So, you’re thinking about applying to UCSB, and you’re curious about your chances of admission. There are a lot of factors in the admissions process. However, the most important factors in the admissions game are your GPA and test scores.

With an acceptance rate of 32.3%, admission to UCSB is extremely competitive. Based on our analysis, to have a good chance of being admitted, you need to be at the very top of your class and have an SAT score of close to 1500, or an ACT score of around 34.

Not quite there? Try taking our SAT prep course and You’ll still have a chance of getting in, but it’s in the single digits. Let’s take a closer look at UCSB admission statistics.

2018 UCSB Admissions Statistics: Class of 2022

• UCSB’s acceptance rate in 2018 was 32.3%
• For the class of 2022, out of 92,305 applicants, UCSB admitted 29,782
• The average GPA of admitted applicants was 4.13
• The average ACT score was 31
• The average SAT score was 1400

For students who took the ACT, the 25th percentile score of successful applicants was 28, and the 75th percentile score was 34.

For students who took the SAT, the 25th percentile score was 1270. The 75th percentile score was 1500.

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If you’re somewhere in the middle of these numbers, remember that a high test score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA, and vice versa. If you’re at the lower end, it helps if you’re a diverse applicant, the child of an alum, or have incredible personal achievements.

Other aspects of your application, such as athletics, extracurricular and recommendations, are important, but will likely only make a difference for admission if you’re in the 75th percentile range for your GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

Even if UCSB is your dream school, and even if you’re in the 75th percentile, you’ll still want to make sure you apply to a wide variety of schools to ensure you’ll gain admission somewhere.

Generally, you should have:

• Three safety schools (where you are in the 75th percentile of GPA/test scores),
• Three reach schools (where you are in the 25th percentile of GPA/test scores)
• Three target schools (where you are near the average for GPA/test scores)

OK, so you’ve decided to apply. We took a look at UCSB’s admissions requirements to help you get everything in order.

2018 UCSB Application Requirements: Class of 2022

Here’s a full list of application requirements:

• Students must complete UC-approved courses in 7 different subject areas with a grade ‘C’ or higher
• Students must earn a minimum GPA of 3.0 (for in-state) or 3.4 (out-of-state residents) in the UC-approved courses, via those courses taken during 10th and 11th grades
• Students must submit scores from either the ACT or SAT, both requiring the written essay sections

Here are the deadlines that you should be aware of:

• The application deadline is November 30th.
• March 2nd is the financial aid application deadline.
• Regular Decision applicants find out their fates in mid-March.

Have you been admitted to UCSB? Congratulations! Below is a glimpse of what your classmates will be like.

2018 UCSB Class of 2022 Admitted Students Profile

If you matriculate at UCSB, you’ll be joining a diverse class, with students from all over the U.S. and the world, and have a chance to study in dozens of fields.

Here are some interesting facts about the recently admitted class:

• Roughly 47% are male and 53% are female
• 8.4% of students are international

UCSB has a diverse class, as well, with a large number of people of color. The ethnicities of admitted applicants are:

• International: 8.4%
• Underrepresented minority: 1.6%
• Two or more races: 6.6%
• White: 37.5%

What do these admitted students plan to study? UCSB offers dozens of majors, and students matriculating there pursue a wide number of subjects. Here is a list of some of the top programs:

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• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Visual and Performing Arts

Now, how are you going to pay for this?

UCSB Tuition Figures

At $55,219, UCSB’s cost of attendance is astronomical. Most incoming students receive some form of financial aid, and the average award is $20,526.

Here’s a fuller look at UCSB tuition and financial aid in 2017:

• Total budget: $55,219
• Average financial aid package: $20,526 (need-based)
• The average student debt of a UCSB graduate is $21,001

For the latest numbers and to learn more about financial aid options, click HERE.

Now, what is life like at UCSB? Let’s take a look.

UCSB Location

UCSB is located near Isla Vista, California, about eight miles outside of Santa Barbara.

Located on top of cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, UCSB’s campus is technically not a part of the city of Santa Barbara. It is considered a separate entity because it was never annexed by the local government.

Remember, you’re going to UCSB for its excellent academics! Below is a look at what academic life will be like.

UCSB Academics

UCSB has dozens of majors. Some of the school’s more interesting majors are:

• Art
• History
• Biomolecular Science and Engineering
• Political Science
• Computer Science
• Linguistics
• History
• English
• Economics
• Germanic and Slavic Studies
• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Medieval Studies
• Geology
• Media Arts and Technology
• Military Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Now, let’s take a look at life outside the classroom at UCSB.

Student Life at UCSB

UCSB has hundreds of student organizations, covering academic interests, creative and performing arts, cultural and racial initiatives, gender and sexuality affinity groups, government and political interests, and various media and publications.

Here’s a sampling of UCSB’s student activities:

• American Society of Mechanical Engineers
• Amigos de UC Santa Barbara
• Ethics Bowl
• Gu’s Academy
• Model United Nations
• Women In Physics
• Feminist Fight Club
• American Indian Student Association
• Basque Club at UCSB
• Gaucho Street Dance
• Japanese Language Cafe
• The Catalyst Literary Magazine
• Student Veterans Organization
• 3D For Everyone
• Bad Movie Club
• EDM For Charity

Are you an athlete? UCSB’s got plenty of options for you.

UCSB Athletics

UCSB offers a large number of intercollegiate sports, with extensive varsity, as well as club, offerings, for both men and women. 

UCSB’s sports include:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross-Country
• Swimming & Diving
• Soccer
• Water Polo
• Track & Field
• Tennis

Who might you become with a UCSB degree? Let’s take a look at some well-known and successful alums:

Notable Alums

UCSB has produced politicians, business tycoons, entertainers, musicians, media figures, and leaders in dozens of other fields.

Here’s a list of some particularly well-known alums:

• Actor Michael Douglas
• Actress Gwyneth Paltrow
• Myspace co-founder Josh Berman
• Nobel Prize laureate Carol Greider
• Author Reza Aslan
• EDM musician Steve Aoki
• TMZ founder Harvey Levin
• Olympic gold medalist Jason Lezak
• MLB pitcher Barry Zito
• Film producer Ryan Kavanaugh
• Oceanographer Robert Ballard

And this is only a partial list!

Remember!

Getting into UCSB is very competitive. Don’t despair if you get a no.

If you have a strong GPA and high test scores, you have a great chance of getting into at least one of the more competitive schools. And if you don’t, remember: where you go is NOT who you are.

If you need to boost your GPA or test scores before application time rolls around, you should consider signing up for a course with Prep Expert. We offer one-on-one tutoring and classes, both in-person and online, at locations throughout the United States.

For more test strategy, college admissions, and scholarship application tips sign up for our FREE class happening right now!