Application Deadlines
Essays
Financial Aid
UC System
Required Documents
100

What is the most common application deadline for many colleges?

Regular Decision

100

What is the main essay most colleges require called?

Personal statement

100

What federal form opens access to grants, loans, and work-study?

FAFSA

100

What minimum GPA is required for California residents to apply to a UC?

3.0

100

What document lists all your classes and grades from high school?

Transcript

200

What application plan is non-binding but lets you apply early and hear back sooner?

Early Action

200

What are additional short essays colleges ask for about “Why us?” or your interests called?

Supplemental essays

200

What type of aid is based on financial need rather than merit?

Need-based aid

200

What grade levels are used to calculate the UC GPA?

10th and 11th grade only

200

What GPA type includes extra points for AP or honors classes?

Weighted GPA

300

What application type is binding if accepted?

Early Decision

300

What is the UC version of essays officially called?

Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

300

What month does the FAFSA usually open each year?

October

300

How many undergraduate campuses are in the UC system?

9

300

What do colleges call advanced high school classes that may earn college credit?

AP/dual enrollment courses

400

What is the biggest advantage of applying Early Action instead of Regular Decision?

You receive your decision earlier without being committed

400

How many Personal Insight Questions do UC applicants answer?

4

400

What form do some private colleges require in addition to FAFSA?

CSS Profile

400

What subject requirements must California applicants complete to apply to UC schools?

A-G requirements

400

What document may be required after senior year to verify final grades?

Final transcript

500

What do we call applications that are reviewed as they come in rather than all at once?

Rolling admissions

500

What is the Common App personal statement word limit?

650 words

500

What term describes the amount your family is expected to contribute to college costs?

Student Aid Index (formerly EFC)

500

What GPA scale do UCs use that caps honors/AP weighting after a certain number of courses?

UC capped GPA

500

What term describes how difficult your schedule is compared to what your school offers?

Course rigor

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