When campuses have more qualified applicants than they can admit, they apply standards that are more demanding than the minimum requirements.

Using a process called comprehensive review, campuses consider multiple factors beyond courses and grades to assess each student’s achievements - both in and beyond the classroom -  in light of the opportunities available to them. Comprehensive review helps campuses identify students who demonstrate the capacity to contribute to the intellectual life and community of the university.

UC faculty developed a number of factors to guide the campuses in their comprehensive review of applicants. All campuses place the highest importance on academic achievement in evaluating applications. However, the evaluation process and specific weight (if any) given to each factor can differ from campus to campus and year to year. 

Factors we consider include academic accomplishments, personal achievements, and family circumstances.

The following criteria provide a comprehensive list of factors campuses may use to select their admitted class. Based on campus-specific institutional goals and needs, admissions decisions will be based on a broad variety of factors:

• Completion of a specified pattern or number of courses that meet breadth or general education requirements.
• Completion of a specified pattern or number of courses that provide continuity with upper division courses in the student's major, such as a UC Transfer Pathway, AA degree for transfer (offered at a CA community colleges only), or UC campus-specific major prerequisites.
• Grade point average in all transferable courses-especially in a UC Transfer Pathway or in major prerequisites.
• Participation in academically selective honors courses or programs.
• Special talents, achievements and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate the student's promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of a campus.
• Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of the college curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.
• Academic accomplishments in light of the student's life experiences and special circumstances.
• Location of the student's college and residence.
• Completion of a UC Transfer Pathway or an AA degree for transfer offered by a California community college.