School Reviews

University of California Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

Published on June 3, 2023

One of the top public colleges in the country is the University of California-Santa Barbara or UCSB and it is imperative to know the University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate.

Although it has top-notch professors, excellent academic programs, and outstanding students, a portion of its academic prowess is due to its stringent admissions policy. Since the University of California Santa Barbara acceptance rate is low, applicants must do exceptionally well.

Due to the fact that the University of California Santa Barbara’s acceptance rate is low, only the most driven and creative students get admitted.

The admissions process for the University of California-Santa Barbara is difficult and demanding of preparation. You can boost your chances of admission by using the information on this page.

What to know about the University of California Santa Barbara?

Institution of California, Santa Barbara is a public research university with an admittance rate of 37% that is situated north of Los Angeles along the Pacific Ocean.

One of the top universities for beach lovers, UCSB’s 1,000-acre campus offers miles of coastal property. The university’s sustainability initiatives and a large number of LEED-certified buildings also receive good marks.

17 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio

Sports: The NCAA Division I Big West Conference is where the UCSB Gauchos participate.

Highlights: There are around 90 majors available to undergraduates. The institution boasts particularly strong programs in biological and environmental sciences, and it was given a Phi Beta Kappa chapter in recognition of its outstanding liberal arts and sciences offerings.

Check out: Wheaton College Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

What is the University of California Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate in 2024?

According to the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the University of California-Santa Barbara’s overall acceptance rate is 37%. The National Center for Educational Statistics estimates that 29 percent of applicants are accepted as undergraduates.

What is the University of California Santa Barbara Transfer Acceptance Rate?

Transfers are accepted at UCSB at a rate of around 50%. One-third of the entering students at UCSB are transferred, making it an institution that welcomes transfers. It also has agreements with many community colleges in California, which contributes to its high acceptance rate for transfers.

Is the University of California Santa Barbara hard to get into?

No, admission to the University of California-Santa Barbara is not straightforward. UCSB is a highly selective institution, and one of the ways it keeps up its stellar reputation in terms of graduation rates and postgraduate student outcomes is by maintaining a low admission rate (professional and academic).

What Is the Early Decision Acceptance Rate at the University of California-Santa Barbara?

Early Decision or Early Action applications are not available to students at the University of California-Santa Barbara. Every year, applications go on sale on August 1; however, students can only apply during November. There is no early application deadline for UCSB.

Does the University of California Santa Barbara Require Test Scores in 2024?

Test-optional admissions will be available at all UC campuses starting with the 2020–21 applications cycle. Although they are not necessary, applicants may submit their SAT or ACT results.

SAT Requirements

Beginning with the admissions cycle for 2022–2023, the University of California will implement a test-blind policy for applicants who reside in the state.

During this time, out-of-state applicants will still have the option of submitting their test results. 86% of admitted students to UC Santa Barbara submitted their SAT results during the 2018–19 admissions cycle.

According to admissions data, the majority of admitted students to UC Santa Barbara scored in the top 20% nationwide on the SAT.

50% of applicants to UCSB received scores between 620 and 720 on the evidence-based reading and writing component, while 25% received scores below 620 and 25% received scores above 720. 50% of accepted students scored between 620 and 770 on the arithmetic section, 25% below 620, and 25% above 770.

Although SAT scores are no longer required, UC Santa Barbara still considers applicants with SAT scores of 1490 or higher to be competitive.

All UC campuses, including UC Santa Barbara, will no longer require SAT scores for admission starting with the 2020–21 applications cycle.

Please be aware that UC Santa Barbara does not take into account the optional SAT essay part from applicants who submit their scores. SAT scores are not super-scored at UC Santa Barbara; only your highest total score from a single test date will be taken into account.

Subject exams are not necessary but are advised for students interested in engineering and creative studies degrees.

ACT Requirements

Test-optional admissions will be available at all UC campuses starting with the 2020–21 applications cycle. Although they are not necessary, applicants may submit their SAT or ACT results.

Beginning with the admissions cycle for 2022–2023, the University of California will implement a test-blind policy for applicants who reside in the state.

During this time, out-of-state applicants will still have the option of submitting their test results. 36% of the admitted students to UCSB during the 2018–19 admissions cycle submitted their ACT scores.

According to admissions data, the majority of admitted students to UC Santa Barbara scored in the top 22% nationwide on the ACT. The average ACT composite score of the admitted students to the University of California, Santa Barbara was between 25 and 33, with 25% scoring higher than 33 and 25% scoring lower than 25.

All UC campuses, including UC Santa Barbara, will no longer require ACT scores for admission starting with the 2020–21 applications cycle.

Please be aware that the optional ACT writing portion is not taken into account by UC Santa Barbara for applicants who submit scores. Your greatest combined score from a single test administration will be taken into account; UCSB does not superscore ACT scores.

Check also: Keiser University Acceptance Rate | Requirements, SAT/ACT Scores, GPA, & Admissions

GPA Requirements

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 tenth and eleventh-grade courses, including summer sessions.

If you received a grade of C or higher, courses you took in the ninth and twelfth grades may be used to fulfill A-G subject requirements; however, they will not be taken into account when determining your GPA.

What are the Admission Requirements for the University of California Santa Barbara in 2024?

The University of California, Santa Barbara has a selective admissions procedure with above-average grades and standardized test scores, and it admits just under one-third of applicants.

However, UC Santa Barbara, like all of the University of California institutions, uses a holistic admissions process and does not require candidates to take a test, thus the admissions committee looks at more than just academic performance.

Students are asked to submit four brief personal insight essays as part of their application. Students can easily apply to several institutions within the University of California system with just one application since UCSB is a part of that system.

Even if their grades and test results are a little below average, students who demonstrate a special aptitude or have an interesting story to share frequently receive additional consideration.

Strong essays and impressive extracurricular activities are both crucial components of a successful admission to UCSB.

Remember that applicants from California must have a 3.0 GPA or above and no grade lower than a C in 15 “a-g” college preparatory courses.

Your GPA for non-residents must be 3.4 or higher. If they are in the top 9% of their class, local high school students attending partnering schools may also be eligible.

UCSB has a thorough freshman selection procedure because of its selective nature. Programs at the College of Creative Studies at UCSB that are in the arts, music, and the writing need applicants to audition or submit portfolios.

Letters of recommendation are not accepted by the University of California, Santa Barbara, or any of the other UC institutions unless they are specifically requested. The university does not conduct admissions interviews.

How to Apply to the University of California Santa Barbara?

Despite having outstanding programs and a dedicated faculty, the University of California-Santa Barbara also has an extremely low acceptance rate.

We’ve highlighted three crucial suggestions for applying to the University of California-Santa Barbara to help you increase your chances of getting in.

Meet the necessary minimum GPA standards

A 3.0 high school GPA is one of the prerequisites for admission to UCSB. If you’re serious about attending UCSB, make sure you do well in high school and achieve a GPA higher than the minimum requirement.

This GPA requirement is just the bare minimum. A high GPA is crucial for prospective students because admission is hard.

Describe Your Extracurricular Activities

The University of California-Santa Barbara admissions office places equal importance on students’ extracurricular activities and academic achievements.

The candidate stands out because of their extracurricular pursuits, professional successes, and life milestones, which improve their chances of getting into the institution.

Create a powerful essay

Numerous essay-style questions on the University of California-Santa Barbara application form provide you with another opportunity to stand out from the crowd.

Your exceptional circumstances or distinctive background may also be relevant in this case because UCSB takes pleasure in enrolling students from a wide spectrum of varied backgrounds and races.

Conclusion

If you want a top-notch education that will help you launch a successful career, you should submit an application to the University of California-Santa Barbara.

It is a prestigious public university that frequently appears in the top 10 public colleges in the country. Because of its affordable tuition, UCSB can provide you with a top-notch education without charging you a high price.

The undergraduate and graduate programs at UCSB are of the highest caliber and are available in any topic of study you choose.

The low acceptance percentage at the University of California-Santa Barbara shouldn’t deter you if you’re committed. You have a chance of getting in if you have a high GPA and a standout application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any advantages for minority students applying to the University of California-Santa Barbara?

Yes, as long as they excel in their bachelor’s or master’s degrees, students from underrepresented groups have a higher probability of being admitted to the University of California-Santa Barbara. In order to foster a varied environment, UCSB aims to make sure that there are a variety of viewpoints present.

How significant are academic qualifications for admission to the University of California, Santa Barbara?

In the University of California-Santa Barbara admissions process, academic performance is crucial. Do your best to achieve success in each of these areas as UCSB will take your high school grades, academic achievements, and personal qualities into consideration.

Does the University of California-Santa Barbara receive a lot of applications?

Yes, the University of California-Santa Barbara receives a sizable number of applications each year. The University of California-Santa Barbara admissions process can be tough due to the institution’s stellar reputation and low acceptance rate.

Are transfers to the University of California-Santa Barbara guaranteed for students from California community colleges?

The University of California-Santa Barbara does, in fact, guarantee transfers from California community colleges. However, transfer applicants must still satisfy certain criteria for admission to UCSB. Moreover, enrolling at one of California’s top community schools can help you increase your chances of getting accepted to UCSB.