Blueprint to UC Admission: A 4-Year Guide for Aspiring Chemical Engineers

Written By Alexander Stein

So you want to study chemical engineering at a UC?
That’s awesome — and totally doable — but it takes planning, commitment, and a solid strategy starting now. Whether your goal is UCLA, UC Berkeley, UC San Diego, or another top UC, here’s your high school roadmap to make it happen.

This guide is written for incoming 9th graders with big dreams and the drive to chase them.

🧪 Freshman Year (9th Grade): Build the Foundation

Key Goals:

  • Establish strong study habits

  • Get comfortable with honors-level coursework

  • Explore STEM-related extracurriculars

Courses:

  • Math: Geometry or Algebra 2 (accelerated path = Algebra 2)

  • Science: Biology or Chemistry (Chemistry preferred if offered)

  • English, History, Foreign Language

  • Consider Honors or Pre-AP classes if available

Milestones:

  • Finish the year with mostly A’s — GPA matters a lot

  • Join a science, math, or robotics club

  • Attend a STEM summer camp (e.g. UC COSMOS, ID Tech)

Pro Tip:
Discipline = happiness. Start using a planner or digital calendar now to manage assignments, projects, and club meetings. Mastering this early will make your entire high school experience smoother.

⚙️ Sophomore Year (10th Grade): Step It Up

Key Goals:

  • Increase academic rigor

  • Begin building a leadership profile

  • Start thinking about college fit

Courses:

  • Math: Algebra 2 or Pre-Calculus

  • Science: Chemistry or Physics (whichever wasn’t taken in 9th)

  • Start APs: AP Chemistry or AP Computer Science if ready

  • Continue honors/advanced coursework in English & History

Milestones:

  • GPA target: 3.8+ weighted

  • Take the PSAT seriously — it benchmarks your progress

  • Start a science fair project, community STEM initiative, or research experience

  • Log community service hours — UC values well-rounded applicants

Pro Tip:
Ask for feedback and learn from your mistakes — especially in STEM classes. A growth mindset now will pay off big later.

🔬 Junior Year (11th Grade): The UC Application Year

Key Goals:

  • Crush AP classes

  • Prep for the SAT/ACT (even though UC is test-blind, some scholarships still use them)

  • Begin college research and list-building

Courses:

  • Math: Pre-Calculus or AP Calculus AB/BC

  • Science: AP Chemistry, AP Physics 1/C, or AP Biology

  • English: AP Lang

  • Elective: Consider taking a computer science, engineering, or statistics course

Milestones:

  • Take AP exams seriously — UC schools consider them for placement and rigor

  • Begin college visits (virtual or in-person)

  • Draft your extracurricular résumé

  • Start brainstorming for UC PIQs (Personal Insight Questions)

  • Explore internships (e.g. local labs, summer engineering programs)

Pro Tip:
This is when most students feel overwhelmed. Stay organized, build in downtime, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. A strong tutor or mentor can make all the difference.

🧠 Senior Year (12th Grade): Finish Strong + Apply Smart

Key Goals:

  • Polish your UC application

  • Maintain academic momentum

  • Show depth and continuity in your activities

Courses:

  • Math: AP Calculus AB or BC

  • Science: Any remaining AP science courses (AP Physics C is great for engineering)

  • Electives: Engineering, computer science, or research-based electives if available

  • English: AP Lit or college-level writing

Milestones:

  • Apply to UCs by Nov 30 — do not wait until the last minute

  • Finalize and revise UC PIQs with guidance

  • Consider applying to other top engineering programs (Cal Poly, MIT, etc.)

  • Complete all A-G subject requirements with strong grades

Pro Tip:
Use your senior year to reflect your passion. Whether it’s through a final project, leadership role, or mentorship, show UC schools that you’re already thinking like an engineer.

🛠 Extracurriculars that Matter for ChemE

  • Science Olympiad, Math Club, Robotics

  • Chemistry competitions (e.g. Chemistry Olympiad)

  • Engineering camps or UC COSMOS

  • Research internships or lab experience

  • Community service involving STEM education or tutoring

  • Personal projects — build something, test something, solve something!

🔑 Final Thoughts: Your Success Is Built Daily

Chemical engineering is a competitive major at the UCs — but it’s absolutely within reach with the right preparation. The earlier you start developing your academic discipline, problem-solving mindset, and curiosity for how things work, the stronger your application will be.

Let Tutors & Friends be part of your support system along the way — from mastering AP Chem to building confidence in Calc, we’re here to help you rise to the challenge.

Need help staying on track this year?
Book a one-on-one planning session or subject support session with one of our expert tutors today.

Alexander Stein
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What to Expect in High School: A Guide for 9th Grade Parents