Everything you need to know to be considered for admission to UCI.

UCI welcomes the distinctive experience transfer students contribute to our campus and gives priority to junior-level students transferring from California Community Colleges. In order to be eligible for admission to our university, you must meet the following requirements:

• Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter UC transferable units by the end of the spring term prior to the desired fall term admission with a minimum 2.4 GPA required for California residents. All majors at UCI are selective and applicants are encouraged to earn the highest possible GPA.
• Complete seven UC transferable college courses with a grade of C or better in each course — two courses in English composition, one course in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning, and four courses in at least two of the following subject areas: arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or physical and biological sciences

If you are a non-California resident, you must have a minimum 2.8 GPA in order to be eligible for the UC System. All majors at UCI are selective and applicants are encouraged to earn the highest possible GPA. See the University of California Admissions for additional information.

You will be granted up to 70 semester/105 quarter units of credit for lower-division coursework completed at any institution or any combination of institutions. For units beyond the maximum, subject credit for appropriate coursework taken in excess of this unit limitation will be granted and may be used to satisfy requirements.

• Units earned through AP, IB, and/or A-Level examinations are not included in the limitation and do not put applicants at risk of being denied admission
• Units earned at any UC campus (extension/continuing education, summer, cross/concurrent, and regular academic year enrollment) are not included in the limitation but are added to the maximum transfer credit allowed and may put applicants at risk of being denied admission due to excessive units
• No more than 14 semester (21 quarter) units may be taken for Pass/No Pass credit, and Pass/No Pass credit may not be used for major requirements

Grades earned in all UC transferable coursework are used in calculating the UC transferable GPA. For your desired major, please see Transfer Requirements by School.

COVID-19 Update: UCI will accept Pass or Credit grades in major preparatory coursework completed in winter, spring, and summer 2020 for all majors. Pass or Credit grades in major preparation are acceptable for admission purposes only; articulation of courses with Pass or Credit grades will be determined by the individual department after you enroll at UCI.

Other Considerations

UCI considers the following as part of the Comprehensive Review process for transfer applicants:

• Completion of a specified pattern or number of courses that meet breadth or general education requirements
• Completion of a specified pattern or number of courses that provide continuity with upper division courses in your major, such as a UC Transfer Pathway, AA degree for transfer (offered at California Community Colleges only), or UC campus-specific major prerequisites
• Grade point average in all UC transferable courses - especially in a UC Transfer Pathway or in major prerequisites
• Participation in academically selective honors courses or programs
• Special talents, achievements, and awards in a particular field, such as visual and performing arts, communication or athletic endeavors; special skills, such as demonstrated written and oral proficiency in other languages; special interests, such as intensive study and exploration of other cultures; experiences that demonstrate unusual promise for leadership, such as significant community service or significant participation in student government; or other significant experiences or achievements that demonstrate your promise for contributing to the intellectual vitality of the campus
• Completion of special projects undertaken in the context of the college curriculum or in conjunction with special school events, projects, or programs
• Academic accomplishments in light of your life experiences and special circumstances, including but not limited to: disabilities, low family income, first generation to attend college, need to work, disadvantaged social or educational environment, difficult personal and family situations or circumstances, refugee status or veteran status
• Location of your college and residence
• Completion of a UC Transfer Pathway or an AA degree for transfer offered by a California Community College

Personal Insight Questions

Your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include:

• Transfer applicants answer one required question and choose three out of seven additional questions to answer
• Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words

We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.

Learn more about the personal insight questions.

Meet English proficiency requirements for UCI acceptance.

You must provide evidence of English proficiency to be successful in university studies at UCI.

Transfer applicants must complete two UC-E approved English composition courses with a grade of C or better. UCI does not accept English composition courses from international universities where English is not the language of instruction.

Transfer Admission FAQs