University of California (UC) Application Guide
Let Us Help You Transfer to a UC
Welcome to the SAC University Transfer Center's University of California (UC) Application Guide. Are you ready to apply for transfer to your top UC's? If you are unsure if you meet all transfer requirements, please contact us online to schedule a UC transfer check appointment. We are here for you every step of the way!
There are nine UC campuses that offer both undergraduate and graduate education. One third of UC students are transfers, and California community college transfers are prioritized over other transfers.
By attending Santa Ana College you can stay close to home, save money, and can make progress towards a UC degree. We offer programs such as U-Link that help students meet the requirements, and University Transfer Center workshops on how to take part in the UC Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.
If you have any questions, please be sure to visit the University Transfer Center in S-110 or call 714-564-6165 for any questions.
Steps to Apply
- Gather your materials. Here's what you'll need (source):
- Transcripts from all schools attended for reference. You'll need to refer to these as you fill out your application to ensure that your information is accurate.
- Test scores. Did you take AP, IB, TOEFL, or IELTS exams? Be sure to have these scores ready for reference.
- Annual Income for the last year and current year (your parents' if you're a dependent; your income if you're independent). This is optional unless you're applying for an application fee waiver or for the Educational Opportunity Program).
- Social Security number, if you have one. This is used to match your application to things like your test score report, final transcript(s) and, if you're applying for financial aid, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
- Citizenship status. You must enter your country of citizenship (or "No Selection"). If your country of citizenship is outside the United States, you'll need to provide your immigration status and your visa type.
- Credit card. If you prefer to pay by check, you can mail your payment.
- The non-refundable application fee is $70 for each UC campus ($80 for international and non-immigrant applicants). The UC will waive application fees for four campuses for qualifying US citizens, permanent residents, and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits.
- Click here to begin the application.
- Follow the UC Transfer Application Guide for step-by-step applications on completing the online application. Prior to submission, feel free to contact the University Transfer Center to review your application.
- Part of the application requires Personal Insight Questions. Be sure to express who you are and what matters to you most. Again, we are here to help you review your responses prior to submission.
- Check your email and portals often.
- Once you submit your application, you will see a confirmation page with important reminders and your UC Application ID Number, which can be used to access your student portals and admissions decisions. Check your email often for additional instructions from each campus.
UC Transfer Requirements
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Complete the 7-course IGETC pattern by the end of the spring term prior to fall enrollment at UC
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2024-2025 SAC IGETC - click here to view SAC coursework that will meet these requirements. We recommend to meet with a counselor to develop and update an educational plan.
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Complete at least 60-semester units of UC-transferable credit.
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Earn at least a 2.4 GPA in UC-transferable courses (2.8 if you are a non-resident). Keep in mind that some majors require a higher GPA for admission selection.
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Complete the required/recommended courses needed for your intended major with the minimum grades. Visit ASSIST to view major preparation coursework expected by each campus.
There is a single application for all UC campuses. Click here for the UC application and select the term you would like to apply for. Generally, applications for Spring transfer open in July, and applications for Fall transfer open in August. See below for application timelines and resources to assist you with your application. In addition, sign up for our email database to receive updates regarding application workshops hosted by the University Transfer Center.
UC Application Timelines
| August 1 |
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| September 1st - 30th |
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| October 1st |
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| November 1-30th |
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December
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| January |
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March
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June
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| July |
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| July 1-31 |
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Accepting a UC admission offer:
Students can accept an admission offer by agreeing to the provisions/conditions outlined in the offer and submitting their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) with the SIR deposit to reserve their space at a campus. The SIR deposit is $250. Some important things to keep in mind about accepting a UC admission offer:
- Student can accept only one admission offer from one UC campus.
- The SIR deposit is applied to the student's first enrollment term tuition.
- Students that qualified for the UC application fee waiver will have the SIR deposit deferred until financial aid is disbused.
- Send your official transcript to the institution you choose to enroll in.
- The SIR depostit is nonrefundable and non-transferable.
- A Statement of Legal Residence (SLR) for tuition determination purposes may be required.