In January, the University of California offered a one-time special process to public and private high schools that missed the original July Eligibility in the Local Context (ELC) deadline.

The purpose of the special process is to ensure that the students from those schools who are in the top 4 percent of their class and have applied to UC will be followed up appropriately in the admissions process. If these students are UC eligible, either on a statewide or ELC basis, they will be guaranteed space in the UC system, though not necessarily at their campus of choice. The schools were asked to identify these students and submit their names by January 26.

"We intend to guarantee these deserving students a place at UC because they should not be disadvantaged by the fact that their schools did not participate in this process," said C. Judson King, UC Provost And Senior Vice President For Academic Affairs. "We regret any confusion or distress these students may have suffered, and we look forward to welcoming them into the University of California community."

High schools responded enthusiastically to the program during the first year of ELC implementation. Approximately 85 percent of California public comprehensive high schools participated in the program and submitted material to the University by the July deadline.

According to Charles Masten, ELC Program Coordinator, the University will continue its efforts to inform and encourage 100 percent of eligible schools to participate in the ELC program. On May 1, UC will send submission instructions to schools, districts and counties for fall 2002 admission.

More information on the ELC program may be obtained from the ELC Web site. Further questions may be directed to (800) 839-8507 or by e-mail to elc@ucop.edu.