<p>My school just mailed me this form for my parents to sign so that my record and transcripts will be released to the UC system. Should I have my parents sign this or what? I’m aware that this is one of the ways to be elgible for the UC but is this the preferred way? I guess I’m just paranoid about falling into a trap or a hole lol.</p>
<p>I definitely recommend having your parents sign the release form if you have any intention of applying to the UC’s. Once the UC’s get your transcripts they will start a file for you that includes all your high school course information and grades, so that when the time comes for you to fill out the application half of it is already filled out for you. This happens even if you do not end up being eligible in the local context. You will also get a special id # to use for the application process. As far as I can tell there is no downside. If you’re worried about privacy - once you start filling out college applications there won’t be any privacy between you and admissions anyway.</p>
<p>Definitely have your parents sign the paper. It’s just a formality that allows your school to forward your transcript. That you were asked to fill out the form means that you are presently in the top 12.5% of your grade, and the UCs will then determine through their own GPA calculation based on approved a-g courses whether you are in the top 4%. If you are designated an ELC applicant, you will be guaranteed a spot in the UC system. My D was ELC and had guaranteed spots at UCD and UCI. Berkeley and UCLA, as well as UCSD do not guarantee the spot, but the ELC designation definitely helps in determining you as a strong applicant and can have an effect on your admission prospects (depending on the context of your school and courseload).
Also, have a look at the statistics, I believe something like 98% of ELC students are accepted to UCSD, and around 40/45% to UCB and UCLA, chances that are a lot higher than around 22% admission rates.
And no, there is no “trap” and no obligation to attend a UC.</p>
<p>Here is some more info:
[Welcome</a> to ELC](<a href=“http://www.ucop.edu/sas/elc/]Welcome”>http://www.ucop.edu/sas/elc/)</p>
<p>Thanks a lot guys for all of the information. :)</p>