We have compiled some helpful tips to guide you with common questions and potential pitfalls for each section of the application. Please contact us immediately at eduadvising@ucdavis.edu if you encounter any difficulties or have any questions about completing and submitting your application. 

Be sure you read the following documents before you get started: the Basic Skills Requirement, the Subject Matter Requirement, and the Application Submission Process as these documents provide useful guidance.

When the application period is open and you’re ready to apply, apply on the UC Davis Graduate Studies website.

Application Sections

The online application for admission includes the following sections:

1. Basic Information
2. Biographical Data
3. Plans for Graduate Study
4. Academic History
5. Statement of Purpose
6. Personal Statement
7. Test Score Requirements
8. Test Scores
9. Other Information
10. Education Credential/M. A. (This section will only appear once you have indicated your intent to apply to the Education – Credential/MA program.)
11. Prior Coursework
12. Supporting Materials
13. Recommendations
14. Applicant Agreements
15. Review

General Tips

Be sure to review the Application Instructions page where there are some general instructions for all applicants.

Make sure to click the “continue” bar as you move from page to page within the application.

Tips by Section

Section 3 – Plans for Graduate Study

This section asks for your Graduate Program Objectives:

• Indicate the program to which you are applying: Education-Credential/MA.
• Degree Objective: This will be the subject area you wish to teach (ex: Single Subject: English).

Section 4 – Academic History

• The first institution entered should be where you have earned or will earn your undergraduate degree.
• When looking up your undergraduate degree, note that all University of California schools arelisted under “UC”.
• For “Courses Planned or in Progress”, list courses you are enrolled in or plan to take in the future.

Sections 5 & 6 – Statement of Purpose and Personal Statement

These mandatory sections require an essay about your Statement of Purpose and your personal history and unique background. Each essay has a 4,000-character maximum, including spaces. If you are copying from a another document, be careful that all information has successfully been added as this option does not work on all browsers. Please read through your essays several times to ensure spelling and content are correct.

Sections 7 & 8 – Test Score Requirements & Test Scores

• In section 7 you will see that GRE scores are NOT required for our program.
• International students must provide TOEFL/IELTS test information and must submit an electronic score report directly to UCD using code 4834.
• Do not report your CSET test results in Section 8. Report those in Section 10.

Section 9 – Other Information

Please note if you participated in any of the listed graduate preparation programs in this section.

Section 10 – Education Credential/MA- REQUIRED

• Please answer yes or no regarding the question about the Bilingual Authorization program. If yes, please indicate which language you wish to pursue (Spanish or Mandarin).
• Timeline section: please indicate when you completed or will complete your testing (Subject Matter) and when you completed or will complete your prerequisites courses.
• You will upload copies of test registration/scores directly into the application system via your Application Status page after you submit your application.
• Classroom Observation Required: All applicants must complete this section.
  • Please describe your 30 hours of classroom observation. DO NOT leave blank.
  • See Classroom Observation handout for more details.
• Four required short essays: please make sure to answer the four questions posed regarding teaching experiences, working with diverse students, describing qualities important for teachers, and collaboration located in this section. Each required essay has a 2,000-character limit.

Section 11 – Prior Coursework

• Single Subject applicants – List the classes you have completed in the subject area to which you are applying.
• Multiple Subject applicants – DO NOT complete this section.

Section 12 – Supporting Materials

• Noteworthy Academic Achievements- optional section.
• Website Links: NOT required.

Section 13 – Recommendations

• If your GPA is 3.0 or above from your degree-granting institution, please skip this section.
• If your GPA is below 3.0 from your degree-granting institution:
  • Review information regarding GPA exceptions.
  • Follow the directions in the application to indicate your recommenders. You must use the online system to submit three letters of support from academic references. You need contact name and email.

Still have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us at eduadvising@ucdavis.edu.