Freshman requirements

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Transfer requirements

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Applying as a freshman

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Applying as a transfer

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Requirements

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Our freshman admission requirements

Admission as a freshman takes into account a number of factors, including specific courses you completed in high school and your grades in those courses. 

  • Freshman admission requirements

More information for:

Our transfer admission requirements

If you’re transferring to UC, it pays to plan ahead. That way, you can make sure you meet our entry requirements, and prepare for your major and general education courses, too.

  • Transfer admission requirements

Transfer Pathways: Your roadmap to UC's top majors

If you've decided on a major but want to keep your campus options open, try following a UC Transfer Pathway - a single set of major prerequisite courses you can take that will transfer to any of UC's campuses.

  • Learn more about our Transfer Pathways

International students: California is calling

We’re proud to welcome international students from a diverse mix of countries, cultures and ethnicities. Depending on what you’ve already studied, you’ll either apply as a freshman or a transfer student.

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UC campuses are among the world’s best

See how UC campuses rose to the top in two global rankings

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Admissions Requirements

Application requirements.

Congratulations on taking the next step towards submitting your graduate application! To help you along the way, we’ve compiled a list of requirements to complete your graduate application.

It’s also important to check with the program to which you’re applying, as they may have additional requirements specific to their program of study and degree not listed on this page.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

The minimum graduate admissions requirements are:

  • Expect to or hold a bachelor’s degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution.
  • A satisfactory scholastic average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale; and
  • Enough undergraduate training and/or professional experience to do graduate work in your chosen field.

Academic Records

You must hold or expect to hold a bachelor’s degree prior to the start of classes from a U.S.accredited institution by one of the AACRAO regional accrediting agencies* or a recognized equivalent from an accredited institution outside of the U.S.

* Regionally accredited college or university means an institution of higher education accredited by one of the following regional accreditation associations in the United States:

  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • New England Association of Schools and Colleges
  • The Higher Learning Commission (formerly known as North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission

Graduates of accredited academic institutions outside the United States should hold a degree equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Please contact Graduate Admissions with questions.

Bachelor’s Degree from a U.S. Institution

Required Records : Upload unofficial transcripts (ie, a scanned copy) from every post-secondary school that you have attended, including your undergraduate institution, community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs.

Bachelor’s Degree from an International Institution

Required Records : Upload a scanned copy of your transcript and degree certificate for each institution after high school. If your academic records are in a language other than English or Spanish, you may submit translations in one of two ways:

  • Submit translations prepared by certified translators from the American Translators Association or the Ministry of Education. Degree names and grades should be transcribed, not converted, into English words or the U.S. grades of A-F. 
  • Submit an official World Education Services (WES) International Credential Advantage Package (ICAP) evaluation (opens in a new tab) . To electronically submit your WES ICAP, follow the instructions provided by WES. Select “University of California at Berkeley” as the recipient and “Graduate Admissions” 318 Sproul Hall #5900, Berkeley, CA 94720-5900 as the school/division.

Evidence of English Language Proficiency

All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency. This requirement applies to institutions from Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Latin America, the Middle East, Israel, the People’s Republic of China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asian countries, most European countries, and countries in Africa in which English is not the official language.

There are two standardized tests you may take: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). You can obtain detailed information from the TOEFL website .

We accept the internet based (iBT) and iBT Home Edition. We do not accept the TOEFL ITP or Duolingo .

For purposes of admission, your TOEFL test score must be at least 90 for the Internet-based test (IBT). Please contact individual academic departments for more information, as they may choose to require a higher score.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted even if your score was reported to UC Berkeley. Please send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. We do not accept MyBest Scores.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

You can also submit scores from the Academic Modules of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Consult the IELTS website to locate the office of the test center where you plan to take the test.

For purposes of admission, your most recent overall band score must be at least 7 on a 9-point scale.

For Fall 2024, tests taken before June 1, 2022 will not be accepted. All IELTS scores must be sent electronically from the testing center, and no institution code is required. Our address for identification purposes is: University of California, Berkeley, Graduate Division, Sproul Hall Rm 318, MC 5900, Berkeley, CA 94720. Please do not mail any score reports to us.

TOEFL/IELTS Exemption

To qualify for a TOEFL/IELTS exemption, you must fulfill one of the following options:

  • Have a basic degree from a recognized institution in a country where the official language is English.
  • Have completed a basic or advanced degree at an institution, in the United States or a United States institution abroad, where the language of instruction is English and the institution is accredited by one of the United States’ regional accrediting agencies.
  • The following courses do not qualify for an exemption: courses in English as a Second Language, courses conducted in a language other than English, courses that will be completed after applicants submit their application, or courses of a nonacademic nature.

The TOEFL or IELTS must be submitted by applicants who do not meet the exemption criteria above.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and Other Test Scores

Some programs require applicants to take a standardized test such as the GRE General Test, a GRE Subject Test, the GMAT or MCAT. Consult the program to which you are applying for the department’s requirements.

For the GRE, send your test score directly from ETS to the institution code for UC Berkeley: 4833 for Graduate Organizations. No department code is needed unless specified by the specific program. ETS will not report test scores older than 5 years.

For the GMAT or MCAT, please consult your program for details.

Letters of Recommendation

The application requires at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants should check with their prospective program for questions . Your recommenders are asked to give their personal impressions of your intellectual ability, your aptitude in research or professional skills, your character, and the quality of your previous work and potential for future productive scholarship. Be sure to inform your recommenders of the program’s application deadline.

Applicants may waive the right to inspect their letters of recommendation on a voluntary basis. This option can be selected when you fill out the recommendation invite for your recommender.

The Graduate Division may verify the authenticity of academic letters of recommendation with the school or recommender.

Submit a Statement of Purpose and Personal History statement, along with any other essays the program you are applying to requires.

The Statement of Purpose should describe your aptitude and motivation to enter the program. This can include relevant details about your preparation or specialization in the field. This is a good place to share your academic plans, research interests, and future career goals. Read tips on how to craft your Statement of Purpose .

The Personal History statement describes how your own background and experiences influenced your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Read tips on how to write your Personal History statement .

Application Fee

If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the non-refundable application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.

Fee Waiver : U.S. citizens or permanent residents who demonstrate financial need or have participated in an eligible program may apply for an application fee waiver. See guidelines for waivers .

Fee Exemption : Some programs do not require the application fee payment. See guidelines for fee exemption .

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  • Letters of Recommendation Questions

Can I submit more than 3 letters of recommendation?

Yes, but most departments request only three letters. If you want to upload additional letters, please check with your department to make certain that it will not adversely affect your chances of being admitted.

How can I correct a recommender's information in the application?

  If the application is currently in progress, changes may be made to the Recommender's information in the "Recommendations" section of the application. If the application has already been submitted, changes may be made by going to the application portal. After selecting the "Edit" button next to the Status of the recommender, you will be able to edit the Recommender's personal information, as well as send a reminder email or exclude them from the application.

Please note that Recommenders' emails as well as the Buckley Amendment waiver will not be able to be changed.

Did you get my letter of recommendation?

You can check on the status of your letters of recommendation by logging back into your application. Within the application, you can also resend recommendation requests or send new recommendation requests.

Can I submit my application even if my recommenders have not yet completed the recommendation letters?

Yes. Submit your application by the deadline.  The letters of recommendation may be uploaded by the recommender after your submission, but preferably within two weeks of the deadline. Please note that departments may not review the application until all letters have been received.

Do my recommenders have to submit their letters before the deadline?

Recommenders are strongly encouraged to submit their letters by the deadline, but will still be able to submit after the posted date. The application deadline is provided to recommenders in the Letter of Recommendation Request email.

Please note that departments may not review the application until all letters have been received.

Can I use Interfolio to submit my letter(s) of recommendation?

Yes, you can use Interfolio. You will be required to enter the recommenders' information in your application and use the email address provided by Interfolio.

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uc application letters of rec

UC Davis Graduate Studies

Letters of recommendations, letters of recommendations should be submitted electronically via the applicant portal.

If your graduate program requires letters of recommendations, there will be a section on your admissions application to add recommendations. The graduate application only accepts letters received electronically through our online application portal. Neither the graduate program nor Graduate Studies will accept letters of recommendation which have been sent by mail or by e-mail. 

How to Add Recommenders on the Application

In the "Recommendations" section of the application:

  • Enter the name and email address of the person(s) who will supply your letter(s) of recommendation.
  • UC Davis will automatically send an email to this address with instructions on how they can upload their letter of recommendation to the admissions portal. 

Note: Because not all graduate programs require recommendations, the "Recommendations" section will not appear until applicants have completed the "Plans for Graduate Study" section.

Communicate the Process With Your Recommenders

Be sure to tell your recommenders they will receive an email with instructions from UC Davis on how to upload their letter of recommendation in the admissions portal.

If your recommender cannot find the request with instructions from UC Davis:

  • Log on to your applicant status portal
  • Revisit the "Recommendations" page under your application checklist
  • Click on the recommender's name and use the "Send Reminder" feature to re-send the email.

If your recommender does not receive the email request  within 48 hours, take the following steps:

  • Remind them to check their spam/junk mail folders. The request email may be there.
  • Check to see if they are using an email spam screening system (e.g. Boxbe). If so, ask them to add [email protected] to their safe contacts list.
  • Some non-U.S. universities have email firewalls that delay or prevent delivery of our emails. If your recommender has a non-university email address and is willing to use it for your recommendation, follow the steps below.

If your recommender is not able to access the UC Davis system or upload their letter, please ask them to contact [email protected] and explain the issue they are experiencing. We will assist them. 

Editing or Removing Recommenders and Email Addresses 

The process for correcting a recommender's email address is the same as replacing the recommender. If you would like to change a recommender or edit their email address, follow these steps:

  • Revisit the "Recommendations" page under your application checklist.
  • Click on the recommender's name and click the "Exclude" button.
  • Re-add a recommender using a new email address.  

Even after you’ve submitted your application or the application deadline has passed, you can still log on to your Status Page and revisit the recommendations page. To remove the recommender entirely, simply click "Exclude" on their name. You will then be able to add another recommender to replace them. You can replace any recommender as long as they have not already submitted a recommendation on your behalf. 

Admissions Deadlines and Letters of Recommendations

You may submit your completed admissions application prior to UC Davis receiving all of your letters of recommendations. Once you submit your application, your recommendation providers can still upload their letters of recommendation. After you submit your application, please encourage your recommenders to submit their letters as soon as possible.

Graduate programs understand that, if an applicant applies shortly before the deadline, a recommender may not be able to get their recommendation in before the deadline passes. However, graduate programs will expect letters of recommendation to arrive shortly after the application has been submitted. If you want to make certain that your letters are received in time for your application to be considered, contact the graduate program directly to find out when they expect your application to be complete.

Other Common Questions About Letters of Recommendations

  • My letters of recommendation are held by an automated letter of recommendation service (e.g. Interfolio) which sends out copies via email at my request. Can I send these in to you?
  • No. Because your recommendation providers are required to provide both a letter and complete a short evaluation for you, any recommendations must be submitted via our online application system. We cannot accept letters of recommendation sent to our office (or the graduate program offices) by recommendation services.
  • Can I send in more letters of recommendation than what the graduate program requires?
  • No. Graduate programs are only able to accommodate the specific number of letters they require. For example, if you have five excellent recommendation providers and the program only requires three letters of recommendation, you will need to select only three of the recommendation providers.
  • What does it mean if I waive my right to examine my letter(s) of recommendation?
  • If you select "Yes" and waive your right to examine the recommendation, you are only stating that you will not ask UC Davis to provide you a copy of the recommendation. You may still ask your recommender to provide you with a copy of the letter (as long as your recommender is willing to provide it). Responding "Yes" gives your recommender the option to keep their letter confidential, and the graduate program will know that the recommender had the opportunity to provide an honest assessment. If you select "No" regarding the waiver, you are indicating that you may ask UC Davis to provide you with a copy of your recommendation for review (though the recommendation still may not be used for any other purpose).
  • Can I change my answer to the letter of recommendation confidentiality waiver?
  • If your recommendation provider has not yet submitted their recommendation in the system, you may "exclude" them (see the instructions above) and re-add them to the list after selecting a new waiver option. However, if your recommendation provider has already submitted their recommendation, it is not possible to retroactively change your waiver selection.

The Do's and Don'ts of Asking for Letters of Recommendation

  • by Abigail Loomis
  • July 13, 2022

l to r) Professor Tim McNeil listens as Ama Bonsu talks about their layout as Millie Lozano and Zhou Zhou listen during the design exhibition class on February 12, 2019.  The students pick an anniversary in 2019 to showcase and design how the show will work in the Manettie Shrem Musuem.

A good letter of recommendation (L.O.R.) can truly set you apart from other applicants. Some schools do not accept them, but many, many do and they can also land you a private scholarship. Hopefully, you already have a teacher, community college professor or coach in mind.

Do: Find a Recommender Who Knows You

This letter is meant to show colleges and outside scholarship organizations (such as foundations, nonprofits and businesses) who you are and what kind of person you are. You need to find someone from whom you have taken multiple classes or have known for a while. They don’t need to know your deepest darkest secrets, but they should know why you are pursuing college or transferring to a four-year university, and what you are interested in.

Prospective students and their parents take a walking tour of campus on February 7, 2022. The tour visits an Egghead outside Mrak Hall.

Search for Outside Scholarships

UC Davis can help you get started on your scholarship search.

Don’t: Ask for a L.O.R.  Just Because They Gave You a Good Grade

This relates to the above tip. It sounds like a good idea to ask the teacher who gave you the best grade for a L.O.R., but you need to think about it for a minute. Were you particularly verbal in class? Did you have discussions with your teacher? Would they be able to recognize you if you were wearing a wig?

A good grade does not equal a good recommendation. If you aced all the tests but did not interact much in class or were disruptive, reconsider.

Do: Ask Them During Lunch, Office Hours, or After Class

It is best to ask for a letter of recommendation in a more personal setting. By asking when they are free, you can tell them what you need the letter for and what your plans are. If you ask them during class or with others around, they may feel pressured and uncomfortable. In addition, if they deny your request, at least only the two of you will know, saving your ego.

Emailing them is a good option if you are feeling shy about asking; but generally speaking, it is better to ask them face to face. If it has been a semester or so since they last saw you, it can be helpful for them to see and interact with you before they write the L.O.R. 

Here is an example of how you can ask a recommender if they are interested!

Hello (name), this is (your name). I hope you are doing well! I really enjoyed my time with you in (class/activity you had with them). Right now I am applying to (college or scholarship, mentioning general facts i.e. what is your intended major or why you are applying), and since you know me well, I was wondering if you could write me a letter of recommendation. I understand that you must be busy with classes and other things, but I would greatly appreciate this. If you are able to, the deadline is (date). Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I hope you are having a great week.

This can be adjusted for your own personal needs, and can be used to ask the recommender over email or in person. Remember to be kind, patient, and understanding.

Don’t: Ask Right Before the Time You Need it!

Ok, this is super important. If you ask them right before your deadline, they will either reject your request, not finish it on time or be forced to rush it and end up giving you a low-quality L.O.R. Ideally, you should ask your recommender for the letter about two months in advance. This is a long timeline that puts minimal pressure on them and allows them to focus on the L.O.R.

In some ( but not all! ) instances, a recommender may ask you to look over the L.O.R. before they finalize it. By asking further in advance, you have the possibility to double check the L.O.R. to see if they wrote your name correctly, which is super important. Even if they have known you for years, ensure that they have not used four different spellings of your name (I am speaking from experience).

Quarter at Aggie Square class taught by Professor Jeffrey Kahn in the Betty Irene Moore building on the UC Davis Health campus on February 10, 2022.

Relating to College Professors

Read here to find the best tips and tricks for getting to know your professors.

Do: Check In With Them!

Obviously, you should avoid pestering them, but after about the one-month mark, start checking in every other week. This reminds them (excellent for well-meaning, but forgetful folks) and shows them that you are being active in your college application process. Be sure to thank them for the letter when you ask!

In some instances, your recommender will need to send the L.O.R. directly to the university or outside scholarship organizations. If this is the case, make sure that they understand what they need to do, and when they need to do it.

While not all schools in the UC system require a L.O.R. for UC scholarships or admission, many universities and scholarships do, so they are important to keep in your toolkit. A good L.O.R. can really push your application over the edge and make you a more competitive candidate. College and transfer application season can be frightening and confusing, but with the right tips and tricks , you can do it.

Abigail Loomis is a political science student and student editor of the UC Davis admissions blog. She is from Placerville, California and enjoys spending time with the Eggheads on campus.

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Present yourself as a future Anteater

The UC application for admission to UCI opens August 1. The submission period is October 1 - November 30.  Apply online and be sure you select UCI as your first choice .

Once you have completed the online application, submit it along with a nonrefundable college application fee of $80 for domestic applicants or $95 for international applicants. This fee entitles you to apply to UCI.

How to apply

It's a good idea to have everything prepared before you start your application so you're not trying to track down information at the last minute. Let's figure out the process, together.

Everything you need to apply

Transcripts. Don't submit your transcripts to UCI at this point, but refer to them as you fill out the application to ensure the information you enter is accurate. *

Test scores. UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Annual income for last year and the current year (your parents' if you're a dependent; your income if you're independent). This is optional unless you're applying for an application fee waiver or for the Educational Opportunity Program.

Social Security number , if you have one. We use this to match your application to things like test score reports, final transcript(s) and, if you're applying for financial aid, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Citizenship status. You must enter your country of citizenship (or "No Selection"). If your country of citizenship is outside the United States, you'll need to provide your immigration status and your visa type.

California Statewide Student ID (optional). Each K-12 student in California public schools is assigned an ID number. If it's not printed on your transcript, ask your counselor or registrar.

Credit card . If you prefer to pay by check, you can mail your payment.

* Veterans or active-duty military personnel: If you completed courses offered by a branch of the U.S. military, you may indicate your intention to submit your military transcript by checking the box in the "About You" section of the application. If you are admitted and accept an offer of admission, you can then submit official military transcripts (e.g., ACE, SMAART) to the UC campus.

Application fees & waivers

The application fee is $80 for domestic applicants and $95 for international and non-immigrant applicants. You can make your payment either by credit card or by mail, just be sure follow the instructions in the application.

Once your application has been submitted, you are expected to pay for all your campus choices, even if you cancel your application at a later date. The application fees are non-refundable.

Fee waivers

UC will waive application fees for up to four campuses for qualified students who would otherwise be unable to apply for admission. The fee waiver program is for United States citizens, permanent residents, and applicants eligible for AB540 benefits.

Applying for a fee waiver

You can see if you automatically qualify for a fee waiver within the application. If you enter your family size and income in the “About you” section, you will see if you’ve qualified for an application fee waiver when you select your campuses in the "Campuses & majors" section (a message will appear on that page with real-time feedback about how many campuses you can apply to for free).

Transcripts & letters of recommendation

Don't send official transcripts when you apply. If you're admitted to UCI, then you will need to submit final transcripts to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by July 1.

UCI does not accept letters of recommendation.

How to Apply to UCI

Let's tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about the application process.

What are the most common application errors?

  • Name used on application is not the applicant's legal name: It is important that you use your legal name on the application form. It is in your best interest to inform us of any other names you have used as well.
  • Name used on the application does not match the name used for exams (Advanced Placements): Problems occur when UCI cannot match an applicant's test score results with the application because the names do not match. It's best to use your legal name for both the application form and your exams.
  • Incorrect College Board code used for school(s) attended: It is important that you list the correct College Board codes on your application for the schools you attended. Often an applicant will list their school's College Board code incorrectly on the school page of the application. Although the school's name is listed beside the code, the College Board code is entered in the application record; if this code is incorrect, the application will not indicate the school listed in the name field and the school in our record will be wrong.
  • Scores have not been "released" to UCI: Once you are offered admission to UCI and you have returned your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR), official test scores must be submitted. In many cases the testing agency has not been properly authorized to release an individual's test scores to UCI, hence, the final steps in the admission process can be delayed. This can result in a "hold" being placed on your registration until the scores are received or possibly a withdrawal of the admission offer. It may also require that you order and pay for additional/duplicate score reports.
  • Year of Birth: A common error is that applicants will indicate the current year as the year of birth (i.e., "2021" instead of "1997").
  • Applicants fail to list ALL schools attended since 9th grade: Even schools outside the USA and even schools where course work may have not been transferable or completed must be included on the School section. This is important information for evaluation purposes and failure to list all schools could result in delay of the admission process and/or cancellation.

Can you send me an application form?

All undergraduate applications are filed online at apply.universityofcalifornia.edu .

Can I use the same application form for more than one UC campus?

Yes. You may apply to multiple UC campuses using a single application form. The fee is $70/$80 per campus.

Can I have the application fee waived?

The UC fee waiver program is incorporated with the online UC application. To qualify, you must provide details regarding your family size and income and meet the fee waiver guidelines.

How do I know UCI got my application?

About four weeks after the university receives your application, you should receive an acknowledgment in the mail from the UC Undergraduate Application Center indicating that your application form and fees were received along with your UC application ID number.

The University of California provides a website where you may check your application status online. The URL is admission.universityofcalifornia.edu .

  • UCI provides an online Applicant Portal where you may view the status of your UCI application. If you provided a valid email address on your UC application, UCI will send you an email notifying you that your application has been received. This email will include instructions on how to access your UCI application status. This notification process typically begins in mid-December. We strongly advise that you do not change your email address during the application/admissions cycle; however, if you must change your email address, do so by updating your UC Application.
  • If you are concerned that your application may not have reached us, please telephone our office at (949) 824-6703 during normal business hours.

How does UCI calculate the GPA?

For first-year applicants, UCI uses the University of California GPA calculation guidelines which are outlined in the UC application, however, UCI limits the number of extra points awarded certified Honors and Advanced Placement courses to a maximum of eight semesters. For transfer students, the GPA is calculated using your transferable course work only.

Does UCI accept applications for winter or spring term?

UCI does not accept applications for the winter or spring quarters.

I've already submitted my application. How do I add the Irvine campus to my list of choices if I did not initially select it?

If you've already submitted your application, do not submit a second application form; it will not be processed. If the UC application filing period is still open, go online to add our campus to your application. If the filing period is closed, then submit an appeal to closure to the following address:

University of California Application Center P.O. Box 1432 Bakersfield, CA 93302

Be sure to note your application ID number, Social Security number, the additional campus(es) to which you wish to apply, major(s), major code(s), and include a check or money order for $70 ($80 for international applicants) for each additional campus you select, payable in U.S. dollars to the "Regents of the University of California." You may not substitute new campus choices for your original choices. Your request will be processed only if the campus(es) you choose has space available. The processing service will notify you about whether your application was accepted.

Does UCI need my transcripts?

Not immediately. First, we will evaluate your application based on the information you provided on your application. Then, if you are offered admission to UCI, you will be asked to have official copies of your transcripts sent to us by the deadline date .

Where do I send transcripts or recommendations?

Due to COVID-19, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions is primarily accepting transcripts in an electronic format at this time.

Letters of recommendation are not accepted.

Does UCI need my fall semester grades or work planned for spring semester (work in progress)?

First-year applicants.

UCI does not routinely ask for fall semester grades or work planned for spring semester; however, if this information is needed in order to make an admissions decision, the counselor evaluating your records will request it. If you have earned grades of less than "C," or have changed your schedule for the spring semester, please report your changes through the applicant portal.

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Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

If you would like to hear a podcast about letters of recommendation, please go here: https://shows.acast.com/triton-tools-tidbits/episodes/rec-letters . Below is more detailed information.

Why to ask for letters of recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a requirement for various research, scholarship, and employment opportunities. These letters—generally written by teachers, mentors, and employers—detail your unique skills and fit for a particular opportunity. Letters of recommendation can seem to be an intimidating obstacle, especially if it is your first time requesting such support. However, it is important to recognize that letters of recommendation are simply one part of any given application process, and that your recommenders will likely be enthusiastic to support your success.

Try to avoid thinking about letters of recommendation as inherently burdensome for your recommenders. By providing your recommenders with plenty of advance notice, maintaining clear & professional communication, and following the other guidelines detailed below, you can make the process a meaningful experience that strengthens your mentoring relationships. Keep in mind that while your recommenders have many prior commitments, they are also deeply committed to you and are eager to support your success. Writing letters of recommendation is an inherent aspect of many jobs, and in most cases a potential recommender will be delighted to support a worthy candidate.

During remote learning, navigating this process can present unique challenges, particularly in terms of maintaining clear communication. However, requesting letters of recommendation can be a wonderful opportunity to build and strengthen your mentoring relationships. By following the guidelines listed here, you will make this process a positive one for all involved.

Whom to ask for letters of recommendation

When considering whom to ask for letters of recommendation, the most important thing is to carefully read the requirements for a particular application . Some opportunities may require a recommender who can attest to your general academic achievements and promise, and allow any person who has served an educational role in your life to support your application (e.g. a high school teacher, guidance counselor, teaching assistant, college professor, and/or administrator). Other opportunities—especially research fellowships and graduate school applications—will likely require that you solicit recommendations from college professors who can speak about your specific qualifications and aspirations regarding research. Furthermore, certain opportunities might prefer that your recommender be a scholar and/or a professional within a particular field or discipline.

A common scenario: you know a teaching assistant who you think would be willing and able to write you a strong letter of recommendation, but the opportunity for which you are applying requires a letter from a professor. In this case, you can ask whether the teaching assistant and primary professor for the course would be willing to co-author a letter a recommendation to support your application.

It is perfectly acceptable—and rather common—to ask the same people to submit multiple letters of recommendation on your behalf for different opportunities. In most cases, recommenders will keep a copy of the most recent letter(s) they have written for you, and make the appropriate updates and revisions before submitting to a subsequent opportunity.

Keeping all of this in mind, you might consider developing your own team of 2-4 recommenders—depending upon your field of study and your future plans—who can speak to various aspects of you and your skills. For example, you might have a dynamic mentoring relationship with one mentor that spans several years, and this person can therefore attest to your growth over time. You might have another mentor with whom you have worked closely on a specific research project, who can thus speak in a detailed way about your qualifications in a certain field. You might have yet another mentor with whom you have collaborated to organize social events on campus, who can accordingly testify to your leadership qualities. There is no single, correct way to approach developing these relationships and building your team of potential recommenders. The most important thing is to remember the positive impact that multiple mentors will have upon your journey.

How to ask for letters of recommendation

Once you have an idea of who would be able to write letters of recommendation for you, you will want to reach out to ask whether they would be able to do so. It is important to keep some general ideas in mind when asking people to write a letter of recommendation:

  • Send a professionally worded email . Emails provide the recipient with the opportunity to consider the request and look at their other commitments prior to responding. If you have the opportunity to interact with potential letter writers in person or via Zoom, you can also ask then. In any case, be sure that the interaction has a professional tone.
  • Ask well in advance of when the letters are due . Ideally you want to provide the potential letter writer(s) with at least a month’s notice, although there may be times when it is not possible to do so. The more time letter writers have, the more flexibility they will have to work writing the letters into their schedule.
  • Ask if they would be able to write a letter that is both strong (provides detailed information) and positive . There may be several reasons why people would not be able to write a strong letter for you. For instance, they may feel that they do not know you well enough to write an informative letter. Alternatively, their schedule might be such that they would not be able to spend adequate time to write a strong letter by the deadline. You should ask explicitly whether they would be able to write a strong letter.
  • Frame the wording as a request, rather than as an assumption that the recipient will be willing to write on your behalf . It can be helpful to acknowledge that due to schedule constraints or other issues, they may need to decline your request. In general, if someone indicates they would not be able to write a strong letter for you, thank them for considering it and move on to someone else (rather than trying to convince them to write you one anyway). If you have had discussions with potential letter writers about the fact that they will support you in this way, it is possible that their schedules have changed so you still should approach the situation as a request. In a case like this, when you reach out with the specific request you can say something along the lines of “You and I had previously discussed the fact that you might be able to support my applications to [xxx], and I wanted to update you and let you know that I am now in the process of applying. Would it still work with your schedule to write letters of recommendation for me?” Do not provide potential letter writers’ names or contact information to the places where you are applying until you have received confirmation that they are able to write a letter for you.
  • Include a brief indication of the types of opportunities to which you’ll be applying . Let the potential letter writer know whether you are applying to graduate school, an internship, a summer research opportunity, a job, or some other endeavor. This can be conveyed with just a few words (e.g., “I am in the process of applying to graduate school, and I was wondering whether you would be able to support me by writing a strong letter of recommendation”).
  • Include information about the next step(s) . Indicate that if they are able to write a strong letter for you, you will provide them with additional information (see below). Ask if there are any materials that would be particularly helpful for them to receive. Most programs will ask you to provide them with your letter writers’ names and contact information; the programs will then contact the letter writers directly. Again, it is very important that you do not provide potential letter writers’ names and contact information until they have agreed to write a letter for you.

What to provide to letter writers

  • An overview of the types of programs to which you are applying and an indication as to why you are doing so . For instance, if you are applying to summer research opportunities, let your letter writers know why you feel that participating in such a program would help you grow as a researcher and allow you to explore your passion for research. You want to make sure that your letter writers have an accurate understanding of why you are applying so that they do not inadvertently say something that would not be helpful to the admission committee in determining whether you are a good fit.
  • Information about strengths that the letter writer would be in a good position to address . As noted above, it is likely that your interactions with different letter writers have provided each of them with unique insights as the qualities that make a strong candidate. It is fine to let a letter writers know that there are particular things you hope they might be able to address in their letters.
  • The name of the institution to which you are applying.
  • The name of the specific program to which you are applying. This can be particularly useful so that letter writers can tailor the beginning of their letter to the specific program, rather than saying “To whom it may concern:”
  • The type of program. You may be applying to a variety of programs in several fields; for instance, you might be applying both to programs in cognitive science and programs in neurosciences. For any given opportunity, it is helpful for the letter writer to know these specifics (a letter to a masters program might include different information than a letter to a Ph.D. program). If the opportunities to which you are applying vary on several dimensions, you might want to have a column for each (e.g., one column that specifies field, one that specifies degree). It is likely, however, that between the name of the specific program and a general column for “type” of program, you will be able to capture all the relevant information. Depending on how different the programs are, it may be worth noting elsewhere as well (such as in the email to the letter writers). Information which is supportive of an application to one type of program may not be as supportive of an application to another type of program. For instance, you may be applying both to medical school and to Ph.D. programs. A letter to a medical school might focus on evidence that demonstrates you would be a good clinician, whereas a letter to a Ph.D. program would be more likely to focus on your passion for research.
  • Due date(s) for the letter(s)
  • Any notes about the opportunity which you would like the letter writer to know. For instance, you might indicate that you are particularly interested in the training model available through this program, or that the multidisciplinary perspective offered by the program is appealing to you.
  • Your personal statement and/or research statement . If you have completed portions of your application by the time you are sending the information to your letter writers, it can be helpful for them to have. However, do not delay in sending other information to your letter writers.
  • Letter of Recommendation Release Form. UC San Diego now requests that letter writers have a Letter of Recommendation Release Form from anyone for whom they are writing a letter ( https://evc.ucsd.edu/_files/UCSD-Letter-of-Recommendation-Release-Form.pdf ). Complete this form and provide it to your letter writers.

How to follow up with recommenders

One of the most seemingly uncomfortable aspects of this process can following up with somebody who has agreed to write you a letter of recommendation, but has not yet done so with a deadline fast approaching. Please be assured: this does not need to be an awkward or unpleasant experience. By navigating this process with courtesy and professionalism, you will generally have a successful outcome.

Above all, lead with gratitude . Although writing letters of recommendation is an inherent aspect of many academic and professional jobs, you of course want to express your appreciation to the people who have agreed to support you in this way. Gratitude is exhibited not only by saying “thank you,” but also through clear and prompt communication at every step.

  • Here are a couple tips for reminding your recommenders that a deadline is approaching: Write and deliver them a thank-you note, either by email or—preferably if possible—by hand. In any scenario, you want to thank your recommenders properly and express your appreciation for their time and support. If you plan ahead, you can deliver your thank-you notes several weeks after making the initial request, but also several weeks before the approaching deadline. This is a great way to simultaneously show your gratitude and provide a gentle reminder.

Dear Dr./Professor/Other Title [Name],

Thank you again for agreeing to write me a letter of recommendation in support of my application to [opportunity]. I know you have a busy schedule, and I greatly appreciate your making time for me.

As a friendly reminder, all pieces of my application are due [date] by [time] at the following link [include link if applicable]. Please let me know if you have any remaining questions or if there is any additional information you need to proceed with submitting your letter of recommendation.

[Your name]

Additional resources

There are a number of resources available online which contain advice about letters of recommendation. Links to some of these resources are included below. Keep in mind that these sites contain general information and may not be applicable to every application or opportunity. Be sure to review the expectations for any specific opportunity to which you are applying.

Finally, if you have additional questions about letters of recommendation, please reach out to us at the Undergraduate Research Hub (URH) office. We are happy to help! Information about a number of elements of applying to grad school, including letters of recommendation. This site gives an overview and includes links to more detailed information about specific components (e.g., how to select someone to write a letter, best way to request a letter of recommendation): http://gradschool.about.com/od/admissionsadvice/a/overview.htm

Information about letters of recommendation. Includes links to additional articles and resources: https://www.gradschools.com/get-informed/applying-graduate-school/recommendation-letters

Information about letters of recommendation. Includes links to additional articles and resources: https://www.accepted.com/grad/letter-of-recommendation

Webinars from the 2020 NIH Virtual Summer Enrichment Program curriculum: https://www.training.nih.gov/2020_nih_virtual_summer_enrichment_program_curriculum

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Home » Campus Life » Office of Nationally Competitive Awards » Applying » Preparing Your Application » Recommendation Letters

Recommendation Letters

Recommenders should have at least four weeks’ notice, and more is better, if you can give it.

Ask politely

This means asking, not announcing that you need a letter. When done well, these letters take a lot of effort. You do not need to apologize for asking for a letter of recommendation, but exhibiting professional courtesy is always important. Sending a note of thanks after you have submitted the application is also appropriate.

“Do you feel you can write a strong letter on my behalf?"

NCA encourages you to use this phrasing when asking for a recommendation letter. If someone does not think they can write strongly on your behalf, it is better that they tell you that up front so you can find another recommender.

Be clear about what you are asking of them

Make sure they know the deadline, how to submit the letter, and any formatting requirements (some scholarships have limits on word count). You may also need to provide information about the award (what it’s for, the selection criteria, etc.). If the scholarship provides you with a link to send your recommenders, share it. If NCA has a guide to writing recommendation letters for that award, send that, too. Put this information into your initial email.

Create a “highlights sheet” for them

If you have in mind some specific things that you are hoping they can write about, it does not hurt to create a short list of those items. A polished résumé could also do the trick. Did you write an exceptional paper for them? Send them a copy with their comments. Did you receive an award from their department? Remind them of that. And so on. Of course, they will have their own things they want to discuss in their letter, but it does not hurt to share supplemental materials—and to help them understand the role their letter will be playing in your portfolio.

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First-Year Policy Changes

Admissions policy on standardized testing.

UC Berkeley is test-free , which means we will not use SAT/ACT test scores in any part of our application process.

Berkeley has always used, and will continue to use, holistic review, which means there is no one sole factor on the application that will determine a student’s admission status. SAT/ACT test scores were not the only academic indicators available on the application to assess students. Other academic indicators will continue to be assessed in the review process, including grades, the rigor of a student’s courses, other non-required tests (SAT subject test, AP tests, IB test, etc.), and a student’s individual academic context.

While SAT/ACT scores will not be used in the admissions process, any scores submitted to Berkeley will be used for placement or subject credit purposes should the student be admitted to Berkeley.

View our Applicant FAQs for more details on our testing policy.

Letters of Recommendation

Select applicants to UC Berkeley are invited to submit two letters of recommendation. Submission is voluntary and not required for full consideration of the application for admission. However, it is highly recommended that students use this opportunity as it can provide additional academic and personal context. Only students invited to submit letters of recommendation can do so, and we will not accept unsolicited letters or supplemental information

Furthering our belief in the value of holistic review, we ask that those who write letters consider the following concepts when asked to add a letter to the application process:

  • Academic performance and potential (both overall and in the context of the applicant’s high school class)
  • Love of learning
  • Leadership (in school, family, or community)
  • Persistence in the face of challenges
  • Cross-cultural engagement
  • Originality/Creativity
  • Demonstrated concern for others

If a student is offered the opportunity to submit up to two letters of recommendation, they must be submitted electronically. Students and recommenders will be provided the appropriate instructions. Additionally, at least one letter should be written by a teacher or instructor in a core academic subject.

The deadline for letters of recommendation are due January 3rd.

Only students who have submitted a UC application will be considered for the letters of recommendation process. Students who are invited to participate in this process will receive instructions via email on how to use the applicant portal to submit names and contact information for their recommenders. This will initiate an email to the recommenders with instructions on how to submit letters through the portal. 

Students:  Please communicate with your recommenders ahead of time. Make sure they agree to write a letter before you submit their information. Additionally, give them the courtesy of time. 

Advice for writing letters 

  • Help us understand who the human being is behind the numbers. Letters are most helpful when they provide specific examples of a student’s accomplishments and character.
  • Go beyond a student’s grades, academic performance, or providing a laundry list of their extracurricular activities. Try to personalize each letter as much as possible.
  • Letters should provide us with information that we cannot already obtain from the student’s application.
  • Be candid and honest.
  • Avoid vague, general statements without any concrete examples of the student’s ability, curiosity, or intellect.

Questions letters should try to address:

  • What is the context and nature of your relationship with the applicant? If you know the student but due to workload constraints can only provide a brief summary, please let us know.
  • Has the student demonstrated a willingness to take intellectual risks and go beyond the normal classroom experience?
  • Does the student have any unusual talents, abilities, or interests?
  • What motivates and excites the student?
  • How does the student interact with teachers? Peers? If possible, describe the applicant’s personality and social skills.
  • How did the student react to setbacks, failure, or disappointments?
  • Are there any unusual personal, family, or community circumstances of which we should be aware?

Helpful Tools

Students: If you are a prospective applicant with the opportunity to submit letters of recommendation, check out these helpful hints .

Letter Writers: Did a student ask you to write a letter on their behalf? Find tips on how to get started here.

Last updated November 2023.

Admissions » Apply » Tips and Resources

Tips and Resources

One of our roles as admissions professionals is to help you through the application process. Use this page as a resource when you are completing your University of Cincinnati application and determining which institution will be the best fit for you!

University of Cincinnati Admission Decision Process and Timeline

If you are wondering how we review applications, this page will offer a comprehensive list of review considerations as well as a timeline for first-year main campus decision releases.

First-year Application Writing Prompts

Because of our holistic review process, admissions staff at the University of Cincinnati use the essay and personal statement responses within a student's application to better understand what makes a student unique. View these writing prompts before the application becomes available to begin thinking about how best to showcase your talents and special characteristics.

Tips from the Admissions Counselor's Desk

The purpose of the admission and review process is to identify students who have a strong likelihood of being an academic "fit" for the University of Cincinnati. These are students who have proved to be academically successful up to this point in past coursework, who show drive and a willingness to challenge themselves, and who are passionate about leaving their positive mark on the world.

Beat the deadlines!

It is important to keep track of deadlines that are specific to your application. We are not able to extend application or confirmation deadlines for students but we are here to help students during the process. If you are unsure about your next steps or whether or not there are other parts of the application you need to complete, don't wait until the last minute! Check your status online and stay up to date on your application progress.

Choose the right essay prompt for you.

You will have several prompts to choose from when completing your Common Application. Remember that there is not a "right" or "wrong" essay to write. We want to read a response that is a reflection of who you are and what you are passionate about. When choosing an essay prompt, do some self-reflection to see which topic would showcase your personality, your skills, or your passions best.

Write a great essay.

Writing your essay response can be a daunting task but following these few steps below will help you craft an essay that will be a positive addition to the rest of your application

  • Answer the prompt being asked: We see many essays that have clearly been used for other applications and don't answer the prompt the student chose to respond to. When writing your essay, make sure you are answering the question the prompt is asking you.
  • Get help proofing your response: This may seem obvious but you would be surprised how many essays we read that have typos and spelling errors. Make sure you re-read your essay looking for small mistakes you may have made and if you can, have a friend or family member take a look as well.
  • Tell us something we can't find in your application: The essay response is your opportunity to share unique information you haven't already told us somewhere else in your application. Take advantage of this opportunity to tell us something new so we can get a more accurate picture of who you are and why you would be a good fit at the University of Cincinnati.
  • Think about the person reading your essay: Your admissions counselor reads all the essays that come to them from potential applicants. Be thinking about the fact that someone - maybe the person you met at a high school visit or college fair - will be reading this essay. Consider what you would like to share with them and how they may respond to what you write. If you want to make them laugh, make them laugh. If you want to inspire them, inspire them. We appreciate seeing diversity in the types of essays we read because that reflects the individuality of the candidates who apply for admission.

Select the best person to write your letter of recommendation.

A letter of recommendation is encouraged but not required for first-year applicants. The more you and others can tell us about how wonderful you are, the better! Choose a recommender who can write knowledgeably about your academic talents and abilities. This could be a teacher you have worked closely with, a guidance counselor who has seen you excel, or both. When you approach one of your mentors to request a letter of recommendation, don't be surprised if they ask for your resume or to sit down with you for a few minutes to learn more about you. Take them up on this opportunity so they can be more informed about what you hope to accomplish and how their letter can speak to those goals.

Health Sciences - UC Santa Barbara

Health Sciences - UC Santa Barbara

Letters of recommendation.

Obtaining high quality, positive letters of recommendation is a key component of creating a competitive application to professional school.  Most programs will require at least 3 letters and at most 5.  Additionally, you may need at least two letters from academic sources, such as professors or research supervisors, and at least one from a professional in your intended field whom you have shadowed or spent time working with in a clinical setting.  Other recommenders that can provide important insights into you as an applicant include supervisors from work and volunteer/service experiences, and coaches (if you are a collegiate athlete--not from a high school coach).  Letters of recommendation should not come from family members or family friends, even if they may be healthcare professionals.  Your goal is to obtain letters of recommendation from a diverse set of writers who know and can speak to different aspects of you as an applicant.  Remember, there is much more to you than your undergraduate coursework/major and your career, and your letters should reflect various aspects of who you are as a person.

uc application letters of rec

No matter when you plan to actually apply, you need to give your letter writers plenty of time to compose their letters.  You should approach your recommenders around February or March of the year in which you plan to apply, or during the year in which you graduate if you intend to take a gap year, and provide them with them with an exact date for when you need the completed letters.

If you plan to take a gap year, it is very important that you approach your letter writers well before you graduate and let them know when you plan to apply.  It would be a good idea to remain in occasional contact with your recommenders throughout your gap year so that they know to expect the email from your application service requesting their recommendation to be completed and their letter to be uploaded.

Recommenders should know you well, which means, ideally, you should have spent quality time working and interacting with them over an extended period of time.  This can be difficult because your professors are often teaching to lectures containing hundreds of students, and healthcare professionals may have very little time to get to know you well during your shadowing and clinical experiences.  This is why it is so important that you be proactive and take every opportunity to get to know your instructors by going to office hours, working with them in a laboratory setting, and so on.  This is also why it can be very beneficial to work or volunteer at just a couple places for an extended period of time versus holding multiple jobs and volunteering with several organizations over the course of your undergraduate career.

Consider the list of Core Competencies ( See list here ) and then consider which individuals you have met and developed relationships with as an undergraduate student who can speak to specific competencies that you feel you have demonstrated.

Approach your recommenders professionally to ask them if they would be willing to meet with you in person.  During this meeting, ask whether they feel they can write you a strong, positive letter of recommendation (Believe it or not, some who you approach may tell you that they cannot do that for you, and that’s OK!  You do not want someone to say yes who then ends up writing a poor or generic letter.). 

If they agree, you should provide them with the following information that you have prepared ahead of time

  • Typed directions for submitting your letter (See specific application services for directions.)
  • Your personal statement/essay
  • Unofficial transcripts and entrance exam scores (if taken)
  • Some suggestions of content for the writer.
  • After the meeting, send thank you note. 
  • Provide this link to the AAMC's Guidelines for Writing a Letter of Evaltuation for a Medical School Applicant

Be sure to stay in touch with your letter writers, especially if you plan to take one or more gap years.  Your application will not be complete without these letters.

Committee Letters:   UCSB does not have a process to provide a committee letter of recommendation.  If you see that some health professions schools recommend a committee letter, please know that this is only if their undergraduate institution offers this service.  It will NOT negatively impact your professional school application if you do not have a committee letter.

Additional Resources

AAMC's Medical School Letters of Evaluation Policies 

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COMMENTS

  1. Applying for admission

    UC has slightly different admission requirements for applicants who are international students. If you're applying as a freshman, you must: 1. Complete 15 year-long academic courses with a 3.4 GPA: 2 years of history (in place of U.S. History, history of your country) 4 years of composition and literature in language in which you are instructed.

  2. PDF Letters of Recommendation at UC Berkeley

    UC application opens August 1 UC application submission period October 1 - November 30 Request for letters sent to students October through early December Letters of recommendation due January 3 Two Important Steps: 1. Fill out the UC Application. This is used to apply to all UC campuses. 2. UC Berkeley will then email some students the ...

  3. PDF A N o t e a b o u t L e t t e rs o f R e c o m m e n da t i o n fo r F

    During the 2019-20 application cycle: UC Berkeley invited over 13% of our freshman applicants to submit letters, Over 53% of the invited applicants requested at least one letter from a recommender, Of the students that requested at least one letter, there was a response rate of over 92%.

  4. PDF Tools for Students

    Tools for Students. As of fall 2015, some freshman applicants seeking admission will have the opportunity to submit two letters of recommendation. This will be optional and not required. The purpose for this change is that letters of recommendation can help provide additional academic and personal context.

  5. PDF Letters of Recommendation at UC Berkeley

    All letters must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on January 3. After this date, it is not guaranteed that the letter can be read as part of the application review. Timeline: Activity Date UC application opens August 1 Berkeley supplement available Only after a UC Application is submitted

  6. Requirements

    Depending on what you've already studied, you'll either apply as a freshman or a transfer student. Admission requirements. English language requirement. Passports and visas. Health care and insurance.

  7. Admissions Requirements

    The application requires at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants should check with their prospective program for questions . Your recommenders are asked to give their personal impressions of your intellectual ability, your aptitude in research or professional skills, your character, and the quality of your previous work and ...

  8. Letters of Recommendation Questions

    Recommenders are strongly encouraged to submit their letters by the deadline, but will still be able to submit after the posted date. The application deadline is provided to recommenders in the Letter of Recommendation Request email. Please note that departments may not review the application until all letters have been received.

  9. How to write a letter of recommendation that strengthens a student's

    University of Cincinnati Admissions representatives review thousands of applications each year, most of them from academically qualified candidates. A strong recommendation letter can make a student stand out from the other applicants, and ultimately tip the needle in their favor. UC admissions reviews applicants holistically, so all letters of recommendation are considered in a student's ...

  10. Letters of Recommendations

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  11. How to Request Letters of Recommendation for Grad School

    Request letters of recommendation at least one or two months in advance of your admissions deadline. It's important to ask in a timely manner to give recommenders plenty of time to write. It's also important to make the request personal. Ask to meet with your professor, either virtually or in person, to discuss your plans for graduate school.

  12. The Do's and Don'ts of Asking for Letters of Recommendation

    It is best to ask for a letter of recommendation in a more personal setting. By asking when they are free, you can tell them what you need the letter for and what your plans are. If you ask them during class or with others around, they may feel pressured and uncomfortable. In addition, if they deny your request, at least only the two of you ...

  13. Admissions

    For more information on additional COVID-19 admissions considerations, please visit our updated admissions policies. May 26 is the first day students may submit applications (M.D., M.D./Ph.D.) to the American Medical College Application Service. October 1 at 11:59 pm EST (8:59 p.m. PST) is our deadline to submit all application materials to AMCAS.

  14. Application FAQs

    From Nov. 30 - Dec. 31: Questions regarding the University of California application should be handled through: UC Application. In December, UC Berkeley will notify applicants, via email, that we've received your application. Here are the next steps you need to take:

  15. How to Apply

    The submission period is October 1 - November 30. Apply online and be sure you select UCI as your first choice. Once you have completed the online application, submit it along with a nonrefundable college application fee of $80 for domestic applicants or $95 for international applicants. This fee entitles you to apply to UCI.

  16. Letters of Recommendation

    When considering whom to ask for letters of recommendation, the most important thing is to carefully read the requirements for a particular application.Some opportunities may require a recommender who can attest to your general academic achievements and promise, and allow any person who has served an educational role in your life to support your application (e.g. a high school teacher ...

  17. UC Berkeley Letter of Recs : r/ApplyingToCollege

    I think there is a lot of advice on the wiki for letters of rec. The letter of rec will probably be in a very similar format so I don't think it would be as demanding as you think it would be to ask ur English teacher again. Ur summer counselor might be able to confirm a lot of info on your piqs and they do know about ur experience at the ...

  18. Recommendation Letters

    Ask politely. This means asking, not announcing that you need a letter. When done well, these letters take a lot of effort. You do not need to apologize for asking for a letter of recommendation, but exhibiting professional courtesy is always important. Sending a note of thanks after you have submitted the application is also appropriate.

  19. First-Year Policy Changes

    Timeline. August 1. UC application opens. October 1 - November 30. UC application submission period. October through early December. Requests for letters sent to students. January 3. Letters of recommendations due.

  20. Tips and Resources

    Tips from the Admissions Counselor's Desk. The purpose of the admission and review process is to identify students who have a strong likelihood of being an academic "fit" for the University of Cincinnati. These are students who have proved to be academically successful up to this point in past coursework, who show drive and a willingness to ...

  21. Letters of Recommendation

    Letters of Recommendation. Obtaining high quality, positive letters of recommendation is a key component of creating a competitive application to professional school. Most programs will require at least 3 letters and at most 5. Additionally, you may need at least two letters from academic sources, such as professors or research supervisors, and ...

  22. Which UC schools allow Letter of Recs in their application?

    Which UC schools allow Letter of Recs in their application? Rec Letters. For all I know, UC Berkeley's website states that. "Starting in fall 2015, some applicants to UC Berkeley are invited to submit two letters of recommendation. Submission is voluntary and not required for full consideration of the application for admission."