Undergraduate Education at UCSB
The University of California, Santa Barbara has taken positive steps to increase the representation of ethnic minorities, disadvantaged and disabled persons, and individuals of all ages in its academic programs. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admission to or participation in its programs, activities, or services.
When to apply for admission. To en-sure admission
consideration, students should file their completed applications during
the appropriate filing periods.
| Quarter | Filing Periods |
| Fall 1999 | November 1-30, 1998 |
| Winter 2000 | July 1-31, 1999 |
| Spring 2000 | October 1-31, 1999 |
Application restrictions. UCSB accepts applications from international students for fall quarter only.
The following majors accept applications for fall quarter only:
Students who fulfill these minimum admission requirements are UC-eligible. In the event that UCSB receives applications from more UC-eligible applicants than can be accommodated, it admits students using selection criteria that are more rigorous than the minimum admission requirements.
Subject Requirement
To satisfy this requirement, students must complete the high school courses listed below with a grade point average defined by the Scholarship Requirement. This sequence of courses is also known as the "a-f" requirements.
Students must take 15 units of high school courses to fulfill the Subject Requirement, and at least 7 of the 15 units must be taken in their last two years of high school. (A unit is equal to an academic year, or two semesters, of study.)
Applicants from California high schools: The courses students take to fulfill the "a-f" requirements must be certified by the University as meeting the requirements and must be included on their high school's UC certified course list. High school counselors or principals will have a copy of this list.
A-History/Social Science: 2 years required
Two years of history/social science, including one year of U.S. history or one-half year of U.S. history and one-half year of civics or American government; and one year of world history, cultures, and geography.
B-English: 4 years required
Four years of college preparatory English that include frequent and regular writing, and reading of classic and modern literature. Not more than two semesters of ninth grade English can be used to meet this requirement.
C-Mathematics: 3 years required, 4 years recommended
Three years of college preparatory mathematics that include the topics covered in elementary and advanced algebra and two and three dimensional geometry. Approved integrated math courses may be used to fulfill part or all of this requirement, as may math courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades that your high school accepts as equivalent to its own courses.
D-Laboratory Science: 2 years required, 3 recommended
Two years of laboratory science providing fundamental knowledge in at least two of these three disciplines: biology (which includes anatomy, physiology, marine biology, aquatic biology, etc.), chemistry, and physics.
Laboratory courses in earth/space sciences are acceptable if they have as prerequisites or provide basic knowledge in biology, chemistry, or physics. The appropriate two years of an approved integrated science program may be used to fulfill this requirement. Not more than one year of ninth grade laboratory science can be used to meet this requirement.
E-Language Other than English: 2 years required, 3 recommended
Two years of the same language other than English. Courses should emphasize speaking and understanding, and include instruction in grammar, vocabulary, reading, and composition. Courses in language other than English taken in the seventh and eighth grade may be used to fulfill part of this requirement if your high school accepts them as equivalent to its own courses.
F-College-Preparatory Electives: 2 years required
Two units (four semesters), in addition to those required in "a-e" above, chosen from the following areas: visual and performing arts, history, social science, English, advanced mathematics, laboratory science, and language other than English (a third year in the language used for the "e" requirement or two years of another language).
Scholarship Requirement
The Scholarship Requirement defines the grade point average (GPA) students must attain in the "a-f" subjects to be eligible for admission to the University.
If the "a-f" GPA is 3.3 or higher, the student will have met the minimum requirement for admission to the University. If the GPA is below 3.3 but above 2.81, the student will have met the minimum requirement if the student achieves the necessary college entrance test score indicated in the University of California Eligibility Index.
The University calculates the GPA in the "a-f" subjects by assigning point values to the grades earned, totaling the points, and dividing the total by the number of "a-f" course units. Points are assigned as follows: A=4 points, B=3 points, C=2 points, D=1 point, and F=0 points.
Only the grades earned in "a-f" subjects in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades are used to calculate the GPA. Courses taken in ninth grade can be used to meet the Subject Requirement if the student earns a grade of C or better, but they will not be used to calculate the GPA.
Examination Requirement
All freshman applicants must submit the following test scores:
Either the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) I or the American College Test (ACT). The verbal and mathematics scores on the SAT I must be from the same sitting. The ACT composite score must be submitted.
Three Scholastic Assessment Test II: Subject Tests (SAT II), including Writing, Mathematics Level 1 or Level 2, and one test in one of the following areas: English literature, foreign language, science, or social studies.
Students applying for the fall 1998 term must take the tests no later than the December 1997 test dates. Students should be sure to direct the testing agencies to report their scores to each UC campus to which they plan to apply. Students applying for the spring or winter term should check with the Admissions Office about relevant testing deadlines.
For the SAT I and II Tests:
College Board ATP
P.O. Box 6200
Princeton, NJ 08541-6200
For the ACT:
American College Testing Program
Scoring & Reporting
P.O. Box 451
Iowa City, IA 52243-0451
Admission by Examination Alone
Freshman applicants who do not meet the Subject and Scholarship Requirements, may be able to qualify for admission to the University by examination. To satisfy the minimum requirements for qualifying by examination alone, students must achieve a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total score on the SAT I of at least 1400 (if taken in April 1995 or later). In addition, students must earn a total score of 1760 or higher on the three SAT II: Subject Tests with a minimum score of 530 on each test (if taken in May 1995 or later).
Students cannot qualify for admission by examination alone if they have completed 12 or more units of transferable coursework at another college or university following high school graduation, or if they have taken transferable college courses in any subject covered by the SAT II: Subject Tests.
Scholarship Requirement: The student's grade point average in the "a-f" subjects must be 3.4 or higher, regardless of the student's college entrance examination score. The Eligibility Index is used only for California residents.
Admission by Examination Alone: Students must earn a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total score on the SAT I of at least 1400 (if taken in April 1995 or later). The student's total score on the three SAT II: Subject Tests must be at least 1850 with a minimum score of 530 on each test (if taken in May 1995 or later).
There are three ways to meet the University's minimum admission requirements for transfer students, as described below. In all cases, students must have at least a C (2.0) average in all transferable coursework.
1. Students who were eligible for admission to the University when they graduated from high school-meaning they satisfied the Subject, Scholarship, and Examination Requirements-are eligible to transfer if they have a C (2.0) average in their transferable college coursework.
2. Students who met the Scholarship Requirement but did not satisfy the Subject Requirement must take transferable college courses in the subjects they are missing, earn a grade of C or better in each of these required courses, and earn an overall C (2.0) average in all transferable college coursework to be eligible to transfer.
Students who met the Scholarship Requirement but did not meet the Examination Requirement must complete a minimum of 12 semester (18 quarter) units of transferable work and earn an overall C (2.0) average in all transferable college coursework completed.
3. Students who were not eligible for admission to the University when they graduated from high school because they did not meet the Scholarship Requirement must:
b. Complete a course pattern requirement to include: 1) two transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) in English composition; and 2) one transferable college course (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units) in mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning; and 3) four transferable college courses (3 semester or 4-5 quarter units each) chosen from at least two of the following subject areas: the arts and humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, the physical and biological sciences.
When there are more eligible applicants than spaces available, UCSB uses academic criteria alone-academic coursework, grade point average, SAT I or ACT results, and SAT II scores-to select between 50 and 75 percent of those accepted. It then uses a combination of academic and supplemental criteria to select the remaining admittees.
The selection criteria for the fall 1998 term are described in this section. The criteria vary from year to year according to the number and qualifications of applicants to each campus and program.
Criteria to Select Approximately 60% of Freshmen. Students will be selected on the basis of academic preparation and performance, as assessed by review of the following: high school GPA calculated on UC "a-f" courses completed, performance on SAT I (or ACT) and SAT II tests, completion of coursework beyond the "a-f" subject requirements, and the number of UC-approved AP and honors courses completed in the junior year and in progress or planned for the senior year.
Admission to the pre-biology major may be limited. Students admitted to UCSB but not to the pre-biology major will be admitted to the alternate major listed on their application or as undeclared.
College of Engineering. There is additional emphasis on preparation and test results in science and mathematics in the selection of students for the College of Engineering. Other factors considered include the quality of the senior year program and any additional information included in the application which would indicate the student's ability to succeed in the engineering program.
Criteria to Select Remaining Freshmen. The remaining percentage of freshmen will be selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement, promise, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic performance as described above and academic and personal information, as described in the admission guidelines.
Applicants must submit a College of Creative Studies application, available directly from the College, in addition to the regular UC undergraduate application.
Some students will be selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement, potential, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic performance as described above and academic and personal information, as described in the admission guidelines.
Preference will be given to junior-level California community college applicants.
Admission to the pre-biology major may be limited. Students admitted to UCSB but not to the pre-biology major will be admitted to the alternate major listed on their application or as undeclared.
Some students will be selected on the basis of academic and personal achievement, potential, and experience, as assessed through a comprehensive review of all information provided on the application, including academic and personal information, as described in the guidelines. Preference will be given to junior-level applicants transferring from California community colleges.
Successful completion of the two required English composition courses is required for admission, and completion of two to three transferable general education courses is strongly recommended. Required units must be completed by the end of the spring term preceding enrollment.
Applicants must submit a College of Creative Studies application, available directly from the College, in addition to the regular UC undergraduate application.
Limited status students may not enroll in graduate-level courses or apply courses completed in limited status toward graduate programs at UCSB.
University bachelor's degree requirements include the Subject A-English Composition requirement, the American History and Institutions requirement, the unit requirement, the academic residence requirement, the grade-point average requirement, and major requirements.
1. by achieving a score of 660 or higher on the SAT II: Subject Test in Writing;
2. by achieving a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in English Composition and Literature or English Language and Composition;
3. by passing the University of California systemwide Subject A Examination while in high school;
4. by achieving a score of 5 or higher on the International Baccalaureate (higher level) English A Examination;
5. by entering the university with transcripts showing the completion of an acceptable 3-semester unit or 4-quarter unit course in English composition equivalent to Writing 2 at UCSB, with a grade of C or better.
Students who have not taken the UC systemwide Subject A Examination and who have not met the Subject A requirement in one of the other ways listed above will be required to take the examination during their first quarter at UCSB (see the Schedule of Classes for examination time and location). An appropriate score on the examination will satisfy the Subject A requirement. Only one UC examination may be taken-either the systemwide Subject A Examination while in high school or the examination given at UCSB; and neither may be repeated.
Students who enter UCSB without having fulfilled the university's Subject A requirement and (if they have not previously taken the systemwide Subject A Examination) who do not achieve an appropriate score on the examination given on campus must enroll in Writing 1 or 1LK within their first year at UCSB. A grade of C or higher in Writing 1 or 1LK is needed to satisfy the Subject A requirement. Students who earn a grade of C- or lower in Writing 1 or 1LK will be required to repeat the course in successive quarters until the requirement is satisfied.
Once students matriculate at UCSB, they may not fulfill the requirement by enrolling at another institution. Transfer courses equivalent to Writing 2 or 50 will not be accepted for unit or subject credit unless the Subject A requirement has been met. Students will only be allowed to meet the Area A requirement of the General Education Requirements with courses taken after satisfying the Subject A requirement. The Subject A requirement must be completed by the end of the third quarter of matriculation.
1. by achieving a score of 3 or higher on the College Board Advanced Placement Examination in American History or American Government and Politics; or
2. by passing a non-credit examination in American history or American institutions, offered in the Department of History during the first week of each quarter. Consult the department for further information; or
3. by achieving a score of 650 or higher on SAT II: Subject Test in American History; or
4. by completing one four-unit course from the following list of courses:
Note: In this context , "course" refers to a one-quarter offering such as History 17A or Religious Studies 151B.
International students on a nonimmigrant visa may petition for a waiver of this requirement through the Director of International Students and Scholars.
The acceptability of transfer courses for unit credit is determined by the Office of Admissions. The applicability of such courses toward specific requirements is determined by the college provost or deans and/or department chairs.
At least 35 of the final 45 units must be taken in the college or school in which the degree is to be awarded. No more than 18 of the final 35 units may be completed in summer session courses at UCSB. Courses taken in UC Extension do not satisfy residency requirements.
College of Letters and Science residence requirement. Students in the College of Letters and Science must complete at least 27 upper-division units, of which at least 18 must be in the upper-division major, while in residence in the college. In the case of double majors, at least 18 upper-division units must be completed in each major while in residence in the College of Letters and Science. Courses taken in University Extension and those completed in the university's Education Abroad Program do not apply to the residence requirement.
Education Abroad Program participants. With one modification, students who participate in the University of California Education Abroad program are responsible for all academic residence requirements as explained above. For students who participate in EAP as seniors, the rule requiring 35 of the final 45 units in the college or school in which the degree is to be awarded is modified to 35 of the final 90 units. Students must secure prior approval to use this modification and may graduate without returning to UCSB provided that they have satisfied all degree requirements by the end of their year abroad. Those who have any remaining degree requirements must return to UCSB to complete a minimum of 12 units on campus while fulfilling final degree requirements.
Courses undertaken at any of the UC campuses, with the exception of UC Extension courses, are included in the computation of the grade-point average.
Courses appropriate for satisfying major requirements must be used in the computation of the grade-point average even if they are in excess of the minimum requirements of the major program. Courses graded Incomplete, except those taken on a passed/not passed basis, will be included as F grades in final computations. Certain courses designated as remedial are offered for workload credit only and do not figure in calculation of the grade-point average.
Students in the College of Creative Studies must, at the time of graduation, have a grade-point average of at least 2.0 (C) in all UC courses that have been undertaken for letter grades.
Major departments and/or committees may require auditions, placement examinations, proposals, specified courses, and/or grade-point averages to determine whether students are qualified for specific courses or for entrance into or continuation in a major.
Students who fail to attain a grade-point average of at least 2.0 in work in their major may, at the option of the major department or committee, be denied the privilege of continuing in that major.
Students in the College of Engineering and the College of Letters and Science normally must complete the major requirements in effect at the time they declare their major, though they may petition to follow a subsequent set of requirements.
Changes in major requirements that increase the number
or distribution of courses required normally will not be applied to students
continuing in such majors.