How I Got into Every UC I Applied To Without Money or Connections

Sharing my UC application, and all the things I wish I knew as someone without money or resources.

I remember the day I opened that I got into UCLA. I prayed on my knees before opening that letter and jumped into my family’s arms when I got the news. I never expected a girl who couldn’t afford tutors or counselors could get this far. My family makes well below our means, so when I hear that others want to excel in academics to break the cycle, it breaks my heart because that’s the only reason I made it this far. Before I get all emotional, here is how I got into every UC school I applied to, including UCR, UCSD, UCLA, and UC Berkeley.

Classes and Grades

Of course, to get far, you have to prioritize your grades and strategize your classes to meet A-G requirements. Here’s mine!

English

English 9 HP (A/A+)

English 10 HP (A+/A+)

English Comp & Read (A) [Dual Enrollment]

Critical Thinking & Composition (B) [Dual Enrollment]

Suggestions: I loved English. I took a Dual Enrollment class to free up space, but AP Lit would’ve been great for academic rigor.

Math
Integrated Math II HP (A/A-)
Integrated Math III HP (A+/A+)
Pre-Calculus (A/A)
College Algebra (B) [Dual Enrollment]
Suggestions: I wasn’t strong in math, so I took a Dual Enrollment class rather than taking AP Calc (I knew I wouldn’t excel), but sometimes I wish I would’ve.

History / Social Studies

AP European History (A/A+)

US History (A) [Dual Enrollment: Hist US From 1876]

American Government & Politics (A) [Dual Enrollment: Intro AmGov Pol]

AP Economics (A-)

Suggestions: No complaints; I loved history and my teachers.

Science
NGSS Biology (B+/A)
NGSS Chemistry (A/A)
AP Biology (A/A)
AP Environmental Science (A/A)
AP Psychology (A/A)
Suggestions: My school really prioritized science. I took most to fill my schedule; as long as you can get A’s, they’re fun, especially with a good group.

PLTW

Principles of Biological Science (A+/A+)

Human Body Systems (A)

Medical Interventions (A)

Biomedical Innovation (A+)

Suggestions: My school had Project Lead the Way. We got to focus on a certain niche, I chose medical. This was honestly pretty hard, but most schools don’t have it. I don’t think it was make-or-break for your application, but it is an asset.

Dual Enrollment Courses
Interpersonal Communication (A)
Introduction to Sociology (A)
Child Growth & Development (A)
Suggestions: These classes I took mainly for a GPA boost, and if you live in California, all these are UC transferable. I wish I took more college classes; my best recommendation is to take classes because they will transfer and allow you to get ahead in college.

Language
Spanish I (B/A)
Spanish II (A/A-)
Suggestions: I hated my teachers. I wanted to go for a Seal of Biliteracy, yet I couldn’t do another year with my teacher. If I could go back, I would recommend it for many.

Electives / Other

Leadership HS (A+ consistently across years)

Photography I (A+)

Suggestions: I took ASB for 4 years. That class honestly shaped me the most and made good material for PIQs. Photo was to make sure I had my art credit taken care of.

Dual Enrollment Courses

Interpersonal Communication (A)

Introduction to Sociology (A)

Child Growth & Development (A)

Suggestions: These classes I took mainly for a GPA boost, and if you live in California, all these are UC transferable. I wish I took more college classes; my best recommendation is to take classes because they will transfer and allow you to get ahead in college.

Extracurriculars

I was pretty proud of my extracurriculars. It wasn’t that I did much, but I definitely was able to sell myself to seem much more accomplished than what I truly did.

Derek Marshall Congressional Campaign Volunteer
12th grade | 3 hrs/week, 10 weeks/year
During the 2024 election, a local candidate ran for Congress. I helped go door to door talking and attending events. He wrote my letters of recommendation, and I am still close to him.

AYA Association Co-Founder
11th–12th grade | 5 hrs/week, 25 weeks/year
I ran an account on Instagram where we aimed to share stories about culture. It never took off, but I still did some work on it. If I could go back, I would’ve loved to give it another try.

Cal-SOAP Entrepreneurship Program Participant
11th grade | 20 hrs/week, 1 week
Attended an overnight stay at CSUSB about entrepreneurship. I learned about how to be an entrepreneur through my skills and how to network. It was only for about 4 days.

High Desert Islamic Society Youth Leader & Volunteer
9th–12th grade | 12 hrs/week, 40 weeks/year (plus continued after graduation)
I worked through my religious programs and taught Arabic, fundraised $12,000 for an Islamic library, organized community events with interfaith groups, and coordinated annual toy drives. I grew up with it, so I am always involved even before college.

USA Poll Worker, Check-in Clerk
11th grade | 7 hrs/week, 1 week
During the 2024 elections, I assisted voters at polling stations, provided Arabic translation, and ensured secure and private check-ins.

Environmental Volunteer
11th–12th grade | 3 hrs/week, 7 weeks/year
Through a school club, I was a member and sat in meetings — honestly, nothing much.

Author of Literary & Statistical Work
9th–12th grade | 3 hrs/week, 10 weeks/year
I wrote statistical analyses on international issues and poetry to highlight global challenges. It was in production at the time, though not successful to be debuted.

I would also like to mention I was ASB’s class secretary for 3 years.

PIQ’s

Everyone says your essays are the best part, but I remember scrambling the week of, while navigating a romantic and friendship breakup. My emotions were definitely displayed, so I think I showed my character rather than my academics.

PIQ 1) What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

Communication. The ability to articulate ideas through dialogue is my best asset and it took me a long time to realize this. Growing up I have always been told I am a naturally good speaker, the first time I realized this was at the doctor's office, my physician and my younger self started talking casually sharing details about my school life and how I didn't mind not having many friends. The doctor smiled and remarked on how confident I was, later my mom asked why I said so much about myself and I realized I didn't know why. I simply just loved to have meaningful conversations. I like knowing about others, and seeing the language and words they use however this isn't just in conversations, it's everywhere. I saw the effect of language especially in the media, specifically when my home country was broadcasted and that's when I finally realized that words could not only help you understand others but it can fully either humanize or dehumanize entire populations. During my junior year, I had the opportunity to give a presentation on a global issue and I chose to focus on the Gaza Strip. My math teacher had differing views and was skeptical about my viewpoints but as I went through the slides I showed the class and him what the real news meant. By the end of my presentation, he canceled a planned trip to the region, telling me that I had given him much to think about. That was when I realized I really can open people's minds about something they had so strongly instilled within them. Though I could speak there is also another sub-talent that comes with it. And that is listening. I learned that my voice can fill in what other people couldn't understand. I know that not everyone will agree with what I say, but if I can help someone reconsider their stance or gain a deeper understanding of an issue, then I've made an impact.

Reflection/Suggestion: This piece was definitely controversial, so it was a bit of a risk writing about Palestine. However, it showcased how I navigated controversy with open-mindedness and kindness, which displays the kind of morals I have.

PIQ 2) Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

Though miniscule in retrospect my greatest challenge was acceptance of situations around my life. All through my high school days I have always been a straight A and top of the class, with minimal effort. I'm not sure why but one day when I was sitting in the lab chair looking at the worksheet, and all the numbers I had no idea what to do with I just sat in my chair and started crying. My peers were perhaps annoyed by the fact I was so distraught over something so small yet to me realizing I was formidable and no longer a perfect student was the greatest fear I had to face. I realized it was more than just being the "perfect student" I truly just had no room for error in my life. It was guilt that allowed me to become perfect. The fact that my parents had to escape so much to give me so much made it impossible for me not to seize any opportunity. I struggle to be the best, I yearned for it so much that it encapsulated my entire being but of course that begins to boil up. It started with taking college classes as a freshman, and starting a more independent project with the hopes that one day something I accomplish will bring me success that not only reflects my parents' sacrifice but my country's struggle. In essence the realization that I wasn't as perfect as I thought helped me build myself up more. I've come to accept that I am not always going to succeed but I will always have the ambition to do so which I believe is the best lesson I could have received. Academically speaking I came to see that crying over the fact I can't do something doesn't help me do it any faster and I've taken this outlook for the rest of my life. I can no longer cry for myself. I have to accept that I have to be better and continue to strive to do so.

Reflection/Suggestion: This story was true, as I am an emotional thinker. The last few sentences showcase my growth and reflection on things that I will encounter in my college and personal life.

PIQ 3)Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

I have always wanted to be proficient in every subject I can, however English is a subject that deeply resonates with me. Literature from different languages, specifically Arabic has always been something that has called out to me. It amazes me how in Arabic there are millions of words that I can use for every single emotion such as the hundred of words for love in every situation. I adore writing and reading because for me it's the essence of time. Once something is written it stays unless destroyed and the connotation of poetry is poetic in itself, in 7th grade I started a journal writing every day about my worries and my classes and whatever I wanted, it became a habit and now seven years later I still write because I had a fear to forget, recently in the pages I found where I felt the most loved are now remnants of my life now. I had a lot of things I once loved no longer be a part of my life, unfortunately I am going through a time where I no longer wish to remember but knowing at one point I was happy makes me slightly hopeful. I have all the versions of me progressively simply sitting above my closet. I have my highs and lows, times where I thought I wouldn't make it past the thoughts in my mind. I see how language can change lives like how in the media entire civilizations can be wiped away simply by the words they use. I felt so helpless watching the people across the screen being dehumanized such as my palestinian people, so much so that I wrote a paper in my math class about statistics. My teacher showed concern but still let me continue as I presented. He pulled me aside and shared how he was influenced by what I had to say. That's when I knew I loved what I could say because at least I got a chance to save a life.

Reflection/Suggestion: This piece definitely showed my emotional state and events in my life. My journals were very meaningful to me, and somehow I connected it to my culture, language, and heritage. I think I overused it and would go back to not being so emotional but just show who you are — perhaps the person reading your application can piece together the person and student you can become.

PIQ 4) Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

What makes me a strong candidate is my character. For a long time I struggled to understand myself, and honestly I still am trying to figure out what are my faults and assets. I have a passion fueled by the injustice of my country. When you're from a country of war your heart is softened and astounded by the simplicities of life. Though people have hurt me due to their prejudice I try to soften myself and realize their harshness is not a reflection of me rather a reflection of their ignorance. As a muslim girl growing up and constantly trying to fit in I beatified my body at the expense of my heart. And soon you lose everything due to that superficial nature, however I've come to learn that losing everything isn't necessarily a bad thing, scary of course, but when you lose everything anywhere from war to friends you look around and see even though I lost something that my heart always yearned for I still have so much to be grateful for. I have challenged myself since the beginning and seeing the payout motivates me. I will never waste the opportunity my parents gave me when they fled to safety, however I think what sets me apart is the fact that my passion and love for my country fuels my ambition to work against injustice while my experiences have softened my heart. The blend of my culture, religion, and overall outlook of life gave me so much. You lose everything in war but the true loss is losing yourself, and throughout my life I learned I can never lose myself because I have so much to give even if people don't see that yet.

Reflection/Suggestion: Yet another emotional piece about friendship and my country, I think I definitely overdid it, but somehow my ending tied it into a more…professional way

Advice:

Writing is HARD, especially for college when you’re asked to write about yourself. I wish every piece wasn’t about my country, you can definitely tell this girl is going through it. Display a wide range of experiences in your PIQ’s, unlike mine. I think my stats and extracurriculars told more academically about me. My advice is to showcase who you are and tell stories, in or out of the classroom. Show that you learned and overcame. I was cringed out reading this back now that I’m older. However, that rawness, it's natural to who I am. Don’t be embarrassed, no one is judging you but yourself.

TIPs and Tricks to Maximize money and time:

The UC application will often grant 4 free applications if your family income is below a certain threshold. I recommend applying the waivers on any except UCR and UC Merced. These schools often grant free applications anyway, so use the waivers on schools you want to get a wider range.

If you plan to apply to UCSD, please make sure you know what colleges you’re ranking. This determines your GE’s rigor and the dorms you get. The best are 6th, 7th, or 8th. As long as those are in your top 3, UCSD will be at ease.

Final Notes:

My senior year was honestly the worst. It was so stressful emotionally and academically. My advice is to understand school is ending and none of it really matters. Be strategic and place yourself for success. If you plan to transfer after 2 years of community college, then be proud. No matter what, this application is an application not only to the location you end up but the people you meet and the person you are becoming.

Undergrad truly is a stepping stone, so enjoy whatever is left of high school. It’s over, but I still think of what I wish I would’ve done instead of moping. Now I’m happily living in LA, meeting people who are helping me shape myself, networking for the future. It all starts here. So please enjoy and endure. You’ll look back, but you can’t go back. Don’t regret submitting an application that can be the start of your future.

If you have any questions please let me know!!!! Comment and I’ll reply!!!!