About You
The "About You" section of the UC application requires you to provide basic personal information, including your name, address, phone number, and email, ensuring accuracy and currency. You'll also need to share demographic details such as gender, ethnicity, and first-generation college status for statistical purposes. Indicate your residency status (California resident or out-of-state) as it affects tuition rates, and you may mention your primary language and any other languages spoken. Additionally, you can highlight any special circumstances or challenges you've faced. Keep this section concise and accurate, as it sets the foundation for your application.
Personal Information
Name and Contact Information: This includes your legal first and last name, any preferred names, and your full mailing address. Ensure your email address is one you check regularly, as important updates will be sent there. Your phone number is also required, and it’s wise to provide a cell phone number where you can be easily reached.
Date of Birth and Social Security Number: Your date of birth is crucial for verifying your identity, and your Social Security number (SSN) is used primarily for financial aid processing and for ensuring your information is correctly matched in official records.
Citizenship Status: You’ll be asked to indicate your citizenship status, whether you're a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or have another status (such as an international student, DACA recipient, or undocumented student). If you're an international student, you'll need to provide details about your visa status.
Country of Birth and Languages Spoken: These questions help the UC system understand your background and cultural context. You’ll list the languages spoken in your home, which can give insight into your upbringing and any challenges you may have faced learning English.
Residency
California Residency: Determining your residency status is critical because it affects your tuition. If you've lived in California for three or more years, you're generally considered a California resident. You'll need to provide details about your time in the state, including when you moved to California and whether you attended a California high school.
Residency for Non-Residents: If you’re applying as a non-resident, you'll be asked to provide information about your out-of-state residency, which will likely result in non-resident tuition fees. For those applying as international students, you'll provide information on your home country and visa type.
Family Information
Parent/Guardian Information: You'll provide detailed information about your parents or guardians, including their full names, educational backgrounds, occupations, and current employment status. This data is used to assess your socio-economic background and helps the UC system understand your family’s educational and financial context.
Household Size and Income: This section may ask about the size of your household and your family's income, which can be used to determine eligibility for certain programs or financial aid. Being transparent and accurate here is crucial, as it can impact your financial aid package.
Sibling Information: You may also be asked about any siblings, including whether they are currently in college or planning to attend. This can provide additional context about your family’s educational environment.
Background Information
Race/Ethnicity: The application asks about your race and ethnicity, which is used for statistical purposes and can also play a role in eligibility for certain scholarships and diversity programs. You can select multiple races/ethnicities, reflecting the diversity of California and the UC system.
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: These questions are optional but help UC campuses foster an inclusive environment and identify students for certain scholarships or support services. Answering these questions can also contribute to the UC system’s understanding of student diversity.
First-Generation Status: If you are the first in your family to attend college, this information is vital. First-generation status can influence how your application is reviewed, as it highlights the unique challenges and achievements associated with being a trailblazer in higher education within your family.