How to Get Into University of California-Santa Barbara
Complete admissions guide with requirements, stats, and insider tips
Admissions Overview
University of California-Santa Barbara is a public university located in Santa Barbara, CA. With an acceptance rate of 27.8%, it is considered competitive.
University of California-Santa Barbara is a public university located in Santa Barbara, CA. It is a large institution with approximately 23,205 undergraduate students. The university is selective with an acceptance rate of 27.8%. Annual tuition for out-of-state students is $45,742. The graduation ra...
Acceptance Rate & Statistics
Competitiveness
- Classification
- Competitive
- Student Population
- 23,205
- Retention Rate
- 91.9%
- Graduation Rate
- 85.5%
Academic Profile of Admitted Students
Application Requirements
Required Materials
- Common Application or School Application
Complete the application with personal information and essays
- High School Transcript
Official transcripts showing all coursework and grades
- Standardized Test Scores
SAT or ACT scores (check if test-optional for recent years)
- Letters of Recommendation
Usually 2-3 letters from teachers, counselors, or mentors
- Personal Essays
Application essays and supplemental questions
Additional Considerations
- Application Deadlines
Early Decision/Action typically November 1-15, Regular Decision January 1-15
- Application Fee
Most universities charge $50-100 application fee (fee waivers available)
- Processing Time
Decisions typically released in March-April for fall admission
- International Students
May require TOEFL/IELTS scores and additional documentation
Tips for Getting Into University of California-Santa Barbara
Academic Excellence
- • Aim for SAT scores above 1360 (current average)
- • Maintain a GPA of 4.08+ to be competitive
- • Take challenging coursework (AP, IB, honors courses)
- • Show consistent academic improvement over time
- • Excel in your intended major's prerequisite courses
Stand Out from the Crowd
- • Develop unique extracurricular activities and leadership roles
- • Write compelling essays that showcase your personality
- • Demonstrate genuine interest in the university and program
- • Get strong letters of recommendation from teachers who know you well
- • Consider applying Early Decision/Action if the school is your top choice
Pro Tip for University of California-Santa Barbara
With a 27.8% acceptance rate, University of California-Santa Barbara is highly competitive. Consider it a reach school and have match and safety schools in your application list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of California-Santa Barbara?
University of California-Santa Barbara has an acceptance rate of 27.8%, making it competitive.
What SAT score do I need for University of California-Santa Barbara?
The average SAT score at University of California-Santa Barbara is 1360. Aim for scores above the average to be competitive.
How much does it cost to attend University of California-Santa Barbara?
Tuition at University of California-Santa Barbara is $14,965 for in-state studentsand $45,742 for international students. Additional costs include room and board, books, and personal expenses.
What GPA do I need for University of California-Santa Barbara?
The average GPA of admitted students at University of California-Santa Barbara is 4.08. A competitive GPA would be above this average, typically 4.3+ to improve your chances.
When is the application deadline for University of California-Santa Barbara?
Application deadlines for University of California-Santa Barbara vary by program and application type. Early Decision/Action deadlines are typically November 1-15, while Regular Decision deadlines are usually January 1-15. Check the official admissions website for specific dates.
Related Resources
Ready to apply to University of California-Santa Barbara?
Get personalized guidance and see how you match up against other applicants with our AI-powered admission assessment.
Start your assessment — Free