Preparing for the University of California starts well before senior year. This page explains what UC looks for, how the A–G course requirements and UC GPA work, and how our school’s participation in UC’s Local Guarantee can support our students. Students and families are welcome here. If anything is unclear, I’m happy to help you figure out your next steps.
Key Dates
Fall 2027 UC Application Dates
Oct 1 – Nov 30
Submit your UC application
March 1–31
Admission decisions are posted
May 1
Statement of Intent to Register due
UC doesn’t offer early action or early decision, so applying earlier in the window doesn’t change how your application is read. November 30 falls on the Monday after Thanksgiving, so aim to submit before the holiday break.
Visit UC’s Application PageIn Plain Language
Good to Know
Complete the A–G courses
UC requires 15 year-long college-prep courses in subjects like English, math, science, and history, each with a C or better. At least 11 should be finished before senior year starts. Your counselor can check your progress against our school’s approved A–G course list.
Your UC GPA is calculated differently
UC counts only A–G courses from the summer after 9th grade through the summer after 11th grade. Pluses and minuses don’t count, and approved honors, AP, IB, and UC-transferable college courses earn extra points, up to a limit. California residents need at least a 3.0, with no grade below a C.
No SAT or ACT scores needed
UC doesn’t consider SAT or ACT scores when deciding admission or awarding scholarships.
The application is simpler than it sounds
You enter your own grades and courses, so there’s no transcript to send and no letters of recommendation to collect. You’ll answer 4 of 8 short personal insight questions, up to 350 words each. The fee is $80 per campus, and waivers are available for up to four campuses if you qualify.
Our school participates in the Local Guarantee
Mountainside students who rank in the top 9% of our class, based on UC’s calculations, are automatically considered when they apply. See the Local Guarantee section on this page for details.
Our School
Understanding UC Eligibility
UC’s Local Guarantee (ELC)
Mountainside participates in UC’s Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) program, which recognizes qualifying California resident students in the top 9% of their high school class based on UC’s calculations. Students are automatically considered when they submit their UC application. Those who qualify and meet UC’s minimum admission requirements will be offered a place at a UC campus with available space if they are not admitted to any campus they applied to. This does not guarantee admission to a particular campus or major.
To be considered, students complete a specific pattern of 11 UC-approved courses before senior year: 1 year of history, 2 of English, 2 of math, 1 of science, 1 of a language other than English, and 4 more A–G electives. After applying, students can log back into their UC application to see whether they were designated ELC.
Learn About UC’s Local GuaranteeHelpful Tools
UC Resources
UC Admissions Guide
A detailed UC reference. Written for counselors, but helpful for families too.
View the GuideCalculate Your UC GPA
Step-by-step instructions for working out your UC GPA, including honors points.
See How It WorksApply to UC
Start or continue your application. One form covers every campus you choose.
Apply to UCWe’re Here to Help
Questions? Ask your counselor
Every student’s path is different. If you’re not sure where you stand with A–G courses, your UC GPA, or the Local Guarantee, reach out and we’ll work through it together.
Email Your Counselor