Most students and families have no idea how UC applications are really read—and it shows. In this behind-the-scenes training, Coach Tony reveals what UC admissions readers actually look for, how they’re trained, and what it really takes to stand out at schools like UC Berkeley, UCLA, UCSD, and more.
From debunking myths to breaking down the 13 Comprehensive Review Factors, you’ll walk away with a game plan for making your PIQs, activities, and academic story work together in a way UC readers will remember.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Video
✅ The 13 UC Comprehensive Review Factors and What They Really Mean
✅ How UC Readers Are Trained to Break Bias and Spot Authenticity
✅ Why GPA Is Barely Glanced At and Context Is Everything
✅ How Activities Are Evaluated (It’s Not the Same as the Common App)
✅ Real Examples of Strong vs. Weak UC Essay Responses
✅ What the “Maybe Pile” Is and How to Avoid Getting Stuck There
✅ Tips for Augmented Review, Additional Comments, and Final Reader Notes
💬 Comment Below
What part of the UC application confuses YOU most?
Drop your question and we’ll answer it in the comments.
💡 Get Expert Help
📞 Book a FREE Coaching Call: https://calendly.com/egelloc-advisors/15-min-coaching-call
📩 Join the College Admissions Newsletter: https://collegeadmissionsecrets.co/
⏳ Timestamps for Easy Navigation
00:00 Welcome and What This Training Covers
01:55 Who Is Coach Tony and Why You Should Listen
03:00 Biggest Myths Families Still Believe About UC Admissions
06:00 Understanding Holistic Review and the 13 Evaluation Factors
08:00 What Readers See First and How Context Shapes Everything
10:00 GPA ≠ Everything: Why Readers Don’t Obsess Over Numbers
12:30 Activities That Show Leadership and Initiative
14:00 How the PIQs Are Evaluated and Why Your Story Is Everything
17:00 Reader Training: Bias Breaking, Regional Norming, and More
19:00 Inside the Review Process: How Readers Are Assigned and Scored
24:00 How to Handle Augmented Review and Letters of Rec
27:00 The Final Yes, No, Maybe Decision Structure
30:00 Q&A: Common Questions From Real Families
#UCAdmissions #UCApplicationTips #CollegeEssays #PIQHelp #UCInsights #CollegeAdmissions #egelloc