Transfer application tips 

Learn best practices for completing the UC application as a transfer student.

Academic coursework 

Your academic record forms the core of your application. Report all UC-approved college preparatory coursework — whether completed at a high school or college — completely and accurately. Include every course you enrolled in, regardless of grades, transferability, withdrawal or repetition. List all institutions and courses exactly as they appear on your transcripts. Incomplete reporting may jeopardize your admission.

Reporting international education

Letters of recommendation and other materials 

Do not include letters of recommendation, transcripts, awards or academic and creative work samples with your application. We will not review or return them.

two students working on a project for class

Choosing a major

Apply to a major that interests you. Many of our most popular majors have additional coursework and GPA requirements you must fulfill before enrollment. We recommend that you include an alternate major in a different field of study and may consider it if you are not admitted to your first-choice major. UC Davis does not offer exploratory or undeclared options for transfer students.​​​​​​


How UC Davis reviews your transfer application 

Each UC campus has a different process for how it reviews applications and selects successful candidates. Most admitted transfer students exceed minimum UC admission standards. Many of the more rigorous majors require applicants to meet selective major requirements in addition to the systemwide requirements.

Selection criteria 

We base our admission decision on your academic preparation and achievement. We review your transferable GPA and coursework — this includes completed, in-progress and planned courses.

At a minimum, applicants must meet:

  • UC admission requirements
  • UC Davis transfer admission requirements
  • Selective major requirements

Students who apply through the UC Davis Transfer Admission Guarantee, or TAG may need a higher overall GPA. Competitive majors may require an even stronger academic record.

We also consider the availability of space in each college, division and major you select.

students walking down steps in front of a building

Check your status

In December, UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions sends a confirmation email with your UC Davis student ID number. Use this ID to set up your MyAdmissions account. You’ll use this account to track your application and admission status.