Recent data published by the San Francisco Chronicle reveals that Ukiah High School Wildcats are gaining admission to some of the most sought-after University of California schools at significantly higher rates than many of Northern California’s top-ranked institutions. For years, students have doubted Ukiah High’s competitiveness, believing Wildcats faced tougher odds in UC admissions compared to their peers at more prestigious schools. But the data? It tells a completely different story.
Take the University of California, Santa Barbara, for example—a campus renowned for its excellent academics, vibrant surfing culture, and breathtaking coastal setting. With an average acceptance rate of only 28%, UCSB is one of the most selective schools in the UC system. Yet, Wildcats boast an impressive 47% acceptance rate to UCSB, far surpassing the success rates of many elite NorCal schools. Consider Campolindo High School, often regarded as one of the best schools in the region with a perfect 10/10 rating on GreatSchools. Campolindo students have only a 22% chance of getting into UCSB, compared to nearly half of Ukiah High applicants.
The trend continues at UC Berkeley, one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, which is notoriously challenging to get into with 11.7% of applicants being accepted. Ukiah High students hoping to join the Berkeley Bears have a 17% acceptance rate—the highest among all local high schools in the region. Even Campolindo, with its stellar reputation and East Bay location, sees its students accepted to Berkeley at lower rates than Wildcats.
| Data from the San Francisco Chronicle | Acceptance Rate (%) | Acceptance Rate (%) | Great Schools Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ukiah High | 17% | 47% | 6/10 |
| Willits High | NA | NA | 4/10 |
| Campolindo High School | 15% | 22% | 10/10 |
| Redwood High School | 11% | 19% | 9/10 |
| Analy High School | 12% | 24% | 8/10 |
| Santa Rosa High | 13% | 35% | 6/10 |
| Maria Carillo High | 10% | 19% | 8/10 |
| Casa Grande High School | 10% | 37 % | 7/10 |
| Montgomery High School | NA | NA | 5/10 |
When asked why Wildcats might stand out to competitive colleges, Ukiah High Principal Analese Alvarez shared her thoughts with UHS News. “I think this community and our schools do a really great job of helping students interested in college achieve their goals. We offer so many opportunities for students to get involved,” Alvarez said. She explained that colleges are looking for students who will actively contribute to their campus communities, not just academically but socially and civically. “Colleges want people who will give back to the campus and also be studious, good students,” she added. “They’re not just looking for someone who’s going to sit in the library or stay home all the time.”
College and Career Counselor Yanira Muniz echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of well-roundedness for students aiming to get into top-tier schools. “Students need to prepare themselves by getting involved in extracurricular activities and volunteering in their community,” Muniz said. She also highlighted the role of academics, noting that “grades and GPA do play a part,” but a standout personal statement can make all the difference. “Students should be authentic, vulnerable, and show who they really are in their essays,” she advised.
The numbers make it clear: Wildcats are thriving in the competitive world of UC admissions, proving that small-town schools can more than hold their own against Northern California’s academic powerhouses.
Ischei Mcleod
Ischei Mcleod was born and raised in Montego Bay, Jamaica. She recently relocated to live in Ukiah, California. The move was sudden for her but she's trying her best to get comfortable. She decided to join the journalism class at the Ukiah High School because she’s always been interested in writing and reading literature. Ischei is not a very outgoing person; she prefers to write to express her thoughts and feelings. She is really eager to learn about journalism and all its qualities. In the future she would like to travel and documentate on all the beautiful and unique sights, people and culture she comes across.