1. education
2. graduate school
3. college

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
SANTA BARBAR A
Admission Guide for Freshman and Transfer Applicants
FALL 2015
www.admissions.ucsb.edu
The University of California,
SANTA BARBARA
offers a world-class education
in a picturesque seaside location.
PROFESSOR
ALUMNA
SHUJI NAKAMURA
CAROL GREIDER
WON THE
MILLENNIUM TECHNOLOGY
PRIZE FOR THE
BLUE LASER DIODE
WON THE
NOBEL PRIZE IN
PHYSIOLOGY/MEDICINE
ECONOMICS
AND
ACCOUNTING
GRADUATES
ARE ACTIVELY RECRUITED
BY TOP ACCOUNTING
FIRMS
Ranked as one of the top teaching and research institutions in the
United States, and one of only 62 institutions in the prestigious Association
of American Universities, UCSB has an outstanding faculty that includes five
Nobel Laureates and many other award-winning scholars.
NO. 2
NO. 11
NO. 33
AMONG THE WORLD’S PUBLIC
UNIVERSITIES (CENTRE FOR SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
AT LEIDEN UNIVERSITY, NETHERLANDS,
2014)
AMONG
U.S. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES
(U.S. NEWS &
WORLD REPORT, 2014)
AMONG ALL THE
WORLD’S UNIVERSITIES
(TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION,
LONDON, 2013-2014)
THREE COLLEGES, LIMITLESS OPPORTUNITIES
THE COLLEGE OF LETTERS & SCIENCE offers
a broad liberal arts curriculum that prepares students for careers or
graduate study. An exciting array of majors help students develop critical
thinking and communication skills needed in today’s changing world—in
the humanities and fine arts, life and physical sciences, mathematics and
the social sciences. The Honors Program creates a community of scholars
for highly motivated students. The Undergraduate Research and Creative
Activities program funds student research projects. Freshman seminars,
taught by research faculty, explore challenging contemporary topics in
small discussion groups. www.duels.ucsb.edu
THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING offers five majors,
plus accelerated programs that lead to master’s degrees in five years.
The environment and modern laboratory facilities foster creativity,
collaboration and discovery. Courses balance theory and applied science
leading students to successful careers in academia and industry. An
exceptionally low student-to-faculty ratio encourages students to take part
in faculty-directed research and independent study. An entrepreneurial
attitude infuses the college, where the outcome of scientific inquiry solves
real-world problems. www.engineering.ucsb.edu
THE COLLEGE OF CREATIVE STUDIES (CCS)
supports highly motivated students in research and the creation of new
knowledge in one of seven disciplines in science, humanities and the arts.
Small CCS seminars and close mentorship by faculty, coupled with access
to classes and resources across campus, permit students to make original
contributions to their fields. Applicants must submit a supplemental
application for review by faculty. www.ccs.ucsb.edu
PRE-PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION
• Pre-Law Program: www.duels.ucsb.edu/law
• Pre-Health Program: www.duels.ucsb.edu/health
• Teacher Education: www.education.ucsb.edu
• Technology Management Program: www.tmp.ucsb.edu
3
UCSB MAJORS
COLLEGE OF LETTERS & SCIENCE
n
l
n
l
l
l
l
n
l
nl
n
n
Actuarial Science, B.S.
Anthropology, B.A.: emphases in Biological, Cultural
Aquatic Biology, B.S.
Art, B.A.
Asian American Studies, B.A.
Asian Studies, B.A.
Biochemistry, B.S.
Biochemistry - Molecular Biology, B.S.
Biological Sciences, B.A., B.S.
Biopsychology, B.S.
Black Studies, B.A.
Cell and Developmental Biology, B.S.
Chemistry, B.A., B.S.
Chicana and Chicano Studies, B.A.
Chinese, B.A. (Mandarin)
Classics, B.A.: emphases in Classical Archaeology, Classical Language
and Literature, Greek and Roman Culture
lu Communication, B.A.
n Comparative Literature, B.A.: emphases in Interdisciplinary, Foreign
Language
Dance, B.A., B.F.A. (audition required)
nl Earth Science, B.A.
lu Earth Science, B.S.: emphases in Climate and Environment,
Geohydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Paleobiology
l Ecology and Evolution, B.S.
l Economics, B.A.
l Economics and Accounting, B.A.
n English, B.A.
Environmental Studies, B.A., B.S.
n Feminist Studies, B.A.
Film and Media Studies, B.A.
l Financial Mathematics and Statistics, B.S.
n French, B.A.
Geography, B.A.: optional emphasis in Geographic Information
Science
Geography, Physical, B.S.
n German, B.A.
Global Studies, B.A.
n History, B.A.
n History of Art and Architecture, B.A.: optional emphases in
Architecture and Environment, Museum Studies
History of Public Policy, B.A.
u Hydrologic Sciences and Policy, B.S.: emphases in
Biology and Ecology, Physical and Chemical, Policy
n Italian Studies, B.A.
nu Japanese, B.A.
Language, Culture and Society, B.A.
n Latin American and Iberian Studies, B.A.
n Linguistics, B.A.: optional emphases in Chinese, English, French,
German, Japanese, Slavic, Spanish
l Mathematical Sciences, B.S.
nl Mathematics, B.A., B.S.
Medieval Studies, B.A.
l Microbiology, B.S.
Middle East Studies, B.A.
u Music, B.M. (audition required): emphases in Bassoon, Cello,
Clarinet, Composition, Double Bass, Flute, French Horn, Oboe,
Percussion, Piano, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola, Violin, Voice
n Music Studies, B.A.: optional emphases in Ethnomusicology,
Interdisciplinary Studies of Music, Western Art Music
l Pharmacology, B.S.
nu Philosophy, B.A.: optional emphases in Core Philosophy, Ethics and
Public Policy
n Physics, B.A., B.S.
l Physiology, B.S.
l Political Science, B.A.
n
l l n
n
u
Portuguese, B.A.
Psychology, B.A.
Religious Studies, B.A.
Renaissance Studies, B.A.
Slavic Languages and Literatures, B.A.
Sociology, B.A.
Spanish, B.A.
Statistical Science, B.A.
Statistical Science, B.S.: optional emphases in Applied Statistics,
Probability and Statistics
nuTheater, B.A.: optional emphases in Design, Directing, Playwriting,
Theater and Community, Theater and Performance Studies
Theater, B.F.A. (audition required): emphasis in Acting
l Zoology, B.S.
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Chemical Engineering, B.S.
Computer Engineering, B.S.
Computer Science, B.S.
Electrical Engineering, B.S.
Mechanical Engineering, B.S.
FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMS
Computer Science, B.S./Computer Science, M.S.
Computer Engineering, B.S./Computer Science, M.S.
or Electrical and Computer Engineering, M.S.
Electrical Engineering, B.S./Electrical and Computer Engineering, M.S.
Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, B.S./Materials, M.S.
COLLEGE OF CREATIVE STUDIES
n
Art, B.A.
Biology, B.A.
Chemistry/Biochemistry, B.A., B.S.
Computer Science, B.S.
Mathematics, B.A., B.S.
Music Composition, B.A.
Physics, B.A., B.S.
ADDITIONAL UCSB MINORS
American Indian and Indigenous Studies
Applied Psychology
Astronomy and Planetary Science
Education
Global Peace and Security
Jewish Studies
Labor Studies
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Studies
Mathematics for High School Teaching
Professional Writing
Russian
Science and Mathematics Education
Sociocultural Linguistics
Spatial Studies
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Theater Production and Design
Women, Culture and Development
NOTES
n Also available as a minor.
l These majors have a “pre-major” status. New students are
admitted to the pre-major and must satisfy certain course
and GPA requirements in order to advance to the major.
See the UCSB General Catalog for details.
u Contact department for available concentrations.
Students interested in science are encouraged to declare a
specific major to improve access to science classes. Learn more
about UCSB academics at www.ucsb.edu/academics.
4
UCSB ADMISSIONS OVERVIEW
UCSB accepts applications for the fall quarter only. The campus
receives more than 81,000 applications for an incoming fall
class of about 6,000 freshman and transfer students. Applicants
present strong academic credentials along with diverse talents
and experiences. Admission requirements are described in detail
at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/applying.
HOW TO APPLY
The UC application for fall 2015 opens online on August 1, 2014
and must be submitted from November 1-30, 2014.
• Apply online at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply.
• A $70 application fee is required for each campus you select
($80 for international applicants).
• Use the personal statement to tell us more about your
academic performance, achievements and special
circumstances. For help, find our Personal Statement Guide at
www.admissions.ucsb.edu/publications-and-videos.
FRESHMAN SELECTION
APPLICANT SELECTION
Selection is determined following a comprehensive review of an applicant’s achievements and personal qualities as seen in the
context of the opportunities and/or challenges the applicant has experienced. These considerations are grouped this way:
• Challenges, special circumstances, hardships and persistence.
• Leadership, initiative, service and motivation.
• Diversity of cultural and social experience.
• Intellectual and creative engagement and vitality.
• Honors, awards, special projects and talents.
Details about UCSB’s freshman selection process are available at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/applying/freshman/selection.
THE “a-g” SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
Complete UC-approved courses in seven “a–g” subject areas with grades of C or better. California students may refer to their
school’s UC-certified course list at https://doorways.ucop.edu/list.
COURSE CONTENT
COURSE REQUIREMENT
a: History or social science
2 years
b: College-preparatory English
4 years
c: Mathematics
3 years (4 years recommended). At minimum: elementary algebra, geometry and advanced algebra.
d: Laboratory science
2 years (3 years recommended). Must include two of these three: biology, chemistry or physics.
e: Language other than English
2 years (3 years recommended)
f: Visual/performing arts
1 year from a single discipline: dance, drama/theater, music or visual art.
g: College-preparatory elective(s)
1 year beyond the minimum “a–f” courses required.
THE EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT
Take one of the following exams by December of the senior year:
SAT Reasoning Test*
OR
ACT Assessment Plus Writing
*Students taking the new SAT (launching March 2016) will be required to complete the optional writing section.
Optional Exams – SAT Subject Tests:
• The College of Engineering recommends the Math 2 test.
• The College of Creative Studies recommends a subject test related to the applicant’s chosen major.
5
TRANSFER SELECTION
UCSB seeks to enroll well prepared junior-level transfers. Applicants should
plan a course of study that exceeds minimum requirements and complete as
much preparation for their chosen major as possible. Priority consideration is
given to California community college students. For comprehensive transfer
admission information and details on UCSB’s transfer selection process, visit:
• www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions
• www.admissions.ucsb.edu/applying/transfer
• www.admissions.ucsb.edu/applying/transfer/selective-majors
UC MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A. Complete 60 semester or 90 quarter units of UC-transferable college credit
with a grade point average of at least 2.4 for California residents and at least
2.8 for nonresidents. (No more than 14 semester or 21 quarter units may be
taken Pass/Not Pass.)
B. Complete the following seven-course pattern requirement, earning a
grade of C or better in each course:
1. Two courses in English composition.
2. One course in mathematics beyond intermediate algebra, such as
college algebra, precalculus or statistics.
3. Four courses from at least two of the following areas:
• Arts and humanities
• Behavioral and social sciences
• Biological and physical sciences
TRANSFER SUPPORT
GENERAL EDUCATION / IGETC
VIRTUAL TRANSFER APPOINTMENTS
The Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) is a series
of courses that California community college students may take to satisfy the
lower-division breadth/general education requirements at UC. Completing
IGETC is not required for admission to UCSB.
TRANSFER ADMISSION GUARANTEE (TAG)
California community college students can take advantage of the TAG
program by completing specific course and GPA requirements in all UCtransferable coursework. At UCSB, TAGs are available for all majors in the
College of Letters and Science except performing arts majors. The TAG is
not available for any majors in the College of Engineering or the College
of Creative Studies. Explore the program and file a TAG application from
September 1-30 at www.admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/applying/transfer/tag.
WHAT COURSES WILL TRANSFER TO UCSB?
The Office of Admissions does not evaluate transcripts before you apply.
Students at California community colleges may check transferability of
specific courses by referring to the ASSIST website, www.assist.org.
Students at four-year colleges, or colleges outside California, may refer to
the Guide to Course Transferability at www.admissions.sa.ucsb.edu/
applying/transfer/eligibility-and-selection.
TRANSFER ADMISSION PLANNER (TAP)
The UC Transfer Admission Planner (TAP) is an online tool to help prospective
transfer students track and plan their coursework. The tool is designed for
students transferring from California community colleges, including students
who are seeking the TAG. TAP helps students track their progress toward
meeting the minimum UC requirements for admission. For more information
visit https://uctap.universityofcalifornia.edu.
For questions about applying to UCSB as a
transfer student, schedule a one-on-one
online advising session with a UCSB
Admissions Counselor at www.admissions.
ucsb.edu/visit-ucsb/webinars.
GAUCHO TRANSFER FRIDAYS
Visit UCSB in May for Gaucho Transfer
Fridays, open house events tailored
specifically for admitted transfer students!
Learn more at www.admissions.ucsb.edu/
visit-ucsb/open-house.
TRANSFER SUMMER
Enroll in summer courses at UCSB to get a
jump start on your education by completing
required prerequisites, adjusting to the
quarter system and acclimating to campus
life. Learn more at http://summer.ucsb.
edu/transfer.
TRANSFER ORIENTATION
Meet new students, receive extensive
academic advising, explore ways to get
involved and get acquainted with UCSB at
this one-day event. www.sa.ucsb.edu/
orientation/transferorientation
6
CAMPUS COMMUNITY
The UCSB campus has more
than seven miles of bike paths.
“
Every day I discover a new
opportunity I have as a UCSB
student and a new reason why this
campus is amazing. The community
here is not only welcoming and
warm, but shares a united passion
for being involved, active and
social.
LIVE YOUR PASSIONS! UCSB’s 500 student organizations
— Mantha Carr, Mathematics and Art
kayaking, backpacking, jogging, hiking, camping adventures and more.
www.recreation.ucsb.edu
”
help students explore their interests in arts, academics, athletics, politics,
cultural pursuits and more. http://osl.sa.ucsb.edu
STAY ACTIVE at the state-of-the-art UCSB Recreation Center. Facilities
include exercise equipment, a climbing wall, aquatics, group fitness classes,
sport clubs, intramural sports and even personal training.
START AN ADVENTURE with outdoor activities including
SHOW YOUR GAUCHO SPIRIT! UCSB is home to 20 men’s
and women’s Division 1 NCAA teams. http://ucsbgauchos.com
7
MEN’S NCAA TEAMS
WOMEN’S NCAA TEAMS
Baseball
Basketball
Basketball
Cross Country
Cross Country
Indoor Track
Golf
Soccer
Soccer
Softball
Swimming & Diving
Swimming & Diving
Tennis
Tennis
Track & Field
Track & Field
Volleyball
Volleyball
Water Polo
Water Polo
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
“
”
The combination of incredible academics mixed with a relaxed and friendly student atmosphere
convinced me that this is where I wanted to spend my next four years.
— Jason Gilbert, Biological Sciences
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
• Honors programs are available in the College of Letters and
Science and the College of Engineering.
• Campus Learning Assistance Services (CLAS) offers tutorials,
workshops, writing labs and drop-in help sessions.
INTERNSHIPS
Career Services connects UCSB students with jobs, internships
and graduate programs. They also provide interview
preparation, assistance choosing a major, career panels and even
résumé writing tips. http://career.sa.ucsb.edu
Other opportunities include:
• Residential internship programs in Washington, D.C. and
Sacramento, CA.
• Education Abroad Programs with the opportunity to intern and
volunteer while studying abroad. https://eap.ucsb.edu
RESEARCH
From ocean physics to brain imaging, UCSB students have the
exciting opportunity to collaborate with faculty members on original
research and creative projects in a wide variety of disciplines. Learn
more about UCSB’s many research units and centers at
www.research.ucsb.edu.
$150,000
in grants and funding
to support undergraduate
research each year
400+
companies visit UCSB
for recruiting events
each year
50%
of UCSB students
conduct research
40
countries have
Education Abroad
Programs where UCSB
students can study
8
HOUSING AND FINANCIAL AID
Manzanita Village is one of
eight residence halls at UCSB.
Most UCSB students live within one mile of campus. Freshmen and transfers
are guaranteed university housing if application deadlines are met.
Family student housing is also available, but students should apply early to
the waiting list. For more information, visit www.housing.ucsb.edu.
FINANCIAL AID
About 74% of UCSB undergraduate students receive financial assistance, determined by need. Financial assistance is available
from federal, state and university sources in the form of grants, loans, work-study and scholarships.
To apply for federal aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov starting in January.
Submit the FAFSA by the March 2 deadline before each academic year. For more information, visit www.finaid.ucsb.edu.
For advice on financing a UC education, see the University of California website on applying for financial aid at
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/paying-for-uc.
ESTIMATED UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT BUDGET
2014-2015 Academic Year
Tuition subject to revision by the Regents of the University of California.
RESIDENT
NON-RESIDENT**
Tuition*
$13,866
$13,866
Supplemental Tuition
—
$22,878
Books and Supplies
$1,391
$1,391
Room and Board
$14,128
$14,128
Health and Transportation
$3,293
$3,293
Personal Expenses/Phone
$2,076
$2,076
Loan Fees+
$104
$104
Total
$34,858
$57,736
* Includes other campus fees.
** Out-of-state and international students.
+
Average origination fees for student borrowers.
9
VISIT UCSB!
For tour information, contact the Visitor Center at (805) 893-2487 or visit www.admissions.ucsb.edu/visit-ucsb/tours.
SPRING INSIGHT OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Visit UCSB for Spring Insight, an open house event for
admitted students, future applicants and their families.
Meet with campus clubs and organizations, take a
tour, attend lectures and learn more about the exciting
opportunities available to students at UCSB.
www.admissions.ucsb.edu/visit-ucsb/open-house
VIRTUAL UCSB
Can’t visit in person? Stay connected to UCSB with virtual
college fairs, online advising opportunities and webinars.
www.admissions.ucsb.edu/visit-ucsb/webinars
DATES & DEADLINES – FALL 2015 APPLICANTS
STEP TO ENROLLMENT
APPLICANT
DATE
Begin UC Application Online
Freshman/Transfer
August 1
Submit TAG Application
Transfer
September 1 – 30
Submit UC Application
Freshman/Transfer
November 1 – 30
Add Fall Grades – UC Application Update
Transfer
Mid-January
Submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Freshman/Transfer
March 2
Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification Form
California Freshman/Transfer
March 2
View Admission Notification
Freshman
Mid-March – March 30
View Admission Notification
Transfer
Mid-March – May 1
Submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
Freshman
May 1
Submit Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
Transfer
June 1
Submit Transcripts
Freshman/Transfer
July 1
Submit Official Test Scores
Freshman/Transfer
July 15
Instruction Begins
Freshman/Transfer
September 24
CONNECT WITH UCSB ADMISSIONS
UCSBadmissions
UCSantaBarbara
www.admissions.ucsb.edu/
student-mailing-list
@ucsbadmissions
UCSB4Me
(805) 893-2881
10
UCSB AT A GLANCE
AN EMPHASIS ON UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
18:1
49% males
• Davis
19,362
2,863
• Berkeley
graduate
students
• Santa Cruz
• Merced
undergraduate
students
Irvine
faculty members
71%
• Los Angeles
•
1,078
22,225
total
enrollment
Santa Barbara
student-to-faculty ratio
51% females
• Riverside
Undergraduate
classes with
fewer than
30 students
• San Diego
FALL 2014 SNAPSHOT
APPLICANTS ADMITTED
Freshman
66,809
24,331 (36%) 4,510 (estimated)
Transfer
14,181
6,907 (49%)
1,550 (estimated)
FRESHMAN
TRANSFER
1957
28
3.58
94%
average SAT,
admitted freshmen
average ACT,
admitted freshmen
50% of admitted freshmen
4.00
Asian/Pacific
Islander 24%
White 43%
average GPA,
admitted transfers
of admitted transfers
from a California
community college
Chicano/
Latino 24%
GPA range, admitted transfers:
had GPAs between:
3.00
3.50
minimum
CAMPUS DIVERSITY
ENROLLED
4.40
3.40-3.49
12%
3.30-3.39
11%
3.20-3.29
10%
3.00-3.19
African American 4%
61%
3.50-4.00
Other/Unknown 4%
American Indian/
Alaskan Native 1%
6%
OUTCOMES
4 years median time to graduate for freshmen
70% of transfer students graduate in two years and 87% graduate
92%
Freshmen returning after
their first year at UCSB
91%
Transfers returning after
their first year at UCSB
within three years
86% of students are employed full-time or pursuing graduate education
within one year of graduation
CAMPUS CONTACTS
UCSB main phone (805) 893-8000
www.ucsb.edu
UCSB General Catalog
http://my.sa.ucsb.edu/catalog
Housing & Residential Services (805) 893-2760
www.housing.ucsb.edu
AB 540 Resources
www.sa.ucsb.edu/dreamscholars
Disabled Students Program (805) 893-2668
http://dsp.sa.ucsb.edu
Student Clubs & Organizations (805) 893-4569
www.sa.ucsb.edu/osl
California Residency (805) 893-3033
www.registrar.ucsb.edu
Financial Aid & Scholarships (805) 893-2432
www.finaid.ucsb.edu
Summer Sessions (805) 893-2315
www.summer.ucsb.edu