First year and transfer applicants are evaluated individually at each University of California (UC) campus, applying the parameters of the 14 Comprehensive Review criteria. Since the totality of a student’s experience is reviewed in the application, each UC campus’ readers can determine if the student qualifies for admissions to the specific UC campus.
In understanding the 14 Comprehensive Review points, potential UC applicants can note where their talents can be best highlighted. UC admissions evaluators place a student’s achievements within the context of their life’s circumstances, which is guaranteed by the 13th Comprehensive Review criteria:
Academic accomplishments in light of a student’s life experiences and special circumstances.
“Life experiences and special circumstances” is purposely broad to include the widest swath of applicants with no preference for one set of circumstances over another.
In the “About You” section of the UC application, information about family income, as well as each parent’s educational and professional experiences, provides context for the applicant’s achievements.
Additionally, high school counselors write a school profile, which is also read with the application, describing the specific academic culture and demographics of their campus. Then, the student’s achievements can be placed amongst their peers.
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