Which application platform does UC Berkeley use for undergraduate admissions?
I’m starting to plan out my college applications and UC Berkeley is high on my list. But I keep seeing different info about which application system they use. Do they use the Common App, the Coalition App, or do they have their own separate application?
Has anyone applied recently or is planning to apply this upcoming cycle? If so, how did you access the app for Berkeley? I also want to make sure I’m not missing any important steps, since I know some schools have their own portals.
Any advice on navigating the application process for Berkeley specifically would be appreciated!
Has anyone applied recently or is planning to apply this upcoming cycle? If so, how did you access the app for Berkeley? I also want to make sure I’m not missing any important steps, since I know some schools have their own portals.
Any advice on navigating the application process for Berkeley specifically would be appreciated!
1 week ago
•
11 views
Kathy Jayanth
• 1 week ago
Advisor
UC Berkeley and the rest of the University of California system have their own unique application platform called the UC Application—it’s completely separate from the Common App and Coalition App. If you want to apply to Berkeley as an undergraduate, you’ll need to go directly to the University of California's official application portal at universityofcalifornia.edu/apply (or just search “UC Application”).
The UC Application lets you apply to multiple UC campuses at once (like UCLA, UC San Diego, etc.) by filling out a single set of information and essays. Each UC campus reviews your application separately, so you don’t have to submit extra supplements unless a campus specifically requests them (though Berkeley does sometimes have additional short-answer questions for certain programs.
The UC Application typically opens on August 1 each year, but you can only submit your completed application between October 1 and November 30 for fall admission—there are no Early Action or Early Decision options at Berkeley. Make sure to pay attention to those dates because the UC system is very strict about deadlines.
Navigating the application is pretty straightforward: create an account on the UC site, choose your campuses (like Berkeley), fill in your grades, activities, and Personal Insight Questions, and pay the application fee. If you’re planning to apply to more than one UC, you can do it all through the same portal.
One tip: the Personal Insight Questions are UC’s version of short essays, and they’re different from Common App prompts. For example, you pick four out of eight prompts to answer in short essays (maximum 350 words each). These questions focus on experiences, leadership, creativity, and personal background. Make sure to review these in advance and start your responses early.
Double-check your major requirements for Berkeley because some programs may have extra steps or recommendations. You won’t need to submit letters of recommendation for most programs, but Berkeley may request them from a small group of applicants after you’ve submitted your application, so watch your email in December/January in case you’re selected.
To sum up: use the official UC Application, not the Common App or Coalition App. Read through all instructions carefully, keep track of deadlines, and start your essays early—the prompts are a bit different than what you’ll find elsewhere.
Best of luck with your application! Let me know if you have questions about the Personal Insight Questions or Berkeley-specific requirements.
The UC Application lets you apply to multiple UC campuses at once (like UCLA, UC San Diego, etc.) by filling out a single set of information and essays. Each UC campus reviews your application separately, so you don’t have to submit extra supplements unless a campus specifically requests them (though Berkeley does sometimes have additional short-answer questions for certain programs.
The UC Application typically opens on August 1 each year, but you can only submit your completed application between October 1 and November 30 for fall admission—there are no Early Action or Early Decision options at Berkeley. Make sure to pay attention to those dates because the UC system is very strict about deadlines.
Navigating the application is pretty straightforward: create an account on the UC site, choose your campuses (like Berkeley), fill in your grades, activities, and Personal Insight Questions, and pay the application fee. If you’re planning to apply to more than one UC, you can do it all through the same portal.
One tip: the Personal Insight Questions are UC’s version of short essays, and they’re different from Common App prompts. For example, you pick four out of eight prompts to answer in short essays (maximum 350 words each). These questions focus on experiences, leadership, creativity, and personal background. Make sure to review these in advance and start your responses early.
Double-check your major requirements for Berkeley because some programs may have extra steps or recommendations. You won’t need to submit letters of recommendation for most programs, but Berkeley may request them from a small group of applicants after you’ve submitted your application, so watch your email in December/January in case you’re selected.
To sum up: use the official UC Application, not the Common App or Coalition App. Read through all instructions carefully, keep track of deadlines, and start your essays early—the prompts are a bit different than what you’ll find elsewhere.
Best of luck with your application! Let me know if you have questions about the Personal Insight Questions or Berkeley-specific requirements.
Kathy Jayanth
Berkeley, CA
UC Berkeley | Economics & Slavic Studies
Experience
5 years