UCSB Acceptance Rate 2024, Admission, SAT/ACT, Tuition, Rankings

We are looking at the acceptance rate in one of the campuses in the University of California system, specifically UCSB (University of California, Santa Barbara).

The information in this article will give you an insight into the admission process at the University of California, Santa Barbara. What it takes to get into the University of California, Santa Barbara.

UCSB is one of the selective universities on the Pacific coast of the United States. It receives thousands of applications from domestic and international applicants annually.

On average, UCSB receives approximately 90,000 applications during its admission cycle, and those that are offered admission are below half of the overall applications received.

So the question is, why is UCSB a selective institution, and what are they looking for in applicants?

About the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Established in 1891, the University of California, Santa Barbara is a public research institution in Santa Barbara, one of the universities in the University of California school system.

UCSB began teaching economics as one of its earliest degree programs in 1891 before expanding over the next four decades and joining the UC school system.

Currently, UCSB offers over 200 undergraduate, and graduate degree programs.

The University of California, Santa Barbara is organized into three undergraduate colleges and two graduate schools. Through these schools and colleges, UCSB offers various degree programs in engineering, creative studies, environmental sciences and management, and arts and sciences.

Also Read: 10 Best Pre Med Schools in California

List of Colleges and Schools at the University of California, Santa Barbara

College of Creative Studies
College of Engineering
College of Letters and Science
Bren School of Environmental Science and Management
The Gevirt Graduate School of Education

University of California Santa Barbara Rankings

According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of California, Santa Barbara is ranked #32 in National Universities, #7 in Top Public Schools, and #215 in Best Value Schools.

UCSB also ranks #163 on QS World University Rankings.

USC Campus Life

The University of California, Santa Barbara, has the perfect atmosphere for college beginners to settle into campus life.

Its residence halls are designed to help students get along with academics and social life on campus.

Students’ Athletics are also available on campus with sports such as basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis, and soccer for your pleasure.

The University of California, Santa Barbara, consider the health and well-being of every student.

UCSB provides programs and services that contribute to your academic development and well-being as a person. Career services at UCSB are designed to get you prepared for what lies ahead after graduating.

What Is the Acceptance Rate at UCSB?

UC Santa Barbara over the last few years has received a large number of domestic and international applications.

During the last admission year, UCSB received 111,000 applications and admitted 31,160 students. The overall acceptance rate at UCSB is 25.9%, which is extremely selective.

A year before the last admission, the turnout at UCSB was 90,963 applications, and the acceptance rate admitted 37% of those applications.

From the statistics in the last admission process at UCSB, the university is becoming more selective as the years go by. Applicants who were successful during the last admission cycle had an impressive academic record that secured their entry into UC Santa Barbara.

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GPA Requirement at UC Santa Barbara

Getting a good high school GPA is essential in your pursuit of admission into a college or university. Most colleges and universities with selective acceptance rates require high GPAs as average for admission.

The latest freshmen at UC Santa Barbara had an average weighted GPA of 4.37.

The required high school GPA at UC Santa Barbara is 4.12 on average. To meet this standard, you will need to be in the top 10% of your graduating class.

On the other hand, California applicants are required to have a minimum of 3.0 GPA, and non-residents must present a minimum GPA of 3.4.

SAT and ACT Requirements

The University of California Santa Barbara requires an average SAT score of 1355 on the 1600 SAT scale.

Here are the stats for SAT scores by section.

SAT	Score Range
Math	610-770
Critical Reading	620-710
Composite	1230-1480

The average ACT score at UC Santa Barbara is 29.

ACT	Score Range
Math	26-32
English	25-34
Composite	27-34

What Is UCSB Searching for in Students?

Like any other selective college or university, UC Santa Barbara evaluates your application holistically. When your application is received at UCSB, the admission committee reviews your application comprehensively. They will be looking at your academic and non-academic activities.

UC Santa Barbara is interested in your extracurricular activities, involvement in community service, initiative, and how you will contribute to the diverse community on campus.

When preparing your application to UC Santa Barbara, ensure to include these personal characteristics in your application profile.

First-Year Admission Requirement

Here are the requirements for first-year admission into UC Santa Barbara.

Subject Requirement

First-year applicants to UC Santa Barbara are required to complete the UC-approved courses in the AG subject area with a minimum grade of C or above.

Requirement for Grade Point

The acceptance rate at UCSB stirs competition among students when it comes to GPA requirements.

All first-year applicants must present a minimum GPA of 3.0 for California residents and 3.4 for non-residents in all A-G courses. UC Santa Barbara will calculate your preliminary GPA with the grades you achieved in A-G subjects in the 10th and 11th grades with summer sessions inclusive as well.

If you earned an average grade of C or above in your 9th and 12th-grade courses, they can be used to meet the UC Santa Barbara A-G subject requirements, but they can’t be used to calculate your GPA.

Also Read: UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate, Admissions, Tuition, SAT, ACT, Rankings

Evaluation by UCSB College and Supplemental Application

The College of Creative Studies at UC Santa Barbara requires a supplemental application and other undergraduate colleges do not.

The College of Letters and Science does not consider the choice of major, and neither does it require a supplemental application except if you are applying to dance or music performance majors. Applicants applying to dance or music performance majors must complete an audition in late January or early February.

The College of Engineering does not require a supplemental application. However, admission to engineering majors will require mastery of advanced high school mathematics. You must present high grades in all math courses taken through 11th and 12th grade (pre-calculus). Ensure to include a second choice major on your application outside engineering. In case you were not selected for engineering, UC Santa Barbara will review your second-choice major.

All first-year applicants to the College of Creative Studies are required to submit a supplemental application. The supplemental application is reviewed by the Creative Studies faculty. Also, ensure to select a second second-choice major on your application outside of Creative Studies. You will be considered for admission for your second choice major if you are not selected for Creative Studies.

Requirements for Transfer Admission at UCSB

Keep in mind that the transfer admission is open to students that have previously completed secondary school education and enrolled in 2 or four-year college but want to further their education at the University of California Sant Babara.

Junior Transfer Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for transfer admission at UC Santa Barbara are the same for every student. All transfer students must meet the requirements listed below before the end of the spring term.

UC Santa Barbara requires a seven-course pattern, and you must earn at least a C or above in every course.

Two courses in English composition (UC-E)
A course in mathematics (college algebra, pre-calculus, or statistics) (UC-M)
Four courses from 2 of these areas: Arts and Humanities (UC-H), Behavioral and Social Sciences(UC-B), and Biological and Physical Sciences (UC-S)

UC Santa Barbara also requires the completion of 60 semesters or 90 quarter units of UC transferable college credit with a minimum GPA of 2.4 (California residents) or 2.8 (non-residents).

Most selective majors at UC Santa Barbara require a GPA of 3.4 and above.

How UCSB Evaluates Transfer Applicants

UC Santa Barbara evaluates its transfer applicants the same way they assess first-year applicants. Transfer applicants who were admitted into UC Santa Barbara in the last application year meet the admission eligibility requirement.

You will be considered a strong candidate for transfer admission if you meet the eligibility requirements and show your personal quality, achievement, and the challenges you have encountered.

Also Read: UC Berkeley Acceptance Rate By Major

Tips for a Successful Transfer Admission

Enhance your admission chances with these few tips.

Ensure you have a good GPA during your application in the fall term. UC Santa Barbara will calcite your UC GPA at the end of the fall term.
If you TAG to UC Santa Barbara, ensure to submit your UC application to UCSB under the very same major
If you are applying to a major in the College of Creative Studies or the College of Engineering, make sure you select a second-choice major in the College of Letters & Science.
It’s recommendable to complete the UC-E and UC-M requirements early. You do not have to wait till the spring term to transfer to take these UC courses.
Ensure to complete major preparation courses early.

For more information about UC to UC transfer, kindly click here.

What Is the Acceptance Rate for Transfer Students at UCSB?

In the previous admission cycle, UCSB received 17,610 transfer applications and admitted 10,228 applicants. The overall acceptance rate for transfer students at UCSB is 58%.

Admission Requirements for International Students

International students seeking admission into the University of California Santa Barbara must present a certificate showing that they have graduated from high school.

Here are the admission requirements for international students at UC Santa Barbara.

Meet Curriculum Requirement

You should not only be concerned about the acceptance rate at UCSB but ensure to look out for essential admission requirements.

The University of California Santa Barbara expects all international applicants to have graduated from a secondary school and obtained a certificate recognized for college admission in their home country.

Click here to head to the UCSB page for international freshman eligibility selection.

Know the Difference between Eligibility and Selection

Being eligible for admission at UCSB simply means meeting the minimum requirements. Eligibility does not guarantee admission. UC Santa Barbara selects applicants who are academically qualified for admission over those who are not.

English Proficiency Requirement

International applicants who hail from countries where English is not an official language must demonstrate proficiency in English.

International applicants who received instructions in a different language other than English must submit these test scores;

TOEFL: minimum score of 80
IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 115 or above

Verify Your School Accreditation

Secondary/high school attended must have an appropriate recognition in the schooling system it follows in your home country. If your school’s curriculum follows that of the United States, it must have U.S. accreditation, and you must graduate with a diploma or an equivalent (U.S. high school standard).

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The University of California Santa Barbara Tuition and Fees

Here is the estimated cost of attendance for in-state and out-of-state undergraduates.

In-State Tuition

Item	Amount
Tuition	$13,104
Campus-Based Fees	$1,881
Books And Supplies	$1,344
Health Care Allowance	$3,033
Loan Fees	$60
Room and Board	$7,173
Food	$4,473
Telephone/Cell Phone	$291

Source: https://www.ucsb.edu/

Out-of-State Tuition

Item	Amount
Tuition	$13,104
Campus-Based Fees	$1,881
Books And Supplies	$1,344
Health Care Allowance	$3,033
Loan Fees	$60
Room and Board	$7,173
Food	$4,473
Telephone/Cell Phone	$291
Transportation	$981
Personal Expenses	$1,623
Non-Resident Tuition Fee	$31,026
Total	$64,989

Source: https://www.ucsb.edu/

The University of California Santa Barbara Contact Address

School Address: Santa Barbara, CA 93106, United States
Phone: (805) 893-8000

Visit the official website of the University of California Santa Barbara for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the frequently asked questions regarding the acceptance rate at UCSB.

What is the required GPA at UCSB?

On average, you will need a GPA of 4.12 to stand a chance of getting into the selective majors at UCSB. In general, a California resident will need an average GPA of 3.0 while non-residents will need a GPA of 3.4.

Is it harder to get into UCLA or UCSB?

In terms of acceptance rate, UCLA is more selective than UCSB. The most selective institution in the University of California System is UCLA.

Is it hard to get into UCSB?

During the last admission year, UCSB received 111,000 applications and admitted 31,160 students. The overall acceptance rate at UCSB is 25.9%, which is extremely selective.

What is the acceptance rate at UCSB?

Yes, UC Santa Barbara only accepted 25.9% of over 110,000 applications received during the last Fall term.

Conclusion

From what we have discussed so far, it is easy to understand what UC Santa Barbara values in an applicant and how each application is reviewed during admission.

All you have to do is meet the requirement for the mode entry you intend to get into UCSB and also be cautious about the application dates and deadlines.

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References

Admissions.UniversityofCalifornia: UC Santa Barbara
U.S. News & World Report: University of California, Santa Barbara
Top Universities: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB)
Times Higher Education: University of California, Santa Barbara