Boost Your UC Application: Understanding the 13 Key Evaluation Criteria

July 7, 2023 | By Daniel Strom

When applying to the University of California (UC) system, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the 13 Elements of Comprehensive Review. These factors play a crucial role in the evaluation process and can greatly influence your chances of admission. Below, I will break down each element and provide tips on effectively incorporating them into your application.

The 13 Factors of Comprehensive Review for the UC System:

1. Academic grade point average in all completed A-G courses, including additional points for completed UC-certified honors courses.

  • Grade-point average (GPA): Your GPA is a significant consideration for UC admissions. Ensure accuracy when reporting your grades, as they are self-reported.

  • You must complete at least 15 college-prep courses (also known as A-G). The courses are listed below:

a. History/social science: 2 years 

b. English: 4 years 

c. Mathematics: 3 years

d. Laboratory science: 2 years

e. Language other than English: 2 years (or equivalent to the 2nd level of high school instruction)

f. Visual and performing arts: 1 year

g. College-preparatory elective (chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university)

2. Number of, content of and performance in academic courses beyond the minimum A-G requirements.

  • Performance in, and number of, courses beyond minimum a-g requirements: UCs assess the content and grades of courses you have taken beyond the basic requirements.

3. Number of and performance in UC-approved honors, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Higher Level and transferable college courses.

  • UC-approved honors courses and advanced courses: Taking advanced courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes, can strengthen your application. Also, did you complete any classes at a local community college or take any online courses? If so, list them!

4. Identification by UC as being ranked in the top 9 percent of your high school class at the end of your junior year (Eligible in the Local Context, or ELC).

  • Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) - CA residents only: California residents who rank in the top 9% of their high school class are guaranteed admission to a UC.

5. Quality of your senior-year program as measured by the type and number of academic courses in progress or planned.

  • UCs consider the rigor of your senior-year course load to ensure you are challenging yourself academically.

6. Quality of your academic performance relative to the educational opportunities available in your high school.

  • Some high schools are larger than college campuses, while others are severely under-resourced. The UCs look at your high school profile to evaluate the academic opportunities available at your high school and whether you made the most of them. HOWEVER, not having a specific resource, class, or activity offered at your high school does not mean you should not take advantage of outside opportunities. You can do this by:

  • Taking a class online or at another school

  • Pursue an independent study with a mentor in a subject that you are interested in learning more about.

7. Outstanding performance in one or more academic subject areas

  • Exceptional achievements in specific subjects, such as being a top student in AP Calculus or conducting advanced scientific research, can make you stand out. Ideally, these subject areas should align with your Application Brand.

8. Outstanding work in one or more special projects in any academic field of study.   

  • Remember, this is not just about what you've completed in school—you can show strong performance through extracurricular activities as well. Your involvement in special projects, such as internships, independent research, or leadership roles, demonstrates your dedication and passion.

9. Recent, marked improvement in academic performance as demonstrated by academic GPA and the quality of coursework completed or in progress.

  • UCs value and consider any marked improvement in your academic performance over the years, particularly if you faced challenges earlier on.

10. 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.

  • In other words, UCs want to see that you do not have tunnel vision. Are you planning on majoring in computer science? Great, but this does not mean you should live and breathe computer science without exploring anything else. Developing a nuanced Application Brand can help you showcase your versatility and interests in interrelated subjects.

11. Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of your high school curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects or programs.

Some examples of this:

  • Organizing a cultural exchange program within your school, inviting students from different backgrounds to share their traditions, food, and customs.

  • Developing a program or club focused on promoting physical fitness and wellness among your peers. This could include organizing fitness challenges, offering workout classes, or starting a sports team.

  • Starting an initiative to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices in your school. This can involve activities like setting up recycling programs, organizing educational campaigns, or implementing energy-saving measures.

12. Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status.

  • This is a large aspect of holistic admissions. The UC system is very aware that not every applicant comes from a privileged background. If you have struggled with any extenuating circumstances, these can be addressed in one of the UC essay prompts or the Additional Info section.

13. Location of your secondary school and residence.

  • While not within your control, residing or attending school in underserved areas may present additional challenges that the UCs consider when evaluating your application.

About Daniel Strom

Daniel Strom co-founded Elite Scholar Advising, which provides tailored advice to college applicants worldwide. He is a proud graduate of Northwestern University and the Kellogg School of Management, where he also developed admissions experience through his role as an admissions representative. In addition, he also served on the Northwestern Alumni Admissions Interviewing Council. Daniel has helped hundreds of college applicants across the world realize their full potential by gaining admission to their dream schools.