When should I start preparing for college admission?

You should start preparing in freshman year of high school. This includes focusing on grades, exploring extracurricular activities, and beginning to think about your interests and potential career paths.

What are the most important college admission deadlines?

Key deadlines include: Early Decision/Early Action (November 1-15), Regular Decision (January 1-15), FAFSA opens (October 1), and CSS Profile deadline (varies by school). Our timeline tracker helps you never miss a deadline.

How many college admission tasks are there?

There are 374+ tasks across all four years of high school, including academic preparation, standardized testing, extracurricular activities, college research, applications, and financial aid.

What is included in the admission timeline?

The timeline includes tasks for: A-G requirements tracking, standardized test prep (SAT/ACT/AP), college research and visits, application essays, letters of recommendation, financial aid (FAFSA/CSS), and scholarship applications.

Research UC campus programs - Junior Year College Admission

Overview

Each UC campus has its own personality, strengths, and culture. Researching them now helps you decide which campuses to apply to and gives you material for strong PIQ responses!

How to Research Each UC

Visit academic department websites for your intended major
Look at faculty research and undergraduate opportunities
Read the student newspaper for campus culture insights
Attend virtual info sessions (check each admissions website)

Quick UC Comparison

| Campus | Vibe | Known For | |--------|------|-----------| | UCLA | Competitive, urban LA | Social sciences, arts, film | | Berkeley | Elite academics, activist culture | STEM, business, research | | San Diego | Near beach, residential colleges | STEM, healthcare | | Santa Barbara | Coastal, social | Sciences, engineering | | Davis | College town feel | Agriculture, veterinary | | Irvine | Suburban, diverse | Growing reputation, STEM | | Santa Cruz | Alternative, scenic | Environmental, marine biology | | Riverside | Most diverse, excellent aid | Business, engineering | | Merced | Newest, smallest | Best financial aid packages |

Application Note

One UC application covers all 9 campuses — you can apply to as many as you'd like ($70 each, fee waivers available for up to 4).

Helpful Resource

UC Campus Comparison

Overview

Each UC campus has its own personality, strengths, and culture. Researching them now helps you decide which campuses to apply to and gives you material for strong PIQ responses!

How to Research Each UC

Visit academic department websites for your intended major
Look at faculty research and undergraduate opportunities
Read the student newspaper for campus culture insights
Attend virtual info sessions (check each admissions website)

Quick UC Comparison

Application Note

One UC application covers all 9 campuses — you can apply to as many as you'd like ($70 each, fee waivers available for up to 4).

Helpful Resource

UC Campus Comparison

Research UC campus programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

How to Research Each UC

Quick UC Comparison

Application Note

Helpful Resource

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks

Research UC campus programs

Step-by-Step Guide

Overview

How to Research Each UC

Quick UC Comparison

Application Note

Helpful Resource

Task Details

Track Your Progress

Related Tasks