Is UC Berkeley on the Common App?
So I'm going through my college list and trying to figure out application logistics for each of my top schools. I'm pretty sure most schools I want use the Common App, but I have UC Berkeley on my list and I can't seem to find it there. Is there a different system that UC Berkeley uses?
I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines since I'm planning my application schedule pretty carefully. If you've already applied or are familiar with the process, can someone let me know how this works?
I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines since I'm planning my application schedule pretty carefully. If you've already applied or are familiar with the process, can someone let me know how this works?
1 week ago
•
23 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 1 week ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley does not use the Common Application. Instead, it is part of the University of California system, which uses its own application platform called the UC Application. You’ll use this single UC Application to apply to any or all of the nine undergraduate UC campuses, including Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Davis, and others.
The UC Application is completely separate from the Common App. You’ll need to create an account at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. The application opens on August 1 every year, but you can only submit between October 1 and November 30—the UC system has a strict deadline.
It’s important to note that the UC application has its own set of essay prompts, called Personal Insight Questions, which are different from the Common App essay. For example, you'll select 4 out of 8 prompts to answer, with a maximum of 350 words each.
If you’re building your schedule, plan to set aside time specifically for this application and those essays. Many students apply to UCs separately from their Common App schools to keep things organized.
For example, if you’re applying to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Santa Barbara, you’d fill out one UC Application and check the boxes for each campus during the process.
So make sure to put UC Berkeley’s (and all UC’s) application deadline of November 30 on your calendar. Don’t wait until the last minute, since their portal can get busy as the deadline approaches! If you have any more questions on UC application logistics or tips for the essays, feel free to ask.
The UC Application is completely separate from the Common App. You’ll need to create an account at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply. The application opens on August 1 every year, but you can only submit between October 1 and November 30—the UC system has a strict deadline.
It’s important to note that the UC application has its own set of essay prompts, called Personal Insight Questions, which are different from the Common App essay. For example, you'll select 4 out of 8 prompts to answer, with a maximum of 350 words each.
If you’re building your schedule, plan to set aside time specifically for this application and those essays. Many students apply to UCs separately from their Common App schools to keep things organized.
For example, if you’re applying to UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Santa Barbara, you’d fill out one UC Application and check the boxes for each campus during the process.
So make sure to put UC Berkeley’s (and all UC’s) application deadline of November 30 on your calendar. Don’t wait until the last minute, since their portal can get busy as the deadline approaches! If you have any more questions on UC application logistics or tips for the essays, feel free to ask.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years