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UC Admissions Decoded: Dispelling Myths and Explaining What Really Matters

November 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET

Are you wondering how University of California applications are evaluated? Is the UC activity list order important? Are the UC’s Personal Insight Questions (PIQs) the same as the Common Application’s Personal Statement? Does major choice matter more at certain UC campuses?

Join Infinite Futures’ UC advising experts and former admissions officers (UC Berkeley and UC San Diego) as they explain some of the lesser-known nuances of the UC application. They’ll cover everything from how the UC GPA evaluation really works to what UC admissions officers are looking for in the Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). You will also learn about the differences in application evaluation between the UCs and other highly selective institutions.

Infinite Futures is a full-service college advising company founded by educators. Our team of experienced Former Admission Officers and College Advisors uses their decades of experience to help each student find success in high school and beyond.

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Meet the speaker:

Samuel Fung

Samuel Fung graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and has been advising students one-on-one for over 15 years. As a University of California expert, Samuel has helped hundreds of students gain acceptances into competitive majors across all UC campuses, including Computer Science, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, and Business Administration. Each year, he also helps students get admitted into top programs at highly selective universities including Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to working as a College Advisor, Samuel has spent over a decade coaching students in robotics, career development, and mental health. He is also a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

Kelly Braun

Kelly Braun is, first and foremost, a student advocate. Working in the educational field for over 17 years, she has been a cheerleader of student dreams since she earned her Bachelor of Arts and then went on to earn her Master's in Education. Prior to joining Infinite Futures, Kelly worked in university admissions and served as the director of high school counseling at two different high schools. With her unique background in both studio art and systems engineering, Kelly successfully advises students across a wide range of academic interests. Kelly is also active in the international and US Association for College Admissions Counselors. She often presents at industry conferences and serves as faculty at counseling training institutes.