The University of California campuses has just announced a record-breaking surge in applications for fall 2024 admission with a total of 250,436 applicants.
UC Admission Trends 2024
Among them are 206,893 first-year hopefuls and 43,543 transfer candidates, representing a notable 1.5% increase compared to the previous year.
Notably, this rise was fueled by a notable uptick in applications from transfer students, California residents, and historically underrepresented groups in academia. This year, the UC campuses witnessed their most diverse applicant pool yet, with UCLA leading the pack with an impressive 146,250 first-year applications.
While UC campuses have committed to expanding enrollment for California students, the surge in application numbers could lead to decreased admission rates, particularly at the most competitive campuses. For example, in 2023, UCLA's overall freshmen admittance rate stands at only 8.8%, while UC Berkeley admitted just 11.6%.
This year, the nine University of California campuses experienced their largest and most diverse applicant pool to date. UCLA stands out nationwide with a remarkable 146,250 first-year applications, while UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine also rank high among the most popular universities in the country.
Applicant Demographic for UC 2024 Admissions
| Latinos | 39% |
| Asians | 30% |
| Whites | 20% |
| Blacks | 7% |
| American Indian | 1% |
| Pacific Islander | Less than 1% |
The University of California has been able to increase the enrollment of historically underrepresented student groups, even without using race-based affirmative action, which has been prohibited in California since 1996 and struck down by recent supreme court ruling. This achievement is credited to UC's thorough review process for admissions. Furthermore, UC highlights its efforts to collaborate with community organizations in underserved areas and its substantial financial aid programs, all aimed at making college more affordable.
This year's application round displayed a notable increase in the diversity in economic backgrounds. The number of first-year applications from California students with low family income increased slightly from 39.9 percent to 40.3 percent. Additionally, the percentage of California first-year applicants who are first-generation college students remained consistent at 43.2 percent.
UC Admissions vs Other Universities
Standardized test requirement, GPA-focused review
Since discontinuing the standardized test requirement in 2020, the University of California has shifted its admissions focus away from SAT/ACT scores, prioritizing instead applicants' high school GPA, particularly for Grades 9-11. This emphasis is due to the university's early application deadline (November 30), which is closer to other schools' early admissions and limits the review of senior year grades.
Additionally, while academic grade point averages (GPAs) in all completed A-G courses, including UC-certified honors courses, are considered, attention is also given to factors such as performance in additional subject areas, completion of honors and advanced courses.
When preparing your application for the University of California, remember that more than just your GPA matters. Highlight any specific achievements or talents you have, as well as any recent improvements in your academic performance. Additionally, don't hesitate to share any special circumstances or life experiences you've faced, such as your socioeconomic background or if you're the first in your family to attend college. These factors can all play a role in their admissions decisions.
