Do UCs Take Letters of Recommendation?

The University of California (UC) system is one of the most prestigious public university systems in the United States. Every year, it attracts tens of thousands of applicants from around the world. A commonly asked question by students and families navigating the application process is: “Do UCs take letters of recommendation?” The short answer is: generally, no. Most UC campuses do not require or accept letters of recommendation for undergraduate admissions. However, there are key exceptions and nuances that students should be aware of.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of UC admissions policies, particularly regarding letters of recommendation, and explores related elements such as the UC application requirements, how UC admissions decisions are made, and tips for making a competitive application.

Understanding the UC System Admissions Process

The University of California comprises nine undergraduate campuses:

• UC Berkeley

• UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

• UC San Diego

• UC Davis

• UC Irvine

• UC Santa Barbara

• UC Santa Cruz

• UC Riverside

• UC Merced

Each UC campus uses a holistic admissions process that evaluates applicants based on a wide range of academic and personal achievement factors.

Unlike many private institutions and some public universities outside California, the UCs have designed their admissions policies to ensure equity and access—this is one reason why letters of recommendation are typically excluded.

Are Letters of Recommendation Required for UC Applications?

For the vast majority of UC undergraduate applicants, letters of recommendation are neither required nor accepted.

Standard UC policy: As of the latest admissions cycle, most University of California campuses do not accept letters of recommendation as part of the general freshman admissions process.

Notable exception — UC Berkeley: UC Berkeley has occasionally invited a limited number of freshman applicants to submit two letters of recommendation after the initial application review. This is by invitation only and is not part of the standard submission process.

Other exception — UC Santa Barbara’s College of Creative Studies (CCS): Applicants to specific CCS majors may be asked to submit letters of recommendation as part of a supplemental application.

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Therefore, unless you are explicitly asked or applying to a program that allows it, do not send recommendation letters to UC schools.

Why Don’t UC Schools Require Letters of Recommendation?

There are three core reasons the UC system generally does not include recommendation letters in its application requirements:

1. Equity and fairness: The UC system serves a diverse applicant pool, including many students from under-resourced schools. Not all students have equal access to strong letter writers. Eliminating recommendation letters helps level the playing field.

2. Streamlined evaluation: With tens of thousands of applicants per campus, it’s logistically impractical to review letters of recommendation at scale. The application review process is designed to be efficient and data-driven.

3. Comprehensive application: The UC application already requires students to provide detailed academic records, activity summaries, and answers to Personal Insight Questions (PIQs), which allow applicants to showcase their unique qualities.

Related Application Requirements for UC Schools

To build a competitive UC application, it’s important to understand the primary elements the admissions committee reviews.

1. UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

Rather than traditional essays, the UC system requires applicants to answer 4 out of 8 PIQs. These short responses are a crucial part of demonstrating your character, leadership, and personal achievements.

Tip: Since you don’t submit letters of recommendation, the PIQs serve as your main opportunity to provide personal context.

2. Academic Performance (A–G Subject Requirements)

UC schools require completion of 15 year-long college-preparatory courses (the A–G requirements), with at least a C grade or higher in each.

Highly competitive applicants exceed the minimums with honors, AP, or IB courses.

3. Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT)

As of the 2025 application cycle, the UC system has suspended the use of SAT and ACT scores for admissions decisions. Some campuses may use them for placement or scholarships if submitted.

Test-optional doesn’t mean test-blind. Check individual campus policies for updates.

4. Extracurricular Involvement and Leadership

Admissions officers pay close attention to what students do outside the classroom. Volunteering, sports, internships, and family responsibilities all count.

Include all significant activities in the Activities & Awards section of the application.

How Do UC Admissions Officers Evaluate Applicants?

Without letters of recommendation, UC evaluators rely heavily on a comprehensive, multi-faceted review of each applicant. Each campus conducts its review and may weigh criteria differently.

The 13 UC Comprehensive Review Factors include:

1. GPA in A–G courses

2. Course rigor beyond minimums

3. Academic performance in context

4. PIQ responses

5. Special talents or achievements

6. Personal circumstances

7. Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC)

8. First-generation college status

9. Educational environment

10. Demonstrated leadership

11. Work experience

12. Community service

13. Academic accomplishments in light of opportunities

When Are Letters of Recommendation Used at UC Schools?

Although UC schools generally do not accept recommendation letters, there are limited situations where they might be relevant:

UC Berkeley Optional Letters

Since 2016, UC Berkeley has occasionally requested letters of recommendation during the second stage of the application review. These requests are rare and are not a reflection of a weak application.

Guidelines (when requested):

• Submit two letters, ideally from teachers or mentors

• Must be uploaded through a specified UC Berkeley portal

• Deadline: Usually in January

This is strictly invitation-only and cannot be requested.

UC Santa Barbara College of Creative Studies

Some CCS majors—such as Art, Literature, or Music—may require supplementary materials that include letters of recommendation.

Applicants should check specific departmental guidelines when applying.

Do UC Graduate Programs Require Letters of Recommendation?

Yes. Unlike the undergraduate application process, graduate-level programs across UC campuses almost always require letters of recommendation.

Examples include:

• UC Berkeley Graduate Division

• UCLA Graduate Programs

• UC San Diego School of Medicine or Engineering

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Typically, 2–3 recommendation letters from academic or professional references are expected for master’s or Ph.D. applications.

How to Compensate for No Letters of Recommendation

While letters of recommendation can offer personalized insight, UC applicants can still make a strong impression by optimizing other application components.

Tips for strengthening your UC application:

• Write authentic, detailed PIQ responses.

• Highlight leadership, initiative, and community impact.

• Provide accurate, complete academic records.

• Show upward academic trends or resilience if relevant.

• Emphasize unique talents or multicultural experiences.

Alternatives to Letters of Recommendation in the UC System

Instead of recommendation letters, UC campuses assess character and potential using these tools:

• Personal Insight Questions (PIQs)

• Honors, awards, and achievements

• Creative portfolios (for arts programs)

• AP/IB test scores (optional but helpful)

• Leadership roles in school/community

Conclusion: What UC Applicants Should Focus On Instead

In summary, the answer to the question “Do UCs take letters of recommendation?” is generally no, except in limited, invitation-only scenarios. UC campuses emphasize a fair and equitable admissions process where all students, regardless of background, can demonstrate their academic and personal strengths without the need for third-party recommendations.

Instead of stressing over recommendation letters, applicants should invest time in perfecting their Personal Insight Questions, maintaining strong academic performance, and showcasing meaningful extracurricular achievements. Understanding what the UC system values will help you build a compelling, well-rounded application—and maximize your chances of admission to one of California’s top public universities.