University of California - Introducing the University
Preparing for University Work
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If you are in high school and considering the University for your college education, this discussion will help you plan your high school program. It will provide you with guidelines on the basic subjects and skills you should master to increase your chance of academic success at the University.
As a prospective University freshman, it is important that you complete the high school courses required for admission. Give careful thought to adequately preparing yourself in reading, writing, mathematics and in other areas related to your major. The more comprehensive and challenging your high school program is, the better prepared you will be for University work.
The University urges prospective students to take particular care in planning the senior year program. Your senior year should be used to prepare you for your first year at the University and should include honors and advanced courses as well as courses that will strengthen your overall preparation. A challenging senior year program, successfully completed, is a natural bridge between high school and University coursework in your intended major. A strong senior program will also strengthen your chances for admission to the campus and program of your choice.
Students say they choose the University of California largely because of its academic reputation. UC graduates from all campuses and fields of study enjoy high acceptance rates at graduate and professional schools, compete successfully in the job market and often go on to become leaders in their fields.
Reading
You will need to develop the ability to read and understand technical
and scholarly publications. At the University, you will have to do more reading
and more writing than in high school, and you will be required to learn more material
in shorter periods of time. You should be able to analyze what you read and question
yourself about an author's intentions, viewpoint, arguments and conclusions. You
should have experience reading commentaries and essays as well as textbooks. Read
a wide variety of other material -- including literature, biography, nonfiction
and criticism -- in addition to what you are required to read for class.
It is essential that you learn to write clearly and skillfully. You will be expected to write papers for English and other University classes, and many of your examinations will include essays. You will have to think critically and analyze what you learn in class and in your outside reading, and you must present your ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.
By University standards, a student profi- cient in composition is able to: understand the assigned topic; select and develop a theme by argument and example; use words and sentences that clearly and precisely express what he or she means; demonstrate an understanding of the rules of Standard English; and punctuate and spell correctly.
All University students must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement called the Subject A Requirement.
You must take a minimum of three years of high school math to be eligible for admission to the University, but for many fields you need additional training. Students in engineering, mathematics and science programs, and those planning to attend medical, dental, optometry or veterinary school must take calculus in college. Majors in business, agriculture and many social science fields require statistics and/or calculus.
Most students take calculus or statistics, if required, during their freshman year. The University strongly recommends that you take four years of math in high school, including precalculus during your senior year. If you are not prepared to take calculus or statistics during your freshman year, you will have to take one or more University-preparatory math classes. This could affect your success in other courses and delay your entire undergraduate program.
Science
The University requires two years of laboratory science in high school,
but many majors require additional science courses. Programs in the biological
sciences and some natural resource fields require high school biology, chemistry
and physics. Programs in the physical sciences, mathematics, engineering, agriculture
and the health sciences require chemistry and physics, and recommend biology.
Honors Level and Advanced Placement Courses
High school honors level and advanced placement courses are good preparation
for University work, regardless of the major you choose. The nature of instruction
and the subject matter you cover in advanced courses will give you a definite
edge in your freshman studies. These challenging courses will help you develop
the good study habits and skills you will need at the University.
Finding Out What's Required
Your counselor can explain which high school classes you must take
to prepare for specific University programs. You also may discuss requirements
with an admissions counselor or academic advisor at the campus you wish to attend.
You should acquaint yourself with these requirements in the ninth or 10th grade,
at the latest. The sooner you know what you need to take, the more time you have
to plan your program.
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