UC Waitlist and Appeals: What First-Year Applicants Need to Know for Fall 2025
Applying to the University of California (UC) system is a competitive process, and each year, thousands of students find themselves on a waitlist. If you’ve been waitlisted or denied for Fall 2025, it’s important to understand your next steps and what options are available to you. Here’s a breakdown of key information on UC waitlists and appeals.
First-Year Waitlist Process
All UC campuses, except UC Merced, plan to use a waitlist for first-year applicants in 2025. Each campus has its own process, but the waitlist helps manage enrollments while keeping spots available for select students.
Waitlist Invitation: Opting In Is Required
If you receive a waitlist invitation, you must actively opt in by the deadline. The deadline to accept a waitlist invitation is April 15. Here’s what you need to know:
Being waitlisted is not automatic—students must choose to be placed on a waitlist.
You can opt in to multiple UC campus waitlists.
If you’re admitted off a waitlist, you can only accept one UC offer and must submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) by May 1 to secure your spot.
Even if you’re on a UC waitlist, you should submit an SIR to another college where you’ve been admitted to ensure you have a place to attend in the fall.
When Will You Hear Back?
Waitlist decisions are usually released between May and July, but some campuses may provide decisions earlier. Each UC campus has flexibility in its waitlist timeline.
Financial Aid for Waitlisted Students
If you’re waitlisted, you won’t receive a financial aid package at the time of your waitlist invitation. However, if you’re admitted off the waitlist, your financial aid offer will be processed based on your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), as long as you submitted it by the priority deadline.
Deadline to Accept a Waitlist Offer
Each UC campus sets its own deadline for students to accept a waitlist admission offer. Generally, students have three (3) to seven (7) days from the date of admission to submit their SIR.
First-Year Admission Appeals
If you are denied admission to a UC campus, you may have the option to submit an appeal.
All UC campuses accept admission appeals from students who were not offered admission.
New and compelling information must be provided in the appeal. Since applications undergo a thorough review before decisions are made, an appeal should include significant updates that were not in the original application.
The appeal submission deadline varies by campus—students should check their applicant portal for specific deadlines.
💡 Important Note: You cannot appeal a waitlist decision while you are still on the waitlist. If you are denied admission after being waitlisted, some campuses may allow an appeal.
Final Thoughts
Being on a UC waitlist or facing a denial can be stressful, but staying informed about deadlines and requirements can help you navigate the process effectively. If you’re waitlisted, be sure to opt in by April 15, keep track of key dates, and have a backup plan in place. If you’re denied admission, check with the specific UC campus to see if an appeal option is available.
