UC Freshman Appeal Guide
Appeal Process
Appeal Writing Guidelines
Appeal DIY Kit
Appeal While On Waitlist
Appeal Numbers
General Appeal Help
UC Appeal Process
Most UC campuses will not have an answer for your appeal until well after the May 15, 2024 SIR deadline, so be sure to follow through with a backup plan in case the appeal doesn’t work out in your favor. There is no penalty for you to withdraw a UC SIR if you are accepted on appeal at another UC campus (except losing the $250 deposit).
Each UC campus offers a set of instructions on how to submit an appeal. You MUST follow the instructions to ensure proper and expedited processing of your appeal submission. Failure to comply with the instructions may result in dismissal of your appeal. Many UCs have an appeal deadline of April 15, but some campuses may have different deadlines. Carefully review the appeal instructions before pursuing this option.
Appeal Writing Guidelines
I want to emphasize that the UCs have become heavily reliant on the waitlist to meet enrollment target and therefore appeals are likely to receive more scrutiny. Students without new and compelling information that was NOT previously available to the admissions office (i.e., NOT disclosed on the UC Application) may not receive serious consideration. I do want to point out that whether a particular piece of information is “compelling” is entirely subjective and, ultimately, can only be decided by the admissions office.
Generally, for your appeal to have merit, you must prove that you are a much stronger applicant than what was presented in your original UC Application. Again, when the UCs ask for “new and compelling information,” they are asking for information not previously available to the admissions office (not necessarily information that is recent; in fact, most UCs have stated that recent developments, such as new awards/achievements or new activities, are generally not considered as “new” information).
Keep in mind the objective of your appeal should be why you are an excellent addition to the UC campus and how you expect to excel there (and what resources at the campus you intend to utilize in order to succeed). Avoid badmouthing anyone or any institutions (high school, other colleges, etc.) and do NOT brag about the other colleges that have made admission offers to you (UCs generally encourage students to take the offers they already received and skip the appeal). Be concise and don’t exaggerate or try to be dramatic. Follow through with a backup plan in case the decision is not reversed.
Appeal DIY Kit
Don’t know where to find the appeal form? Not sure what kind of information you should include with your appeal? Purchase my Freshman Appeal DIY Kit ($99) to get campus-by-campus instructions on how to submit the appeal, a list of possible information to include with your appeal, and the Fall 2022 and Fall 2023 waitlist and/or appeal numbers for most UCs, including Berkeley and UCLA (remain on the payment page after you pay and you will be redirected to the PDF – please note, purchase of a digital product is NONREFUNDABLE).
Appeal While On Waitlist
UCs do not allow applicants who were offered waitlist option to appeal. For UCs where you are required to decline the waitlist offer in order to appeal, keep in mind you are significantly more likely to be admitted from the waitlist than from appeal. Carefully weigh your options before proceeding.
UC Appeal Numbers
Not sure if you should opt-in or give up? Take a look at the appeal numbers from previous years to help you decide the best way forward!
General Appeal Help
Download an appeal template to help you structure your appeal letter.
Find general appeal help on my YouTube Channel (watch Understanding How the UC Appeal and Waitlist Process Works first, then check out How to Compose Your UC Appeal).
Need personalized help with your appeal? I offer a service where I review your UC Application and provide suggestions on information you should cover for your appeal. Learn more!
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4 Comments
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I can’t seem to find the place to appeal for UC berkeley application? where else should I look
You need to read through the FAQ. The appeal link is likely buried in there somewhere.
Hi! Do I have to commit if the appeal results in an overturning of my denial decision?
Thank You!
You will have the option to accept the offer of admission (you usually only have 3-5 days to do that) but you don’t have to.