University of California
Comprehensive Review 101
Today’s Presenters
•
George Johnson, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, UC
Berkeley, and Chair of the University of California Board of
Admissions and Relations with Schools (BOARS)
•
Michael McCawley, Director of Admissions, UC Santa Cruz
Comprehensive Review 101
• Overview of the University of California
• California Master Plan for Higher Education
• Faculty Oversight of Admissions Policies (BOARS)
• Comprehensive Review
• Campus Selection Models
The University of California System
• 10 campuses
• Over 225,000
students
• Over 700 majors
• Over 1.6 million
living alumni
California
State
Universities –
23 campuses
California
Community
Colleges –
112
campuses
University of California Mission
We teach
UC Provides tools to continue intellectual development
over a lifetime & contribute to the needs of a changing
society.
We conduct research
UC National laboratories, medical
centers and other research facilities
around the state.
We provides public Service
UC's libraries, museums, performing arts spaces,
laboratories, gardens and science centers are
valuable public resources.
Comprehensive Review / Admission Selection
Faculty Role in UC Admissions

Shared Governance:
UC Systemwide & Campuses

Freshman & Transfer Selection:
Comprehensive Review & Campus Models

K-12 Relations:
‘a-g’ Course Approvals

Transfer Students:
A priority for UC / Master Plan
Freshman Minimum Qualifications
1
Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (“a-g” courses),
with at least 11 finished prior to senior year.
2
Earn the required grade point average (GPA) in “a-g” courses
3.0 California resident
3.4 Non-residents
3
GPA calculated from 10th &
11th grade course work
weighted by a maximum of 8
semesters UC-approved
honors grade points
Meet the examination requirement by taking the ACT with
Writing or the SAT Reasoning Test by December of your
senior year.
9% x 9% UC systemwide guarantee for CA resident applicants
The Required “a-g” Course Pattern
A-G Subject Area
Requirement
a. History/social science
2 years
b. English
4 years
c. Mathematics
3 years (4 years recommended)
d. Laboratory science
2 years (3 years recommended)
e. Language other than English
2 years (3 years recommended)
f. Visual and performing arts
1 year
g. College-preparatory elective
1 year
UC looks for academically strong students who enrich the student experience
and succeed academically to a timely graduation.
Comprehensive Review
14 UC Faculty-Approved Criteria
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Grade-Point Average
Test Scores
Courses Completed/Planned
Honors Courses
Eligibility in the Local
Context (ELC)
Quality of Senior-Year
Program of Study
Academic Opportunities in
California High Schools
Performance in Academic
Subject Areas
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Achievements in Special
Projects
Improvement in Academic
Performance
Special Talents, Achievements,
and Awards
Participation in Educational
Preparation Programs
Academic Accomplishment
Within Life Experiences
Geographic Location
Implementing Campus Selection
Each campus has a faculty committee that has plenary authority
over undergraduate admissions / selection.
• Determine the model of Comprehensive Review that fits the
campus – all campuses use comprehensive review.
• Campuses determine which of the 14 criteria they will use,
and what value/weight each criterion will be given.
Transforming Admission Selection
University of California, Santa Cruz
• Evolution of selection
• Comprehensive Review & Holistic Scoring
• Reviewing in context
• Faculty oversight – Committee on Admission and Financial Aid
• Annual review and analysis – campus & UC-systemwide
2014 Transfer Student Qualifications
To qualify as a junior transfer student, minimum requirements.:

60 semester (90 quarter) units of UC-transferable coursework

Grade Point Average (GPA)

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2.4 California residents
2.8 Non-residents of California
7-course pattern with grade of C or better in each course
Students should consult campus
of interest for specific information
about required major preparation.
2015 Transfer Minimum Qualifications
(1) Completion of major prep course work, along with 60
semester units (90 quarter units) and campus GPA; or
(2) Completion of an SB 1440 Associate Degree for Transfer in
the applicant’s chosen major and needed units/GPA; or
(3) Completion of the minimum seven courses currently
specified in SR 476 C, along with needed units/GPA.
(Students who complete IGETC have these seven courses.)
We thank you!
Questions?
The University of California
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www.universityofcalifornia.edu