, i.e., GPA
2. Number and rigor of courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements
3. UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level courses, etc.
4. Being in the top 9% of the class by the end of junior year
5. 12th-grade course plan and rigor
6. The relationship between your academic performance and the educational opportunities available at your high school
7. Outstanding academic performance in specific subject areas
8. Special academic achievements
9. Significant recent improvement or progress in academics
10. Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular area
11. Completion of special projects or activities within the high school
12. Ability to overcome challenges based on life experiences and special circumstances
13. The location and environment of your school
GPA and High School Courses
In the UC application system, applicants must enter grades from 9th to 11th grade as well as their 12th-grade course plan. High school academic performance is one of the most important factors for UC admissions.
UC admissions officers look at the overall trend and fluctuations in a student's GPA, as well as the difficulty of courses taken. They want to see students challenge themselves with rigorous coursework, demonstrating intellectual growth and initiative. Within reason, tackling more challenging courses and earning good grades can be a strong plus.
Extracurricular Activities
To remain strongly competitive in UC applications, in addition to academic strength, rich extracurricular activities are essential.
Admissions officers use extracurriculars to assess talents and achievements in specific areas. It's not about quantity; they care more about what you've done and the leadership, creativity, responsibility, and impact you've demonstrated.
Personal Statements
Essays are crucial in U.S. college applications—they are the key opportunity to showcase your personal qualities. For UC, students need not only solid qualifications but also well-crafted personal insights that present a multidimensional self.
Through essays, admissions officers often admit students who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, initiative, resilience, and leadership—qualities they hope will contribute to the campus community and society.
Overall, with the elimination of SAT/ACT scores, UC now places greater emphasis on students' high school academic achievements and holistic profile presentation, including GPA, number and rigor of courses, extracurricular activities, essays, and other application materials.
Moreover, each UC campus evaluates applications independently; they do not consider whether a student is accepted elsewhere. Therefore, applicants must be meticulous and comprehensive in preparing their materials.
The review process for transfer students differs slightly. For freshmen, UC looks at overall ability, while for transfer students, greater emphasis is placed on major-specific qualifications.
It is now a given that the UC system will become even harder to get into.
As a public university, many of UC's decisions are influenced by the local political climate—an unavoidable reality.
As international students, early planning, early preparation, and self-improvement are the only ways to stay ahead in the admissions season.
We recommend that you assess your strengths and address weaknesses as soon as possible, preparing thoroughly for undergraduate applications. Maintain a strong GPA, achieve high standardized test scores (if applicable), and enrich your experiences to maximize your chances of getting into your dream school.
