All schools
2026-27 cycleIrvine, CA

University of California-Irvine

The University of California, Irvine is a top-tier public research university located in Orange County, California. As part of the prestigious UC system, UCI is known for academic excellence, innovative research, and driving social mobility across a wide range of disciplines.

Acceptance rate

26%

Undergrad enrollment

30,204

Test policy

Test blind

Application fee

$80

Application deadlines

RoundDeadline
TransferTransfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) DeadlineSeptember 30, 2026
Regular DecisionPrimary Filing PeriodNovember 30, 2026
TransferGeneral Fall Transfer Application DeadlineNovember 30, 2026
ScholarshipMajor Campus Merit Scholarship DeadlineNovember 30, 2026
TransferTransfer Academic Update Priority DeadlineJanuary 31, 2027
Financial AidPriority Financial Aid Deadline (FAFSA/CADAA)March 2, 2027

Supplemental essay prompts

OptionalLeadership350 words

Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

OptionalCreativity350 words

Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

OptionalTalent/Skill350 words

What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

OptionalEducational Experience350 words

Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

OptionalOvercoming Challenges350 words

Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

OptionalAcademic Passion350 words

Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

OptionalCommunity Service350 words

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

OptionalOpen Ended350 words

Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

Data gathered August 2026.