Do you want to know the average GPA required for admission to UCSB and UCSB acceptance rate for transfer and freshman applicants? You are in the proper place.
With 23,196 undergraduate and 2,983 graduate students enrolled in 2021–2022, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UC Santa Barbara or UCSB) is a public land-grant research university in Santa Barbara, California.
It is a member of the 10 university systems at the University of California. UCSB is the third-oldest undergraduate campus in the University of California system, behind UCLA and UC Berkeley, with roots dating back to 1891 as an independent teachers’ college. UCSB joined the University of California system in 1944.
Why Choose UCSB?
UCSB is a part of the University of California system and is well-known worldwide for its superior educational standards and research capabilities.
Through its five schools and the Graduate Division, students can access renowned instructors, good majors, degrees, and qualifications.
Additionally, UCSB’s coastal campus enables students to unwind after class on the Pacific Ocean shore.
The campus of UC Santa Barbara distinguishes itself from others.
Here are ten good reasons to pick UCSB!
- Achieve academic excellence
- Join a unique community
- Live in paradise
- Receive support
- Experience interactive, hands-on learning
- Prepare for your career
- Join the sustainability movement
- Take advantage of our undergraduate focus
- Make an impact
- Enjoy campus
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What is the UCSB Acceptance Rate?
Since the school accepts about 30,000 first-year students each year, the acceptance rate for the class of 2026 is likely to be around 27%.
However, freshmen and transfer students submitted 128,589 applications to UC Santa Barbara in 2022.
The number of applications increased by 1.9 percent compared to the admission statistics for 2021, while the acceptance percentage dropped by more than 2 percent.
Interestingly, the acceptance rate at UCSB is 34.6% for overseas applicants and 38.7% for out-of-state candidates. In the last five years, the admission rate for non-residents has increased.
Additionally, the 2022 acceptance rate for transfer students at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is 49%, with a yield of 21%. This suggests that 490 out of every 1000 applicants are allowed to study at UCSB.
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What is the University of California-Santa Barbara Tuition?
In-state tuition at the University of California-Santa Barbara is $14,442; out-of-state tuition is $44,196. In-state tuition at the University of California—Santa Barbara is more expensive than the $11,331 national average.
The cost of education for out-of-state students is higher than the $27,028 average out-of-state tuition nationwide.
However, these data include the sticker price, tuition, and fees. Depending on the university, fees may be charged for using library services, student fitness facilities, student centers, technology resources, and campus health centers.
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What is UCSB Transfer Acceptance Rate?
A total of 17897 transfer applications were submitted to UCSB. The school admitted 10137 students. As a result, UCSB’s transfer acceptance rate is 56.64 %.
Therefore, as a transfer student as opposed to a freshman, you have a better probability of admission. This demonstrates how difficult it is to enroll at the University of California-Santa Barbara.
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What is UCSB Acceptance Rate By Major?
UCSB acceptance rate by majors is compiled on academic grounds. While keeping in mind that admissions rates can and do change, the list below shows the data from the academic ground for UCSB acceptance rates by major.
- Actuarial Science- 37%
- Art History- 30%
- Comparative Studies – Language, Society, Culture – 34%
- Statistical Science- 28%
- Geography- 31%
- Mathematics- 31%
- Financial Mathematics and Statistics- 21%
- Mathematical Sciences- 33%
- English- 40%
- Feminist Studies- 41%
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What are the Necessary Requirements For UCSB?
Achieving eligibility entails fulfilling the prerequisites for admission to UC Santa Barbara. Meeting the basic requirements, however, does not guarantee admittance.
Subject Requirement
Students must pass with a “C” or higher in UC-approved courses in the A–G subject areas. Verify that your courses are on your school’s UC Certified Course List if you attend a California high school.
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Grade Point Requirement
All A-G courses require a minimum GPA of 3.0 (3.4 for non-California residents). Your preliminary GPA is determined only by the A-G grades you receive in the tenth and eleventh-grade courses, including summer sessions.
If you received a grade of C or higher, the courses you took in the ninth and twelfth grades might be used to fulfill A-G subject requirements. However, they will not be taken into account when determining your GPA.
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Personal Life Accomplishments
UCSB doesn’t merely consider academic success when selecting new freshmen. We consider your extracurricular pursuits and achievements in the context of the opportunities at your disposal.
SAT Score Requirements
Here are a few things you should be aware of before taking the SAT and sending your results to UCSB:
- All applicants must submit their SAT scores to UCSB and take the SAT with Essay.
- UCSB does not require SAT subject tests, but certain programs advise taking specific exams to meet prerequisites or overall improve your application. The College of Engineering, for instance, suggests that all applicants take the Math Level 2 subject test.
- Unlike many colleges, UCSB does not “super score” the SAT scores you submit, which means that they will not use the highest scores across all sections for all testing dates. Instead, you will need to decide which testing date’s results you want to submit.
What SAT score, therefore, do you need to get a fair chance at getting into UCSB?
Students accepted to UCSB typically have SAT scores around 1360.
Specifically;
25th Percentile:
- Math: 620
- Reading: 620
- Writing: 620
75th Percentile
- Math: 770
- Reading: 720
- Writing: 720
What does this mean? Since the average SAT score for applicants to UCSB is 1360, scoring less than 13600 puts you below average compared to other applicants. With 1460, you will perform better than the majority of other applicants.
Therefore, we advise aiming for that 75 percent score and taking the SAT as often as needed to achieve it.
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ACT Score Requirements
The following are significant details to be aware of before sending your ACT results to UCSB:
- It is necessary to take the ACT Writing section.
- Although UCSB does not superscore the ACT, they will accept your highest overall composite score.
- You should strive for a 33 or better to have a great probability of being accepted to UCSB.
The average ACT score for UCSB admissions candidates is 29, with the following percentile distribution:
25th Percentile
- English: 24
- Math: 25
- Composite: 25
75th Percentile
- English: 35
- Math: 32
- Composite: 33
This means that you will rank lower than the average candidate if you receive a score of 29 or less. You look good if your score is 33 or higher! Once more, we advise taking the ACT as many times as necessary to get that 33.
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What are the Transfer Requirements For UCSB?
The transfer requirements for UCSB include the following:
Minimum GPA: Residents have a minimum college GPA of 2.4, while non-residents must have a minimum of 2.8.
Official Transcripts: All previously attended colleges and universities must provide official transcripts. Also required is a current copy of your high school transcript.
SAT Scores: Scores from standardized tests are not necessary.
Essay: A 1,000-word personal statement that addresses two different prompts is required by UCSB.
Application Fee: There is a $70 non-refundable application fee ($80 for applicants from outside the United States).
Interview: Admission consideration does not necessitate an interview.
Other Requirements: There are additional criteria for some programs.
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What is the GPA Needed to Get into UCSB?
For undergraduate admission as a freshman applicant, an average GPA of 3.0 is required for California residents and 3.4 for out-of-state and international students. For transfer students, a GPA of 2.4 is needed if you live in California and 2.8 if you don’t.
However, the minimum grade you should have on your school transcripts is a “C,” regardless of whether you are applying as a freshman or transfer student. To improve your chances of admission to UC Santa Barbara, try acquiring as many As and Bs as possible.
Your preliminary GPA is determined only by the marks you received in high school’s 10th and 11th grades. The end of the autumn term in which you apply will determine your UC GPA.
Furthermore, you must have a cumulative GPA of 4.17 to be a competitive applicant. That GPA is not necessary for transfer students to enroll at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
In addition, the University of California Santa Barbara is test-blind, much like the other UCs. Thus, SAT and ACT scores are not considered when making admissions selections.
It is not required to submit your ACT or SAT scores, but those who have to do. The average SAT and ACT scores of admitted freshmen are 1460 and 30, respectively.
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What is the UCSB Deadline?
Application Deadline for Freshman Applicants
- August 1: Begin your UC application
- October 1: Begin your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR California Dream Act Application (California residents only)
- October 1 – November 30: Submit your UC application
- March 2: Submit your FAFSA OR Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (California residents only)
- Mid-March: View your admission decision
- April: Attend UCSB’s Open House or visit campus
- May 1: Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
- Mid-May: Register for Orientation
- May 16: Submit your request for university housing by 4pm PT
- July 1: Submit official transcripts
- July 15: Submit official test scores (AP, IB, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo). Submission of the SAT and/or ACT examinations is optional but may be helpful in some cases for course placement at the university. The admissions screening process does not take into account SAT or ACT results.
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Application Deadline for Transfer Applicants
- August 1: Begin your UC application
- September 1-30: Submit your UCSB TAG application
- October 1: Begin your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) OR California Dream Act Application (California residents only)
- October 1 – November 30: Submit your UC application
- January 15-31: Update your UC application with fall grades and spring coursework
- March 2: Submit your FAFSA OR Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (California residents only)
- April: Attend UCSB’s Open House
- Mid-April: View your admission decision
- May: Visit campus or attend Gaucho Transfer Friday!
- Mid-May: Register for Orientation
- June 1: Submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
- June 3-15: Submit your request for university housing by 4pm PT
- July 1: Submit official transcripts
- July 15: Submit official test scores (AP, IB, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) and UC IGETC certification
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What are the UCSB Decision Dates?
In the middle of March, admission decisions for all freshmen and select transfer students are available on the UCSB Applicant Portal.
Until May 1, they will release the final admission decisions for transfers on the portal on a rolling basis.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, your GPA, extracurricular activities, essay or personal statement, residence, class rank, and taking advanced courses are important factors in getting into UC Santa Barbara.
You now know the average GPA and acceptance rate at UCSB.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many applicants did UCSB get in 2023?
For the fall 2022 semester, UC Santa Barbara received about 130,000 applications from freshmen and transfer students.
What was UCSB’s acceptance rate in 2023?
Freshmen and transfer students submitted 128,589 applications to UC Santa Barbara in 2022.
Is UCSB harder to get into than UCSD?
If you only consider acceptance rates, UC Santa Barbara is more challenging to get into.
Is UCSB a Tier 1 school?
Yes, it is a tier 1 research university, UC Santa Barbara is recognized and ranked for its influence across fields.
References
- ucsb.intelliresponse.com– What is the status of my application?
- admissions.sa.ucsb.edu– Eligibility and Selection
- vastlearners.com– University of California-Santa Barbara Transfer Acceptance Rate: GPA, Recs & More
- admissions.sa.ucsb.edu– Why UCSB?
- en.m.wikipedia.org– University of California, Santa Barbara
