Requirements for UCI?

Anyone know the ins and outs of UCI’s requirements? And is there a sort of 'unspoken rule' or something lesser-known that they're looking for in an applicant that's not explicitly stated on their website?

For the University of California, Irvine (UCI), it's crucial to meet the University of California's general requirements to be considered a competitive applicant.

These include completing A-G approved courses, maintaining a GPA above 3.0 (for California residents) or 3.4 (for non-Californians), and fulfilling a minimum subject requirement. As a part of the University of California system, you'll be using the UC application, which has a unique set of four essays called Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), each with a limit of 350 words. These essays provide an excellent opportunity for you to demonstrate your individual strengths, experiences, and aspirations.

In terms of extracurricular activities, it's not just about quantity, but the depth and breadth of your involvement. UCI, like most colleges, looks at Tiers of Extracurriculars, with activities that demonstrate leadership or exceptional achievement at state or national levels being more impactful. For instance, serving as a club president or achieving recognition in a competitive sporting event would be seen as superior to mere membership in a club or a sports team.

It's important to keep in mind that in light of the court ruling in 2023, UC schools, including UCI, can't practice race-conscious admissions. However, they can consider how a student's individual experiences, including race-based challenges, have shaped their personal narrative.

As for any "unspoken rules," UC schools are test-blind in the 2024-2025 cycle, which means they do not consider SAT or ACT scores. It's also worth noting that UCI, like all UC schools, does not consider demonstrated interest in their admissions processes.

Bottom line—focus on academic strength, answer the PIQs thoughtfully and personally, and show dedication and depth in your extracurricular activities to create your strongest application.