UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, UC Irvine

College application season has started; in fact common apps have been out since late August. So to help you begin your college applications, I have started a new segment here on the blog called "College Insight" where almost daily I will be providing insight into the college system such as the average portfolio of accepted students, the tuition costs, what the colleges are known for, and much more. For today's segment I will be covering the top four UC schools: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and finally UC Irvine. 

1.    UC Berkeley

·         Average high school GPA: 3.89

·         Average freshman SAT writing/math/critical reading score: 652 / 674 / 644

·         Application Fee : $60

·         Application Deadline: 11/30

·         Total Applicants: 41,750 Total Accepted: 9,944 (24%

·         Tuition: In State - $21,054 Out of State - $39,738

                                        i.    Quick Facts

1.    Oldest university in the UC system & one of the nation’s most distinguished & selective public university

2.    Has produced many leaders in humanities, science, and technology departments

3.    Beautiful campus with a combination of urban feel added with lots of trees and creeks.

2.    UCLA

·         Average high school GPA: 4.0

·         Average freshman SAT writing / math / critical reading score: 646 / 668 / 635

·         Average ACT score: 25

·         Application Fee: $60     Deadline: 11/30

·         Total Applications: 47,317        Total Accepted: 12,189 (26%)

·         Tuition: In State - $19,838        Out of State - $38,665

                                        i.    Quick Facts

1.    Way of life at UCLA is to “study hard, party harder”.

2.    Offers more than 130 undergraduate majors & +800 Clubs & organizations

3.    On-campus housing is guaranteed for three years.

4.    First university to win 100 NCAA championships

3.    UC San Diego

·         Average High School GPA: 3.93

·         Average freshman SAT verbal / math : 605 / 653

·         Average ACT Score: 24

·         Application fee: $60      Deadline: 11/30

·         Total Applicants: 40,418           Total Accepted: 17,866 (44%)

·         Tuition: In State - $17,845        Out of State - $36,529

                                        i.    Quick Facts

1.    UCSD boasts an environment similar to that of a smaller university because it is branched out into six residential colleges

2.    Popular Majors: Biotech & Bioengineering. UCSD has everything that is to know about Bio. Known for its science and engineering programs.

3.    Neighboring San Diego, UCSD is a short distance away from a booming urban landscape, zoological wonders, and delicious seafood.

4.    UC Irvine

·         Average High School GPA: 3.7

·         Average freshman SAT verbal / math: 583 / 620

·         Application fee : $60     Deadline: 11/30

·         Total Applicants: 38,466           Total Accepted: 23,174 (60%)

·         Tuition: In State - $15,956        Out of State - $34,640

                                        i.    Quick Facts

1.    As an “Anteater” you will enjoy a top notch public university with a reasonable price and a So Cal neighborhood.

2.    Popular Majors: engineering, biological sciences, economics, computer science, and psychology as well as a notable art, music, and literary journalism programs.

3.    Like UCSD, UC Irvine is also a short distance away from the beautiful Newport Beach & Laguna Beach.

4.    The city of Irvine is the safest large city in the U.S