The University of California system is committed to maintaining integrity in its admissions process. To uphold this value, applicants should be aware of two key measures: application verification and Personal Insight Question plagiarism checks.
Every year, The University of California selects a random sample of applicants to verify the validity of the information provided in their applications. Notifications are sent via email, text, and postal mail in mid-December. Applicants will be asked to submit documents that verify one section of their application like academic history, awards, extracurricular activities, or work experience. This includes official transcripts, letters of recommendation from teachers or counselors, and copies of certificates or awards. The failure to respond by January 31, 2025 may result in the cancellation of one’s application to all campuses at UC.
In addition to application verification, UC has implemented checks for potential plagiarism in Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). The main point of PIQs is their ability to personalize each student’s application, offering more insight into their values, aspirations, and journeys.
After the application deadline, UC reviews all PIQ responses for plagiarism using plagiarism detection software. Applicants are then notified via email in early January if potential plagiarism is detected, with instructions provided on how to send in authenticity verification. Applicants will be given fourteen days to respond and provide required evidence. The UC officials will go through the information that is provided and give a final say. Failure to respond and provide proof will result in the application being permanently canceled.
This notification from the UC schools is not out to scare you, it is to highly encourage applicants to check their email and application portals regularly for updates. If you don’t respond to verification or plagiarism inquiries, your application to all UC schools could be canceled. Stay on top of your emails and updates to keep everything on track and give yourself the best chance for success!
