Are you curious about how the waitlist for UC schools works? The University of California is a top-tier state school system that offers public education to California residents and select others. The beautiful campuses and temperate weather add to these academic powerhouses’ appeal. However, as increasing numbers of students apply to college (and specifically, to the UC system) the waitlist is an inevitable discussion. Let’s talk about what it means to be waitlisted at a UC school and what you can do.
Field report
To kick off the discussion, we’ll consult former Empowerly writer Andy W. on his firsthand experience and perspectives.
“In recent years, it seems that many qualified students are being waitlisted at UC schools. A particularly strange aspect of this phenomenon is that the schools that are waitlisting students aren’t the expected ones, such as UC Berkeley and UCLA [Lost Angeles]; rather, other schools like UC Davis and UC San Diego.
[In this conversation,] I am drawing both from my own personal experience going through admissions two years ago, as well as other evidence,” Andrew said.
About the UC schools
There are nine total undergraduate UC campuses in the state of California. From north to south, these campuses are located in the following cities:
- Davis
- Berkeley
- Merced
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Barbara
- Riverside
- Los Angeles
- San Diego
The UC colleges waitlist and enroll their own student bodies’ individually, meaning that students may receive acceptances at some and rejections or waitlist news at others. While all share a core set of resources and funding, each campus has unique subject-area strengths.
How it began
A top student himself, Andrew shared his experience with the UC colleges waitlist.
“Two admission cycles ago I was a high school student eagerly awaiting college decisions to come out. Much like most of the students, I was mainly looking at the UCs. At this point, I had earned admission into UCSB [Santa Barbara] and UCI [Irvine] but hadn’t heard back from UCSD [San Diego], UCLA [Los Angeles], or UC Berkeley.
What intrigued me about UCSD was that almost everyone had already heard back beside me. I didn’t think much about it; but coincidentally, UCSD decided to notify—less than an hour after I was admitted into UCLA—that I was on the waitlist.“
As Andrew notes, the University of California system has become increasingly competitive. In recent years, the percentage of students accepted from the total applicant pool declined even further. To manage enrollment uncertainties so the maximum number of qualified students can attend, the UC schools waitlist comes into play.
A shared experience?
Now researching the UC schools waitlist, Andrew uncovered more students like himself. “This wasn’t just the case with me either; others who hadn’t heard back from UCSD and got into UCLA would also be waitlisted by UCSD. I believe that this stems from the notion that most students would prefer UCLA over UCSD. Essentially, as soon as UCLA released its admissions, UCSD would release conditional decisions.”
The painstaking wait to hear back about whether you’ve made it off a UC school’s waitlist is too much for some. Others are willing to grit their teeth and bear the pressure until the May 1st deadline rolls around. May 1st, also known as Decision Day or the SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) Deadline, is when college administrators get the clearest picture of how many more students are extended an admission offer. For those on the UC colleges waitlist, the decision to be patient—or not—is personal.
Why does all this impact the UC waitlist system?
Administrators agree: the UC schools waitlist is only one example of similar situations happening with universities across the country.
For these California standouts, however, Andy says it all comes down to the UC colleges’ waitlist acceptance rate. This number is “the all-important statistic of percent of students who attend from the admitted list. This statistic has notoriously been known to be used as a benchmark in telling the prestige or competitiveness of a school. The lower the percentage is, the less ‘strong’ the school looks on paper.“
What statistic is this? It’s more commonly called the “yield rate,” and it’s worth looking into if you are waitlisted at UC campuses. Knowing the numbers of the past won’t predict what will happen in the future; nonetheless, it may give you a ballpark.
If you need help decoding these numbers and what they actually mean for your college apps, we highly recommend meeting with an Empowerly counselor and checking out the Empowerly Score® as a tool to make all this information more user-friendly. The right counselor can make the UC schools waitlist and other complex situations that arise easier to navigate with confidence.
What’s next?
If you’ve found yourself waitlisted for a UC school and hoping to get off that list eventually, there are steps you can take. Here are a few key pointers about the UC colleges waitlist from UC Berkeley in 2022:
Q: Can I challenge the admission decision?
A: Appeals may only be filed by students who are denied admission. Since the waitlist offer is not a final
admission decision, the appeals process is not available. In order to express your interest in our campus and
to share more information for consideration, you may opt into the waitlist, by mid-April.
Q: What is the Waitlist Essay*?
A: Students who choose to opt-in to the waitlist may choose to complete this optional written statement.
While this is not a requirement, the essay may serve to provide further information to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Berkeley. [Topics to use for the statement may include: Awards and recognition obtained since the point of application, explanation of any course changes, challenges faced since the point of application. Please remember there is no right or wrong answer, simply the opportunity to share additional information.]
* Keep in mind, not all UC administrations handle the waitlist process the same way! Instead, each campus does so a little differently. We highly recommend finding the FAQs for the school you are looking at to be sure the final details of the UC schools waitlist apply to you.
Why Are UC Schools In Such High Demand?
UC schools, including UCLA, UCSD, and UC Davis, are highly sought after by students for several compelling reasons. One key factor is the outstanding academic reputation of the University of California system. UC schools are known for their rigorous academic programs, esteemed faculty, and research opportunities. Students recognize the value of receiving a quality education from institutions with a strong academic pedigree, making UC schools an attractive choice.
Another reason UC schools are in high demand is their diverse and inclusive campus communities. UC campuses pride themselves on fostering an inclusive environment that embraces students from various backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. This commitment to diversity enhances the overall educational experience and allows students to engage in meaningful interactions and collaborations with individuals from different walks of life.
The location of UC schools also contributes to their popularity. California, with its vibrant cities, stunning coastline, and thriving tech industry, offers students a rich and dynamic environment to live and study. UC campuses are strategically located in some of California’s most desirable regions, providing students with access to a wide range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities. The appeal of living in a state known for its innovation and entrepreneurial spirit further fuels the demand for UC schools.
The competitive nature of UC admissions and the waitlist process add to the desirability of these schools. Being waitlisted at UCLA, UCSD, or UC Davis indicates that a student is considered a strong candidate for admission. The UC waitlist presents an opportunity for students to demonstrate their continued interest in attending these prestigious institutions. Many students are willing to wait for a chance to be admitted, recognizing the value of the education, resources, and connections that UC schools provide. The allure of joining the UC community, even if it means going through the waitlist process, speaks to the high demand for these renowned institutions.
Being Waitlisted Isn’t The End Of The World
While being waitlisted at a UC school like UCLA, UCSD, or UC Davis can initially feel disappointing, it is important to remember that it is not the end of the world. In fact, being placed on the waitlist indicates that the admissions committee recognizes your potential and considers you a strong candidate for admission. This means that you possess the qualifications and qualities they are seeking in a student, making the waitlist an opportunity rather than a rejection. The UC admissions waitlist offers a chance for you to showcase your continued interest in attending the university. By accepting a spot on the waitlist, you demonstrate your commitment and desire to be a part of the UC community. It is essential to follow the instructions provided by the university and submit any additional materials or updates that may strengthen your application. This proactive approach can positively impact your chances of ultimately securing a spot in the incoming class.
Final Thoughts
It is important to keep in mind that the UCSD waiting list, UC waitlist, or Davis waitlist does not reflect your personal worth or abilities. Admissions decisions are highly competitive, and sometimes factors beyond your control come into play. Recognize that the admissions process is multifaceted and subjective, and being waitlisted does not diminish your achievements or potential for success.
Ultimately, the outcome of the waitlist is not entirely in your hands, but there are still other options and opportunities available. Consider exploring alternative educational pathways such as attending another university, pursuing community college, or engaging in meaningful gap year experiences. These experiences can provide valuable learning opportunities, personal growth, and skill development. Remember that success can be achieved in various ways, and being waitlisted by a UC school does not define your future prospects. Stay positive, keep an open mind, and embrace the opportunities that come your way.
Still unsure? You’re not alone.
For more answers to your questions about college admissions, Empowerly is here to help. Instead of leaving it up to luck, our expansive counselor community can help you beat the UC colleges’ waitlist acceptance rate. Working with an expert is one of the best ways to boost your odds of acceptance.
Gelyna Price
Madeleine Karydes