Why Extracurriculars Are Essential in UC Admissions

The UC system uses a holistic review process, evaluating not just academic achievement but also a student’s character, creativity, and contributions to their community. This approach ensures that every applicant has the chance to show their full potential, especially through extracurricular activities.



With no letters of recommendation or standardized test scores in the admissions process, the Activities and Awards section plays a crucial role in telling your story. It allows you to highlight what drives you, how you spend your time, and how you contribute to the world around you.

What UC Admissions Officers Look For

Admissions officers evaluate three core qualities in extracurricular activities:

1. Commitment: How long have you been involved, and how deeply have you engaged with the activity?
2. Progression: Have you shown growth or taken on greater responsibilities over time?
3. Leadership: Have you initiated change, mentored others, or achieved measurable impact?

Whether you’re leading a robotics team, managing family responsibilities, or volunteering in your community, these qualities can make your application stand out.

Quality Over Quantity

The UC application allows up to 20 entries in the Activities and Awards section, but it’s not about filling every space. Admissions officers value depth over breadth. A student who has dedicated years to excelling in a few meaningful activities will impress more than one with a long list of shallow commitments.

For instance, if you’ve competed in statewide music competitions, led a community service initiative, or started a business, focus on highlighting your contributions and the impact of your work. Admissions officers want to see not just what you’ve done but how it reflects your values and aligns with your goals.

Embracing Unique and Non-Traditional Activities

Not all impactful extracurriculars happen in a classroom or on a playing field. The UC system values diverse experiences and perspectives, so don’t hesitate to include activities that reflect your unique circumstances:

• Family Responsibilities: Managing household duties, caring for siblings, or helping with a family business can demonstrate leadership, maturity, and resilience.
• Creative Pursuits: Designing a video game, running a YouTube channel, or participating in e-sports shows initiative and innovation.
• Community Engagement: Organizing events, advocating for change, or volunteering highlights your ability to make a difference.

Admissions officers care about the story behind your activities—why they matter to you and how they’ve shaped your growth.

Making the Most of the Activities Section

The Activities and Awards section requires you to describe each entry in just 350 characters, so clarity and precision are key. Here’s how to maximize your impact:

• Focus on Your Role: Highlight what you contributed or achieved rather than describing the activity itself.
• Quantify Results: Use numbers to show impact, such as hours volunteered, funds raised, or projects completed.
• Show Growth: Emphasize how your role evolved over time or how the experience helped you develop new skills.

For example, instead of saying, “Volunteered at a food bank,” write, “Coordinated weekly food distributions, serving 200+ families and training 10 new volunteers.”

Standing Out for Highly Selective Majors

For students targeting competitive UC programs—like Business at UC Berkeley (7.3% admit rate) or Computer Science at UCLA (3% admit rate)—aligning extracurriculars with your intended major is critical. Show how your activities have prepared you for the demands of your chosen field:

• Computer Science: Highlight coding projects, hackathons, or internships in tech.
• Business: Include leadership roles in entrepreneurship, fundraising, or organizations like DECA.
• Engineering: Emphasize hands-on STEM projects, robotics competitions, or research experience.

By connecting your activities to your academic and career aspirations, you present a cohesive narrative that underscores your passion and readiness for the field.

Addressing Challenges and Gaps

Not every student has access to traditional extracurriculars, and UC admissions officers understand this. If your time is spent supporting your family, working part-time, or managing personal challenges, share these experiences honestly. Use the “Additional Comments” section to provide context about how these responsibilities have shaped you and contributed to your growth.

Creating a Holistic Narrative

Extracurriculars are more than just a list—they’re an opportunity to tell your story. Alongside your academic achievements and personal insight questions, they help admissions officers understand who you are, what you value, and how you’ll contribute to the UC community. For students applying to highly selective majors, extracurriculars also demonstrate alignment with the skills and qualities that specific programs demand.

In the UC admissions process, extracurriculars define success by showcasing your character, leadership, and impact. By thoughtfully presenting your activities, you can go beyond the numbers and create a compelling narrative that sets you apart. Whether you’re balancing multiple responsibilities, excelling in STEM competitions, or leading community initiatives, your activities reveal the qualities that make you a valuable addition to any UC campus.