Applying for Admission

The University of California prefers that you use the online application. It's faster and more accurate than a paper-based application. For help with the online application, you can take a guided tour to get you started.

UC gives first consideration to students who apply during the filing periods listed below:

Application Filing Periods

Berkeley
Fall Semester 2009: November 1-30, 2008

Merced
Fall Semester 2009: November 1-30, 2008
Spring Semester 2010: July 1-31, 2009

All Other Campuses
Fall Quarter 2009: November 1-30, 2008
Winter Quarter 2010: July 1-31, 2009
Spring Quarter 2010: October 1-31, 2009

Applications are accepted after these periods only if space is available. Most campuses stop accepting applications at the end of the filing period or shortly thereafter.

A more complete list of dates and deadlines is available here.

Most majors and programs are open to new students in the fall term. There are fewer openings in the winter and spring terms. Information about which campuses and programs are accepting applications is available here.

You may apply to one or more of UC's nine undergraduate campuses using a single application. Your application will be sent to the campuses you designate and it will be considered simultaneously by each one. You may apply to different majors at different campuses. Submit only one application per term, and indicate all campus choices on it. Submitting multiple applications will result in a serious processing delay.

Not every student can be admitted to his or her first-choice campus. Applying broadly can significantly increase your chances of being admitted to a campus of your choice.

For students who do not have easy online access, a printable application and an instruction booklet is available to download here.

International Applicants

Special information for international applicants is available here.