Admissions FAQ
Academics FAQ
STUDENT LIFE FAQ
FINANCES FAQ
HOUSING FAQ
VISIT US FAQ
ADMISSIONS ANSWERS
What makes UC Davis different?
Students at UC Davis say that what sets us apart academically are the many opportunities for close interaction with professors. Our faculty are more than willing to include undergraduates in their research teams. Nurturing students as future colleagues, UC Davis faculty provide undergraduates with the firsthand knowledge and experience necessary to achieve their goals after graduation. Many students believe that what's best about UC Davis is that you can get the advantages of a small liberal arts college—the one-to-one contact with faculty and staff—and yet have all the options, opportunities and world-class facilities that come with being a large research university.
Beyond the challenging academic environment, our students say what makes UC Davis special is the abundance of student activities and services. From the hundreds of student clubs to career advising to academic and social activities, these opportunities are exceedingly diverse: intern for an assemblymember at the Capitol in Sacramento, play intramural ultimate frisbee, take a course in making stained-glass or wood furnishings at the Experimental College. We have an organization or activity for almost any interest you might have.
Finally, students say what sets UC Davis apart is the atmosphere, or the "feel" that comes from our campus, faculty and student body. It just feels comfortable here. At UC Davis we're friendly. We're helpful. We're inclusive. We're the only UC campus situated in a college town, a small city geared towards students so it's convenient. And we're geographically blessed, located right next to the state capital and halfway between skiing in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the premier cultural attractions of San Francisco.
It's opportunities like these, combined with outstanding academic programs, that make our campus a great place to go to school. Whatever your passion is, you can find it at UC Davis.
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How can I make my application more competitive?
For future freshmen:
As college admissions counselors, we're always asked how we select students for admission. We provide detailed answers about the wide variety of criteria we consider when we select incoming freshmen.
Quick Tips
Academics: Take the right courses. Take the right tests. Take "a-g" courses beyond the basic requirements. It better prepares you to succeed in university courses, and can earn you extra points. Do as well as you can. Then, see how your grades and scores measure up to those of past admitted freshman and transfer students.
Extracurriculars: Show us your talents, your leadership roles and skills, and your abilities outside of the classroom, whether it's in clubs, sports, the arts, volunteer work or paid work. Remember that leadership and talent can be demonstrated in a variety of circumstances. Don't forget to tell us how you were recognized for your leadership and talent, as well as the level of that recognition (locally, regionally, nationally, etc.).
Life experiences: The essay questions on your application offer you the chance to discuss the opportunities you’ve had in life and what you’ve done with them. Whether you were team captain, an accomplished musician, or achieved much in the face of adversity, the essay is the time for you to tell us what you’ve done with your life so far. Check Freshman Selection to see how much weight we give to specific criterion when selecting a new freshman class.
We encourage you to use the online application. It has prompts and checks to make sure that you fill out the application fully and correctly. Plus, it’s easy to save and come back to later.
Here's more info on when, where and how to apply. Plus, follow these application tips once you have started your application. These tips will help you distill your high school experience into a few finely honed pages.
For future transfer students:
Transfer admissions selection focuses primarily on academics. Keep your GPA up, and make sure you take the right classes. Focus first on your major requirements, and then on your general education requirements. Why? Major requirements tend to be more narrowly defined, and require a specific course sequence. So they can take longer to complete. General education requirements are, well, more general. So, a variety of courses will fulfill them, and they can usually be taken at any time.
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I'll be the first generation in my family to go to college and the whole process seems a bit overwhelming. Is there any help UC Davis offers to keep me on track to UC eligibility?
UC Davis and other UC campuses offer a number of programs to help students who will be the first generation of their families to attend college. UC Davis wants to attract students who demonstrate academic excellence and reflect California’s diverse population. To achieve this goal, UC Davis sponsors four outreach programs that provide promising students the opportunity to develop their academic skills and abilities to navigate the college and financial aid application process. Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP), Upward Bound (UB), Educational Talent Search (ETS), College OPTIONS help students by offering services such as academic advising and tutoring, college and career counseling, campus tours, test preparation workshops and more.
In addition, advisers are available in the Undergraduate Admissions office to help with the admissions process.
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Freshman: What are the average GPA and test scores for admission to UC Davis?
In fall 2007, the average GPA for admitted freshmen was 3.89. The average total SAT I score was 1854 (average Critical Reading score 599, average Mathematics score 635 and average Writing score 605). The number of qualified applicants exceeds the space available; therefore UC Davis' selection criteria exceed UC eligibility requirements.
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Freshman/Transfer: I listed my planned courses for my final semester/quarter on my application:
I’ve decided to take different courses than the ones I listed –OR-
I’ve dropped one or more of my listed courses –OR-
I received a “D” or “F” grade in a class.
Do I need to notify you?
If your actual coursework varies from the planned courses listed on your application or if you received “D” or “F” grades, notify us through MyAdmissions explaining changes or “D” or “F” grades and your plans for making up those grades. We advise you to adhere to your planned courses rather than jeopardize your admission by dropping a course or taking a course which may not fulfill stated requirements. We encourage you to repeat courses for which you received “D” or “F” grades or take a comparable course to clear the deficiency. Please keep in mind that repeating or otherwise making up a “D” or “F” grade earned does not guarantee admission to UC Davis. Unfortunately, we will be unable to advise you whether or not your schedule changes or poor grades will affect your admission status until we receive and review your final transcript.
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Transfer: Do I need to complete IGETC or to take a foreign language to be admitted?
Neither IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) nor a foreign language are part of our UC eligibility requirements for transfer admission. IGETC is an optional course pattern for completing certain graduation requirements. Students graduating from UC Davis will satisfy graduation requirements either with the UC Davis pattern of General Education or with IGETC. A language other than English, though not required for admission, is part of the graduation requirement to be satisfied if you plan to graduate from the College of Biological Sciences or the College of Letters and Science with an A.B. (bachelor of arts) degree.
If you’re planning to transfer to UC Davis, you should focus on completing key requirements for your intended major before trying to complete IGETC or satisfy UC Davis’ General Education requirements. You may wish to consider completing IGETC if you are applying to a major with few lower division preparatory courses. IGETC is not recommended if you’re preparing for a major with substantial lower division requirements such as majors in engineering, the biological sciences or other subjects requiring intensive math and science preparation. Completion of IGETC will satisfy the foreign language requirement for graduation in the College of Biological Sciences or the College of Letters and Science. You may find it most convenient to fit foreign language classes into your schedule at your community college to fulfill the requirement prior to admission.
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Transfer: When do I need to complete the required math and English courses?
You must complete the math and English requirements by the end of the spring term prior to enrolling at UC Davis in the fall. We encourage you to complete these requirements as early as possible, since your success in more advanced subjects will be influenced by your performance in these foundation courses.
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Transfer: Are there additional course requirements for certain UC Davis majors? If so, when do they need to be completed?
A number of our majors are considered “selective,” meaning they have requirements more stringent than those for the campus in general. These include:
- All majors in the College of Engineering
- All majors in the College of Biological Sciences
- The following majors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Viticulture and Enology
- The following majors in the College of Letters and Science:
- International Relations
- Psychology
- Communication
To be eligible for admission to these majors, you must earn a specific GPA and complete additional preparatory coursework by the end of the spring term prior to enrolling at UC Davis in the fall.
Certain majors require application to a pre-major program and complete additional requirements before being admitted into the formal major. These include:
- The following majors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Managerial Economics
- Landscape Architecture
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How do I know if I am an international student? Do I have to use a different application? How do I report my international coursework?
You are considered an “international” or “non-immigrant” applicant if you need a visa to reside and study in the United States. If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or refugee, you will not be considered an international applicant even if you currently reside outside of the U.S.
There is only one application for both domestic and international students. Please answer the questions concerning your citizenship and residency accurately.
Applicants who have attended institutions outside the U.S. need to meet the same freshman and transfer admission requirements as those who have studied in the U.S. Reporting coursework may be tricky so please refer to Freshmen: Reporting Foreign Education or Transfers: Reporting Foreign Education.
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ACADEMICS ANSWERS
Can I get a double major?
Absolutely. Many majors in the humanities, arts, cultural studies and social sciences are designed to allow you the flexibility to choose a second major in another area of interest. Other majors, especially those in the College of Engineering, require heavier major-specific course loads and provide less opportunity for double majors; however, some students do complete double majors in engineering and other areas successfully. Double majors are especially popular among students interested in studying a specific area of the world; for example, many students double major in International Relations and a foreign language. Following your enrollment, meet with an academic adviser to declare a double major.
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Do you offer minors?
Yes. Most departments have study programs for both majors and minors. Some specialty programs, such as Contemporary Leadership, War-Peace Studies, Geographic Information Systems and Landscape Restoration, are available only as minors. Two unique undergraduate minors offer students the chance to take advantage of the resources and expertise of UC Davis professional schools: technology management, offered through the Graduate School of Management, and education, offered through the School of Education. A minor program offers you an excellent opportunity to broaden your academic and career prospects without the commitment required of a double major.
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I applied in one major, but I’ve changed my mind. How hard is it to change my major?
Many students change their majors at least once during their time at UC Davis. Admitted students may request a change of major after their first quarter at UC Davis. Major changes are granted at the discretion of academic departments and colleges.
Most majors require that you complete program-specific requirements before entering the major. Additionally, many selective majors require that you fulfill substantial prerequisite coursework and maintain a certain GPA before applying for a change. In some cases, it may be impossible for you to change to one of your major.
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Does UC Davis have a business major?
Our academic programs are designed to provide a broad educational background, not specific vocational training; you won’t find a major called "Business" or "Business Administration" here. We do, however, have a number of valuable options for students seeking to enter the business world. Our Managerial Economics major is perhaps the closest to a traditional business major. You can also prepare for a career in international business with an International Relations major; in finance or government with a major in Community & Regional Development; or in a particular industry with majors such as Textiles and Clothing or Food Science.
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Does UC Davis have a pre-med program?
UC Davis does not offer a major in "pre-med." Many students who are interested in health science careers choose to major in some aspect of the biological sciences. But hard work and a strong performance in any major, combined with a thorough background in fundamental sciences, will give you the skills you need to apply successfully to medical school (or any other health sciences graduate program). In addition, our Health Sciences Advising Office and Internship and Career Center offer counseling, workshops and academic planning geared specifically toward admission to professional programs in the health sciences. By taking advantage of these services, you'll gain a real advantage in the medical or dental school admissions process.
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Can I get into the classes I need?
We make every effort to provide seats in all our classes for students who would like to enroll. In some very popular areas, a class may not be available in a specific quarter, but students generally find they are able to enroll in the class in a later term. By being willing to take classes in the early morning or late evening, you will increase your chance of being able to enroll in the classes you need in the term of your choice.
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Who teaches classes?
Faculty members teach most lower-division courses and almost all upper-division courses. Such courses as basic composition and introductory foreign languages are often taught by highly trained professional lecturers and graduate student instructors.
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How large are most classes?
Sciences Lecture Hall 123 is our largest lecture hall on campus, accommodating up to 517 students. The Chemistry 194 lecture hall holds 440 students. Most courses, especially at the upper-division level, are much smaller; typical class size is from 20 to 60 students. Large lower-division courses such as fundamental science classes often break into small discussion groups to give students more direct contact with faculty or teaching assistants.
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How long does it take to graduate?
The average time to degree is just over four years (13 quarters). This time tends to vary based on your major; students majoring in programs with fewer strict requirements and greater flexibility generally are able to graduate in four years. Many students admitted as freshmen enter with credit from transferable community college courses, Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaurete (IB) transfer credit. These credits, which become part of the minimum 180 quarter units needed for a bachelor’s degree, can decrease your time to degree.
Many students choose to take advantage of internships, education abroad sessions and other opportunities that may increase time to graduation. However, these experiences can enhance your resume or graduate school applications in ways that more than make up for the additional quarters spent on campus.
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Will I be able to go to my graduate school of choice?
Over the years, most UC Davis graduates going on to postgraduate study get into their first choice (over 70 percent) or second choice (15 percent) of schools.
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Will I be well prepared for my career?
In recent years, 64 percent of UC Davis graduates have been working full-time within one year of graduation. (Nearly all others were enrolled in postgraduate study.) Of our working graduates, almost 80 percent find employment in their chosen field or industry.
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I want to be a doctor (or a lawyer, or an executive, or a teacher...). How can I prepare for my career?
If you’re planning to work toward a specific career goal, one of your first stops on campus should be our Advising Services office. Our professional staff specializes in helping you design an academic plan to meet your personal needs. No matter what you choose as a major, a broad background in a variety of subjects and strong preparation in your area of interest will give you the best possible chance at gaining admission to your chosen graduate or professional school or your desired career.
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STUDENT LIFE ANSWERS
I have a laptop computer. Where can I find access?
UC Davis offers a variety of network access points to registered computer users through our modem pools, campus access labs and our Moobilenet wireless network. Visit our Student Computing Guide for more information about policies, setting up your system and wireless access points.
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How can I get recruited for a specific sport?
To express your interest in playing intercollegiate athletics at UC Davis, contact the coach of your chosen sport directly. You may e-mail them at any time during the year; coaches are generally unable to make first contact with students because of NCAA regulations.
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Is UC Davis a safe campus?
Student safety is a top priority at UC Davis. While our campus and community are known as safe environments, you can help protect your personal security with education, awareness and common sense. Our residence halls are locked 24 hours a day and are accessible only with your registration card. The campus is well lit, and campus shuttle services and on-call night escorts can help you feel safer if you’re out after dark. All students living in residence halls are required to attend a personal safety/security program, and classes in personal safety and self-defense are available throughout the year. Visit the annual UC Davis Campus Security Report and Statistics for more information.
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Will I need a car at UC Davis?
No. UC Davis is a true transportation bargain because you can easily get around campus without having a car. Our residence halls are within easy walking or biking distance of all areas of campus. Once you move off campus, you may continue traveling by bike; or you can catch a free ride on Unitrans, our city-wide student-run bus system. Freshmen living on campus are not allowed to purchase parking permits.
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What is an Aggie?
Our mascot, the "Aggie," has taken many forms over the years. Early in our history, the nickname "Aggies" simply served to differentiate us from the "Townies" at UC Berkeley. Later, the Aggie was interpreted artistically as a horse or mustang. This mascot took many forms over the years, from the sublime to the ridiculous. In 1999, the Aggie was reinvented in a few different forms, including our official athletic logo and the playful "Youth Mark." Our blue mustang mascot, named "Gunrock," appears at many UC Davis events and intercollegiate athletic games to cheer on the Ags.
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FINANCES ANSWERS
What does it cost to attend UC Davis?
The estimated annual cost to attend UC Davis for a student living in the residence halls is expected to be about $25,011, while the estimated annual cost for a student living of campus is expected to be abou $21,721. Get more information on specific costs.
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When are payments due?
Costs are spread out through the academic year as follows:
| |
Cost |
Item |
| May |
$100 |
Statement of Intent to Register fee |
| June |
$450 |
Housing deposit |
| September |
$2,918 |
Fall quarter registration fees |
| |
$515 |
Fall quarter books and supplies |
| |
$293 |
Fall quarter health insurance |
| October |
$3,992 |
Fall quarter housing fee |
| December |
$2,918 |
Winter quarter registration fees |
| |
$293 |
Winter quarter health insurance |
| January |
$3,992 |
Winter quarter housing fee |
| |
$515 |
Winter quarter books and supplies |
| March |
$2,918 |
Spring quarter registration fees |
| |
$293 |
Spring quarter health insurance |
| April |
$3,992 |
Spring quarter housing fee |
| |
$515 |
Spring quarter books and supplies |
All costs are estimates as of March 2008. Fees are subject to legislative and gubernatorial action and may change without notice. Visit financialaid.ucdavis.edu for the most current cost estimates.
Room and board cost estimates are based on all campus housing choices, and therefore may differ from the residence hall cost estimates provided by Student Housing. Visit student.housing.ucdavis.edu for costs reflecting various campus housing choices.
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How do I apply for financial aid?
To be considered for any form of financial aid, including grants and loans, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between January 1 and March 2 of the year for which you’ll need aid. Get more information on the financial aid application process.
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What resources are available to help me find private scholarships?
Your high school or community college’s counseling office is an excellent place to start. Fastweb and CollegeNET are two online sources to check. Don’t fall for "guaranteed scholarship" scams that charge you money for a list of scholarships for which you’re supposedly qualified. Quality information about public and private scholarships is readily available for free.
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HOUSING ANSWERS
Do freshmen have to live in the residence halls?
About 90 percent of freshmen live in residence halls, but it is not mandatory. Residence hall living offers convenience, security and a great social environment to help you adjust to life on campus.
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What will I eat if I live in the residence halls?
You can choose from a number of different meal plans offered in the dining commons (DC). From deluxe plans that will feed you three meals a day (two meals on weekends) to bare-minimum plans ideal for those who prefer a bowl of cereal for breakfast and lunch on the run, there’s a perfect plan for you.
Each residence hall complex has a DC, and you’re welcome to eat in any of them at any time. No need to race across campus so you won’t miss lunch; just pick the DC closest to you. You can even pick up sack lunches or pre-packed Express Meals for maximum convenience.
DC offerings include vegetarian and vegan options, low-fat and low-calorie choices and a wide range of ethnic dishes. Special DC events include Steak Night, Chef’s Culinary Creations and other tasteful experiences.
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Where will I live if I don't stay in the residence halls?
The Colleges at LaRue and Primero Grove offer on-campus privatized housing for second year students and transfers who are 24 years and older. The Colleges at La Rue Living & Learning Community focuses on leadership and professional development, and has a growing transfer student community. UC Davis also offers family-friendly campus apartment complexes, Orchard and Solano Park apartments, which are offered first to students with children, and second to married students and domestic partners.
Second year students and transfer students may also live off campus, in the Davis community, and most find housing within five miles of campus. Apartments, townhouses, duplexes and houses are available for rent throughout the city of Davis. Housing costs are quite reasonable in Davis compared to many other nearby areas, including much of the San Francisco Bay Area, and transportation to campus via bike or the Unitrans bus system is readily accessible—and free!
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Is residence hall housing guaranteed?
All freshmen whose Statements of Intent to Register (SIR) are received on time are guaranteed residence hall housing as long as they complete all instructions that accompany the housing contract.
Residence hall housing is not guaranteed for transfer students. Admitted transfer students under the age of 24 who submit their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by the June 1 deadline must contact UC Davis Student Housing at (530) 752-2033 to be placed on a transfer student waiting list for available spaces. By July, students on the waiting list will receive contract offers on a first-come, first-served basis until all rooms are filled. Transfer students who are 24 years and older will be referred to on-campus privatized housing complexes such as Primero Grove and The Colleges at La Rue.
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VISIT US ANSWERS
Do I need to register for a campus tour or can I just show up?
It is important to register for a tour as they can fill up quickly. Because the tours are limited to 20 people, it’s best to register for a tour as soon as you know your plans of visiting UC Davis. Register for a weekday or a weekend family walking tour. Self guided tour brochures are also available at the Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.
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When is the best time to come for a visit to UC Davis?
Visitors are welcome any day of the week, throughout the year. However, a visit during the week while classes are in session would provide the truest campus experience. You’ll witness the action in the bike circles as classes are changing; you’ll see the masses flood to the Coffee House for a midday snack; or you may hear a band playing on the Quad.
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Can I come for an overnight visit and stay in a dormitory?
Since all of our residence hall rooms are occupied by current students, we are not able to accommodate overnight visitors in our residence halls. You are welcome to enjoy a meal in any of the dining commons, however, and there are a number of hotels and motels that offer lodging conveniently close to campus.
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