The UC California system recently officially updated the freshman/transfer application data for the Fall 2026 application cycle.
This is UC's third admissions cycle since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in June 2023. The application numbers for Fall 2026 saw a slight increase, with the UC system receiving a total of 251,907 applications, a 0.6% increase from last year.
Source: UC
Of the over 250,000 applications, in-state students held an absolute majority, accounting for 63% of freshmen and 88% of transfer students, basically unchanged from last year.
International students comprised about 16% of freshman applications, nearly flat from last year, and about 9% of transfer applications, a slight decrease from last year.
Now let’s follow CheersYou（清柚教育） to check out the latest freshman/transfer application status at the nine UC campuses!
UC Freshman / Transfer Application Status
For Fall 2026, the UC system received a record-breaking 251,907 applications. Of these, 205,431 were freshman applicants and 46,476 were transfer applicants.
Source: UC
The rise in applicants this year was mainly driven by transfer students, up 4% from last year, while freshman applicants remained almost the same, increasing by only 273.
Among the nine campuses, UCLA was the most applied-to, receiving 177,317 freshman and transfer applications. It was followed by UCSD (168,066), UCB (159,344), and UCI (153,025).
For transfer applications, California community colleges remained the primary source, representing a high 82%. California residents also made up the majority at 88%, with international students at only 9%.
Source: UC
For international students, UCSD was the top choice for freshman applications this year among the nine campuses, with 25,480 applications; UCLA had the most international transfer applicants.
Overall International Freshman Application Figures:
|
UC Campus |
Intl. Freshman Applicants |
Intl. Freshman Share |
|
UCD |
21,024 |
20% |
|
UCB |
25,220 |
18.9% |
|
UCSD |
25,480 |
18% |
|
UCSB |
19,026 |
17.5% |
|
UCI |
21,908 |
17.4% |
|
UCLA |
24,718 |
16.9% |
Amid increasingly fierce UC application competition, whether applying as a freshman or transfer student, it is recommended to start planning at least two years in advance. Effective use of resources is key to securing a satisfactory admission.
What Kind of Students Does UC Look For?
Using freshman applicants as an example, the UC admissions office clearly states on its website that each application is reviewed based on 13 criteria, not just GPA.
The university evaluates applicants’ academic performance holistically, considering both the opportunities and resources available to the student and the abilities they have demonstrated.
Below are the 13 criteria from UC Admission:
Source: UC Admission
1. Average grade in completed A-G courses, i.e., GPA
2. Number and rigor of courses beyond the A-G requirements
3. UC-approved honors, advanced placement, International Baccalaureate higher-level courses, etc.
4. Rank in the top 9% of the class by the end of junior year of high school
5. Planned senior-year coursework and its rigor
6. Relationship between your academic performance and the educational opportunities available at your high school
7. Outstanding performance in one or more specific subject areas
8. Exceptional achievement in a particular academic field
9. Recent, marked academic improvement or progress
10. Special talents, achievements, and awards in a specific area
11. Completion of special projects or activities at your high school
12. Ability to overcome challenges based on life experiences and special circumstances
13. Location and environment of your school
GPA and High School Courses
In the UC application portal, applicants must enter grades from grades 9–11 and their planned senior-year schedule. High school academic performance is one of the most important factors in UC admissions.
UC admissions officers look at trends, fluctuations, and course rigor throughout high school. They want to see students challenge themselves academically, demonstrating a spirit of inquiry and initiative. Within one’s ability, tackling moderately difficult courses and earning good grades is a significant plus.
Extracurricular Activities
To stay competitive in UC applications, rich extracurricular involvement is indispensable alongside academic strength.
Admissions officers use activities to assess talents and achievements in specific areas. Quality, not quantity, matters—they focus on what you did and the leadership, creativity, responsibility, and impact you demonstrated.
Additionally, UC considers family background, educational resources, and other factors when evaluating disparities in activities. Admissions officers don’t simply compare “who did more” but apply a “contextual review” to assess initiative and growth potential under given conditions. This contextual evaluation is a key principle for fair admissions at UC.
Personal Insight Questions
Essays are critical materials for U.S. university applications, offering a key opportunity to showcase your personal identity. To apply to UC, students need not only strong backgrounds but also personal insight questions that vividly portray a multi-dimensional self.
Through these essays, admissions officers ultimately seek students who demonstrate curiosity, initiative, resilience, and leadership, expecting them to make meaningful contributions to the campus and society.
UC System: 8-choose-4 Essay Prompts
With UC eliminating SAT/ACT scores, greater weight is placed on high school academic achievements and the presentation of comprehensive background abilities, including GPA, course load/rigor, activities, essays, and other materials.
Furthermore, UC campuses review applications independently without considering admissions decisions at other campuses. Application materials must be prepared meticulously and comprehensively.
The review mechanism for transfer students differs slightly from freshmen. UC values overall ability for freshmen, while for transfers, it focuses more on major-specific preparedness.
As an international student, only early planning, early preparation, and improving your own abilities can keep you “invincible” during application season.
We suggest you quickly understand your strengths and improve your weaknesses to be fully prepared. Maintain your GPA, enrich your experiences, and enhance your materials to maximize your chances of entering your dream school.
