University of California (UC)

Before You Apply

• UC Requirements

  It's important to understand both the basic UC transfer requirements AND the requirements for the specific campus and major you wish to apply to. You can begin researching this early, but remember to check back as requirements can (and do) change. 

  • Basic UC Requirements
  • Transfer Requirements  - For more information on UC transfer admission requirements, including Advanced Placement scores,  please visit the Transfer Requirements link on the OCC Transfer Center Website.
  • Do you need to find out which UC's have your major? 
  • Information on AB 540

  Ever wonder how UC applications are reviewed? The UC system has a website that helps you understand the holistic application review process. 

  For information on the admissions requirements for international students, visit the UC International Applicants website. 

   

  

• Dates & Deadlines

  Playing close attention to dates and deadlines is critical! You will likely need to apply about a year before you hope to begin at a UC.

  UC application for the Fall term typically opens in the month of August. However, the application submission period is the month of November.

  For example, if you wish to transfer to a UC for Fall term, be aware: 

  • August 1: Application opens for all Fall UC applicants
  • October 1- December 1: Admission Application Filing Period for all UC's

  Visit the UC Dates and Deadlines website for specifics.
• Are you ready to apply? (Recorded video)

  If you are interested in transferring to the University of California, take a few minute to review the recording below. It will provide you with an overview of the transfer requirements for the University of California.  The UC Application Checklist is a helpful tool that guides students through the process and makes sure they're on track to transfer.

• Using the TAP Planner

  Are you interested in transferring to a UC?  Then make sure you create a TAP account! 

  The Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) is a great tool to use to enter and track all coursework at the community college. It is also where students can complete and submit the TAG application. Lastly, it provides the UC a way to communicate with students.

  Click on UC TAP to create your individual UC TAP account.

• Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) Program (Recorded video)

  The Transfer Admission Guarantee program allows students to secure a spot at one University of California (UC) campus by agreeing to meet specific criteria. Students who meet the campus-specific TAG requirements, and submit the TAG and UC applications, will be guaranteed admission into their TAG campus. 

  Visit the UC TAG website for more information:

  • How to apply for UC TAG?
  • 2026-2027 TAG Matrix

  For additional information on UC TAG, please visit UC TAG section under Transfer Programs on the OCC website.

  
  How to apply for TAG:
  
  

  Watch this Introduction recording to TAG and review the TAG Checklist. Click on the links below to watch our Transfer Center Online Video Series on UC TAG to obtain more information for the respective campus you want to TAG into:

  UC Davis

  
  UC Irvine

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  UC Merced

  
  UC Riverside​​

  
  UC Santa Barbara

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  UC Santa Cruz​​

Completing the UC Application

• UC Application Guide (Recorded video)

  Below you will find some helpful resources to assist you in navigating the UC application. 

  The link below "Filling out the application" is extremely helpful in providing you with guidance for the entire application process.

  We have also provided you with a pre recording of the UC Application workshop.

   

   

  Tips on UC application

  Start UC Application

• Personal Insight Questions (Recorded video)

  We have provided you in the section, all the resources to help you in writing your PIQ's.

  As you all know the, UC application requires all transfer applicants to respond to the Personal Insight Questions. The personal insight questions are about getting to know you better, your life experience, interests, ambitions, and inspirations.

  For great tips, click on Personal Insight Questions link provided by the UC campuses.

  Here at OCC, we have provided you with an recording of our PIQ workshop. This is a great starting point for all students. We offer live PIQ workshops in October and November. If you are interested in signing up for a live workshop, then visit our Live Virtual Workshops.

• Application Assistance - Transfer Center Services

  If you have additional questions regarding the UC application process, please feel free to utilize the following resources list below.

  UC Application Workshops 

  
  Transfer Drop-in Counseling

After You Apply

• What happens next? (Recorded video)

   

  Now that you have submitted your application, there are just a few more items to keep in mind.

  • Print a copy of your application
  • Update grades and course on Transfer Academic Update (TAU) in January
  • If obtaining an Associate's Degree, then submit a Graduation Petition to OCC Grad Office in December
  • Await Decisions
  • Submit your SIR( Statement of Intent to Register)
  • Submit official transcripts/AP scores 

  You can use the UC website and the OCC Next Steps Handout as guide to assist you with your action items. We also hold Next Step workshops in January in order to cover the process so that students do not miss out on any important items. 

  UC After you apply?

Need more information about the UC's?

• Additional Resources & Links

  Now, that you have become familiar with the UC requirements and application process, below are a few additional links to keep in mind as you continue with your college search and decision making process.

  Need to know more about cost? 

  More information on Advanced Placement Credit? 

  UC Support Services & Program 

  Living Accommodations

Need help on your UC Application?