Deferred from college? Learn what a deferral really means, whether you should send a Letter of Continued Interest, and what to expect as admissions decisions are released.

Last Update: March 14, 2026 As the resident UC expert, I want to share a clear update on where things currently stand in the UC and Cal State admissions process, and what families should realistically expect over the next several weeks. UC Admissions: Reading Over, Shaping Begins As of the end of January 2026, all UC campuses have now completed the application reading phase. Every application has received two full reviews, and campuses are no longer evaluating students in iso

Here’s the scene: it’s late December, college deadlines are creeping closer, and you’re this close to finally submitting your RD college applications. And then it happens. Out of nowhere, the essay you once felt confident about suddenly feels … sort of weak. Maybe you saw a TikTok titled “The Essay That Got Me Into Harvard” and your brain spiraled. Maybe a teacher or friend gave feedback that knocked the wind out of you. Or maybe you experienced something cool this fall and

Just how should you navigate UC admissions when it comes to first-choice and alternate majors. Learn about capped, impacted, and high-demand majors across all UC campuses.