On-Campus Admissions

On-Campus Admission to UHP

The University Honors Program provides current first-year students the opportunity to join UHP through the On-Campus Admissions program. High potential first-year students will be invited to apply to UHP during the Winter Quarter of their first year. Application invitations are sent in mid-Winter Quarter, and admissions decisions announced in mid-April. The application process includes open-ended essay questions.

During the application period, UHP hosts information sessions. The times and locations will be included in the email invitation along with the Zoom link to register in advance. UHP does not provide admissions opportunities to current second-, third-, or fourth-year UC Davis students.

Frequently Asked Questions about the OCA process

• I didn't receive the invitation email. How do I get access to the application?
• All students who are eligible to apply to UHP through the OCA program will be sent an invitation email to their UC Davis email address. There is no publicly accessible application. Invitations were sent to students who received a 3.5 or higher UC GPA (transfer units not included) for Fall quarter with a full-time (12 units or more) course load.
• I got a 4.0 - why wasn't my application accepted?
• Congratulations on achieving a 4.0 in Fall quarter! However, more criteria than just GPA are used in determining eligibility. We instead encourage you to get involved in small classes and connect with faculty through taking a First-Year Seminars, explore undergraduate research and pursue creative works with the Undergraduate Research Center, and check in with your major advisor about other Honors opportunities that exist within your field of study.
• I was invited but want to learn more. How can I get more information about the application process?
• A recording of our 2025 info session is available here.
• I was invited and want to learn more about UHP. How can I learn more about the program?
• You can learn more about the benefits of UHP and what participating in UHP entails in our “Admission to UHP” and “Participating in UHP” FAQs on our general Admissions page. We also encourage you to learn more about our curriculum here.
• I see that UHP has a 4-year curriculum, but I plan to graduate in three years (or I plan to graduate in more than 4). Am I still eligible to apply?
• All admitted OCA students are required to complete the full UHP curriculum, starting with the Year 2 requirements. Exceptions to the curriculum will not be granted, and participation in UHP is contingent upon being able to satisfy each year’s requirements. Please take this into account when deciding whether or not to apply to UHP.
• When is the application deadline? Can I get an extension?
• All applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 11:59 pm and we will not allow for late submissions.