University of California – Santa Barbara

Isla Vista, California
www.ucsb.edu 5221 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106

UCSB Acceptance Rate

Acceptance Rate 29%
Acceptance Deadline December 2

The University of California Santa Barbara is one of nine UC campuses offering undergraduate degrees in the University of California system. Located in Santa Barbara, UCSB is a public institution that  is home to more than 23,000 undergraduate students. According to U.S. News, UCSB ranks #7 in Top Public Schools and #32 in National Universities. UCSB offers 90 UC Santa Barbara majors within three distinct colleges: Letters & Science, Creative Studies, and Engineering. 

The UCSB acceptance rate is 29% according to U.S. News. On the other hand, the UC system’s website puts the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate at 25.9%. Either way, the UCSB acceptance rate makes UCSB a highly selective school. The UCSB acceptance rate by major also differs. 

Students may feel overwhelmed by the low UCSB acceptance rate. It’s easy to fixate on college acceptance rates, especially those as low as the UCSB acceptance rate. Still, students have no control over the UCSB acceptance rate or UCSB acceptance rate by major. However, they do have full control over making their application to UCSB the best it can be. 

Students should not let the acceptance rate for UCSB or UCSB acceptance rate by major scare them. Instead, students should strive to beat the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate by strengthening every part of their UCSB application, including their essays, grades, and test scores. 

Is UCSB hard to get into?

The UCSB acceptance rate is quite selective at just 29%. However, in comparison to other UCs like UC Berkeley and UCLA, the UCSB acceptance rate may be less daunting. For reference, Berkeley admits just over 11% of applicants—UCLA’s admit rate is under 9%. In any case, best practices for maximizing admissions odds still apply, regardless of the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. 

Students should submit a well-crafted application that goes above and beyond the various UCSB requirements. In other words, applicants need finely tuned essays, strong recommendation letters, and an impressive activities list. It’s important to note that while many universities offer choices of application deadlines, UC Apply has only one. Applicants must submit an outstanding UC application to beat the low UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. 

What is the UCSB acceptance rate? 

The UCSB acceptance rate is 29%. This means more than two-thirds of applicants are not accepted to UCSB. Impressing UCSB admissions officers hinges on submitting an impactful UC application that demonstrates one’s suitability for life at UCSB. The UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate leaves little room for error, so applicants should revise and refine their applications.

There are also differences in the UCSB acceptance rate by major. While UCSB doesn’t release each individual UCSB acceptance rate by major, some UC Santa Barbara majors are capped. For instance, all majors in the College of Engineering and College of Creative Studies are selective—they have limited spots.

UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate for out-of-state

While the UCSB acceptance rate is 29%, 77% of the admitted class of fall 2022 freshman were California residents. Of the remainder, 11% were non-California residents, and 12% were international students. Since the UC system is aimed at providing an affordable, high-quality to California residents, Californians are prioritized in UCSB admissions. Thus, the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is more competitive for non-California students.

Colleges publish college acceptance rates to help students understand how likely they are to gain acceptance. Students will find that top schools have lower college acceptance rates, similar to the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. Correspondingly, a school’s acceptance rate can help indicate its quality.

It’s important to remember that the college acceptance rate is only one factor in college admissions. Although the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is more competitive for non-California residents, it is not impossible. Students should not let a low UCSB acceptance rate or competitive admissions deter them from applying to UCSB. Rather, the UCSB acceptance rate should inform their college list and application strategy. If UCSB is a “reach” school, students should also apply to schools with higher college acceptance rates than the UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. 

What GPA do you need to get into UCSB?

The UCSB requirements for incoming freshmen include a 3.0 GPA minimum for in-state students and 3.4 for out-of-state students. As a top institution, UCSB expects applicants to surpass these thresholds. It’s important to remember these are the minimum UCSB requirements; the average GPA of admitted students is higher.

The fall 2022 enrolling class of freshmen at UCSB had an average high school GPA range of 4.15–4.31. The high UCSB average GPA number is weighted, so students who take challenging high school courses get a boost for excelling in more difficult classes. Students hoping to overcome the selective UCSB acceptance rate should succeed in rigorous courses throughout high school.

For the class enrolled for fall 2019, the average high school GPA for accepted UCSB students was 4.04–4.28. Admitted students to UCSB in that cycle had an average ACT composite score of 26–31, SAT reading and writing of 630–730, and SAT mathematics of 650–790. Note that these detailed standardized test data are unavailable from 2020 since UCSB adopted a test-optional policy.

Students should not worry if their GPA is lower than the UCSB average GPA for incoming freshmen. If their GPA meets the minimum eligibility requirement, they are eligible to complete the UCSB application. There are many ways for students to assemble an outstanding UCSB application and beat the low UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. Particularly, well-written Personal Insight Question responses and an impressive list of extracurriculars can set applicants apart.

What are my chances of getting into UC Santa Barbara? 

With the UCSB acceptance rate at 29% and its #6 Best College in California ranking, UCSB is a “reach” school for many. Obviously, the highly selective UCSB acceptance rate requires that students put their best foot forward in their applications. This means securing strong recommendation letters, writing keen supplemental essays, and acing the extracurricular activities section.

Ultimately, individual admissions chances are extremely difficult to predict with much accuracy. Of course, knowing the UCSB acceptance rate and average admitted student profile can help. At the same time, UCSB admissions goals and criteria change often; after all, low acceptance rates attract thousands of qualified applicants.

With this in mind, it is crucial to apply to schools with more generous acceptance rates than the acceptance rate for UCSB. Having a diverse college list will create a safety net, enabling applicants to aim high with confidence. While UCSB acceptance is difficult, it is not impossible with the right preparation and a well-crafted application. 

UC Santa Barbara Acceptance Rate Takeaways

The University of California Santa Barbara is a great option for students looking to attend college in California. As a top California university, #7 in Top Public Schools and #32 in National Universities, UCSB offers a high-quality education. However, with a reputation like this, there is also no mystery about the highly selective UCSB acceptance rate of 29%. 

Prospective UCSB applicants can use CollegeAdvisor resources to construct a successful USCB application and beat the low UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate. Students may also schedule appointments with our advisors for help crafting their successful applications.

UCSB Tuition

Average Cost* $55,678
Average Total Aid Awarded $5,180
Students Receiving Financial Aid 46%
*Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.

Want personalized guidance from an advisor who's helped our clients get into University of California – Santa Barbara?

Schedule a free strategy consultation with our expert network.
Schedule Your Meeting.

UC Santa Barbara Classes

Student Faculty Ratio 17:1

UCSB Majors

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a renowned institution of higher education. Located in the picturesque coastal region of Santa Barbara, UCSB has a stunning campus, vibrant community, and commitment to excellence. UCSB is a leading public research university and one of the top colleges in California. One aspect distinguishing UCSB from its peers is the vast array of UCSB undergraduate majors available to students. In comparison to other UC majors by campus, UCSB leads the way in terms of diverse offerings. Therefore, understanding how to get in and what to major in are two crucial steps to admission.

How many majors are offered at UC Santa Barbara?

UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) takes great pride in its extensive array of academic opportunities. The extensive selection of UC Santa Barbara majors available reflects this breadth of offerings. With over 90 UCSB undergraduate majors to choose from, UCSB has a diverse range of college majors to explore. 

Whether you’re drawn to the sciences, engineering, humanities, or the arts, UCSB majors cater to various interests and career aspirations. This robust offering of UC Santa Barbara majors reflects the school’s commitment to providing students with a comprehensive and well-rounded education. By offering an extensive array of UCSB majors, the university creates an environment that fosters intellectual curiosity among its students.

What is UC Santa Barbara best known for?

UC Santa Barbara is renowned for its rich history and commitment to academic excellence. Boasting a student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1, UCSB ensures that each student receives personalized attention and support throughout their educational journey. UCSB’s academic offerings extend across three undergraduate schools, several graduate schools, a medical center, and research centers. Through these spaces, students can explore an extensive list of UCSB majors to pursue their intellectual pursuits. 

With a wide range of UCSB majors available, it’s no surprise students from around the globe apply for admission. UCSB Admissions processes thousands of applications each year, attracting some of the brightest minds in the world. The UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate is 28%, making the college highly selective. Consequently, the UC application is rigorous and requires personal essays and evidence of academic success.  

Complete UCSB Majors List

The university provides a plethora of UCSB majors. UCSB majors allow students to pursue various degrees and graduate prepared for all types of careers. The flexibility of the UCSB majors system allows students to tailor their educational journey and delve deeper into their chosen disciplines.

UCSB is comprised of several schools and colleges, offering both graduate and undergraduate studies. This extensive academic structure provides a multitude of UC Santa Barbara majors to suit students’ diverse passions. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of UC Santa Barbara majors allows students the flexibility to explore unique academic pathways. You can find a complete list of college majors offered at UCSB online through the UCSB majors list.

Some of the top UCSB majors include: 

With such a wide range of college majors, prospective students may ask themselves what to major in and how to choose a major. According to the UCSB requirements, students have until the spring semester of their sophomore year to declare their college majors. This gives them ample time to explore their interests and make informed decisions.

Students in each of UCSB’s three colleges have access to academic advisors. These faculty members help students make choices and work through decisions related to their chosen area of study. If you already know what majors and minors you want to pursue, your advisor can still help. They’ll make sure you complete all required courses and stay on track to graduate in a timely manner.

What major is UC Santa Barbara known for?

One major that stands out is UC Santa Barbara’s renowned engineering program. UC Santa Barbara is well-known for its exceptional programs across various fields. However, engineering receives particular renown among UC Santa Barbara majors.

Students pursuing UCSB majors in engineering benefit from a rigorous curriculum. Courses combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, preparing students for successful careers in the ever-evolving engineering industry. 

The engineering program focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and a strong emphasis on research and innovation. It’s also a prime example of the academic excellence that defines UC Santa Barbara majors. Through this program, students can engage in groundbreaking research projects and gain practical skills. The combined experience makes them highly sought-after in the job market.

What is the easiest major to get into at UC Santa Barbara?

The UC Santa Barbara acceptance rate indicates the university is highly selective. However, each major within UC Santa Barbara majors has its own unique requirements and level of competitiveness. This is especially true for students looking to transfer into a particular UCSB major. 

Consequently, prior to completing a UC application, students should view the UCSB acceptance rate by major. Certain departments within the UC Santa Barbara majors have a slightly higher acceptance rate compared to others. This is because some UCSB majors may be more competitive than others due to factors such as capacity and demand. Reviewing the UCSB acceptance rate by major can help determine which majors are the easiest to gain acceptance to. 

That said, students should not decide what to major in just by looking at the least competitive majors. Instead, it’s crucial for prospective students to explore and choose a major that aligns with their passions and goals. Since UCSB is a great university, all UC Santa Barbara majors will prepare you to excel in your chosen field.

Choosing a UCSB minor

Choosing a minor at UCSB is an exciting opportunity for students to complement their UC Santa Barbara majors. When considering a minor, think about how a particular area of study could enhance your major field of study. Exploring other UCSB majors can help students identify minors that align with their passions or provide a valuable interdisciplinary perspective.

The process of choosing a minor at UCSB involves careful consideration and self-reflection. On top of that, it can be helpful to consult advisors and faculty members within UC Santa Barbara majors. It is beneficial to consider how minor courses will enhance your UCSB major coursework. This may look like building a broader knowledge base or gaining a specialized skill set. Additionally, students should consider the prerequisites and availability of courses within their chosen minor and any potential scheduling conflicts.

UCSB Majors – Final Thoughts 

When considering UC majors by campus, UCSB is a great choice considering its diverse offerings. As with all UC Santa Barbara majors, students should familiarize themselves with the specific enrollment requirements. It’s important to note the UCSB acceptance rate by major and how those requirements vary among the different UCSB majors.

So, take some time to explore the UCSB majors list prior to beginning your application! Remember, the UCSB admissions process is selective. Applicants to all UC Santa Barbara majors, even those who are undecided, must craft a compelling and competitive application.

Overall, UCSB college majors are designed to meet the diverse needs of students. UCSB offers one of the finest educational experiences in the nation across all UCSB majors. UCSB’s commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary learning ensures that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded education.

Most Popular Majors
  • Sociology
  • Economics
  • Research and Experimental Psychology
  • Communications
  • International Studies
  • Biology
  • Environmental Science
  • Political Science and Government
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Mathematics

UC Santa Barbara Online

Offers Online Courses Yes

Our clients got into University of California – Santa Barbara last admissions cycle. Are you next?

Our advisors graduated from the nation’s best universities and know what it takes to stand out in the admissions process.
Schedule Your Strategy Consultation.

UC Santa Barbara Enrollment

Full-Time Undergrad Enrollment 23,091
Part-Time Undergraduates 469

UCSB Alumni at CollegeAdvisor

Pranathi Pilla
University of Texas – Austin

Hello! My name is Pranathi and I am a recent graduate of UT Austin where I double majored in Computational Biology and Government in pursuit of improving healthcare delivery through technological innovation and policy. During my time as an undergraduate, I interned for the White House and have experience in biomedical research. I have four years of college advising experience and helped all my students get into their top 3 choices and I am looking forward to help you achieve your goals.

Also Accepted to

Marlene Jimenez
University of California – Los Angeles

As a proud first-generation college graduate from UCLA with a B.A. in Sociology and a background in psychology and anthropology, I know firsthand how daunting the college application process can be. Now pursuing my Master’s in Counseling, I’m here to help ease the anxieties that come with this pivotal moment, guiding students every step of the way and ensuring both they and their families feel supported. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with hundreds of seniors and their families throughout the Greater Los Angeles area. My students have been accepted into top universities across California and the U.S., many earning prestigious scholarships like QuestBridge and Posse. I also have extensive knowledge of financial aid, scholarships, and the overall senior year timeline, helping students and parents navigate the process with confidence. I specialize in college platforms like the UC App, CSU App, Common App, and the Common Black App, and I love helping students explore majors and careers, research and create college wishlists, and craft standout resumes and brag sheets. Whether it’s brainstorming essay ideas or polishing a personal statement, I’m excited to help students discover their strengths and present their best selves. Outside of work, I’m a huge animal lover with three dogs. I also love to travel, catch up on my favorite TV series, exercise, read, and hang out with friends. My goal is to make this process as smooth and enjoyable as possible, helping you transition into this next chapter with ease.

Also Accepted to

Amanda Garcia
University of California – Berkeley

I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley. More specifically, my degree is from the College of Natural Resources. I majored in Conservation and Resource Studies with a concentration in Climate Science under the Environmental Science, Policy, and Management department. As an undergraduate student I was a Program Facilitator at the Lawrence Hall of Science and I interned for the National Science Foundation, performing climate science research in conjunction with meteorology and ecological anthropology faculty at Penn State. In addition to this, I worked part-time for a bay area nonprofit focused on the conservation of California's old growth forests. After graduating in 2021, I decided to go in a different direction than my field of study. I accepted a role as a corporate recruiter for the top data science and analytics recruitment firm in San Francisco. I quickly promoted to Senior Consultant, but confirmed my suspicion that corporate life was not aligned with my interests. As a result, I left this position and became an independent contractor. I find working with students in an advising capacity fulfilling, because I know the impact high-level support can have on a student's journey through the application process. I vividly remember how important acceptance into a fitting program felt when I was in that stage of life, so I have a lot of empathy for students who are currently applying to universities. I understand the path is not always straight forward or easy. I pride myself in my attention to detail and my wide range of knowledge. Over the past eight years I've developed a significant level of expertise in regard to recruitment trends and process, and I've developed unique insights from both personal and professional experience.

Also Accepted to

uc santa cruz
Victoria Kovarik
Duke University

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University with a B.A. in Environmental Sciences & Policy and Sociology, the latter with distinction for researching and defending my undergraduate thesis and with a concentration in the Sociology of Work and Organizations. I was part of a plethora of organizations while in college, such as being a member of Business Oriented Women, a teaching assistant for Duke's Social Marketing class, and a marketing coordinator for a civic engagement program for Duke and Stanford student-athletes. Outside of Duke, I also took accounting classes at Foothill College and plan to sit for the CPA exam next year. During my time at Duke, I advised college-aged peers and students as an alum of my high school's Women in Leadership class on landing finance internships, resume building, interview prep, and more. In high school, I was a writing tutor and helped seniors and juniors sharpen their personal statements and supplement essays. I have a lot of experience as a peer editor and reader, and also assisted my younger sibling and cousins on their college applications. I have a widely adaptable approach to advising and am quick to pivot to ensure that any student's needs are met and exceeded. I take pride in my research skills as well as my writing/reviewing abilities. I had a whirlwind of an experience while applying to college, having applied to over 20 schools and being accepted to all but 2. Yet, the most memorable part of the process for me was being able to give back and help my peers achieve success. My goal is to ensure that a holistic, impactful picture of any student is aptly conveyed through writing and, more importantly, to make the college application and advising process as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Currently, I am a Global Banking & Markets Analyst at a financial firm in New York City. I also plan to apply to JD/MBA programs in the coming years to further my passion for law and business. My passion for advising and education stems back to my childhood, not only from being inspired by my mother's experience as an FGLI student who pushed herself to earn her Bachelor's degree and MBA on her own, but also by being able to tutor and help my younger brother on his journey to college. Outside of my career, I love photography, hiking, and running my music blog.

Also Accepted to

Santa Clara University
Yesenia Capellino
University of California – Los Angeles

Hello, my name is Yesenia. I was the first in my family to attend college. I went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and graduated with a degree in Psychology with a minor in Labor and Workplace Studies. I then earned a Master's Degree from California State University, Long Beach in Counseling - Option in Student Development in Higher Education. I am passionate about helping students with their higher educational goals to ensure they are able to get accepted, attend, and ultimately graduate from college to obtain a fulfilling career. For the past 10 years, I have been working in college access and success programs and have served hundreds of students with their college-going journey! It would be a pleasure and a privilege to support you in your goals. Let's work together to make that goal a reality!

Also Accepted to

Megan Ostovarpour
University of California – Irvine

Hi! My name is Megan, and I was born and raised in Orange County, California, and currently live there as well! I received my Bachelor of Arts in European Studies from UC Irvine (Go Anteaters!) and my Master of Science in School Counseling from the University of La Verne. During my undergrad experience, I spent a semester living and studying abroad in London, England. I have worked as a high school counselor for the past 5 years, and prior to that worked in higher education for 8 years in both advising and in study abroad roles. I have also been an admissions reader for a UC school in the past. I am extremely passionate about helping students achieve their goal of attending college. As a high school counselor, I am confident in working with any student, no matter your major/interest. In my free time, I like to read, go for walks with friends, play board games and cook. I can't wait to work with you!

Also Accepted to

Kim Bowen
University of California – Davis

I graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from UC Davis in 2001. From there, I obtained my P.P.S. School counseling credential from CSU Stanislaus and a M.P.A. from University of Arizona's global campus. I have always had the desire to continue learning, which is why world travel and immersing myself in other countries has been a big part of my life. I have had the opportunity to live, work and travel through many different countries and have enjoyed volunteering for NGO's in both Bolivia and Cambodia. I have been a school counselor in California for over 15 years. My favorite part of the job is assisting students meet and exceed goals, especially when it comes to post-secondary planning. I look forward to being able to assist you with the entire process: planning, exploring, and applying for university, financial aid and scholarships. I've acquired a lot of knowledge over the years and I am excited to be a part of your journey!

Also Accepted to

Joana Granados
University of California – San Diego

I have a strong commitment to college education access, matriculation, transition and retention. I am currently in the pursuit of my PhD in Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA, have an MEd in Higher Education Student Affairs, and International Education Policy (University of Maryland, 2022) and a BA in Sociology and Ethnic Studies (UC San Diego, 2018). Throughout my undergraduate career, in addition to obtaining a minor in Education Studies, I actively worked with high schools by providing campus tour, hosting student for overnight programs, facilitating classes for a summer bridge program, presenting during high school conferences, conducting research at a high school and being an active mentor to high school students that were connected with me via personal networks. From 2018-2022, I was a College Advisor for the University of Southern California College Advising Corps where I worked predominantly with senior students and advised them based on their goals, aspirations and circumstances. I have given presentations on various topics (A-G, FAFSA, CalGrant, scholarships, transition programs, on-campus resources, etc.), have extensive resume, statement of purpose, and personal statement editing experience both for the college admission process and scholarship applications. I am a proud recipient of the Gates Millennium Scholarship (2013), which has an award rate of under 1% and has funded my bachelor’s, master’s, and is now funding my doctoral degree. In my 10 years of working with high school and college students in summer bridge programs, college access programs, outreach, programming, fraternity and sorority life, residence life, and research, I have developed an advising style that meets students where they are based on their knowledge. The premise of my advising style is to meet the needs of the student and their families/guardians with integrity and resourcefulness. I like to provide students with information to facilitate taking ownership of their decisions and can similarly have the confidence to answer questions and discuss topics with their families and guardians. I have enjoyed the process of involving parents to ensure they are equally informed as their students and together support students in their college-going process.

Also Accepted to

Hiliana Ramos
University of California – Santa Barbara

Hello and welcome to my page! I have a BA in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I hold my MS in Educational Counseling from National University. I have eight years of counselor experience in the academic, college, and career needs of diverse high school student populations:

  • Students with Disabilities,
  • English Learners,
  • Homeless/Foster Youth,
  • Low Income and/or First Generation,
  • Gifted and Talented Students

My experience in the college application process ranges from college eligibility requirements for various college systems to guiding students to apply to college and financial aid. In between this process, providing guidance to students, but not limited to:

  • Developing their college lists and college majors based on their interests and research,
  • Step-by-step college application process,
  • Essay brainstorming and editing/revisions,
  • Applying to scholarship/internship/volunteer opportunities.

What drives me to continue being a counselor/college advisor? It is the students!

This is a major step in their lives that can be filled with a lot of emotions and uncertainty at times. With the student and their family leading the way in the college application journey, I am a resource of support and guidance to make this process as pleasant and exciting as possible.

I look forward to working and guiding your students on their college application journeys.

Also Accepted to

CollegeAdvisor Reviews from Students accepted to UCSB

Rohan Kumar

I think my experience as a whole was a success. I got a lot of constructive feedback from my advisors and it really helped me with my applications. I really appreciate all the help and support I received. In the end, I am happy that I chose ChollegeAdvisor and would definitely recommend it to others.

Jyoti Rani
University of California - Berkeley

CollegeAdvisor’s flexibility proved how much they really put their customers first. After speaking with the founder, I understood the personal story behind why CollegeAdvisor’s services are such a steal: incredible value at an affordable price! The college application process has now become one of the most valuable periods in my young life because the personal development and insight I gained are truly invaluable. My hearty thanks to my incredible advisor in shaping such a critical aspect of my journey and career.

Kalyani Valiyaveettil
Columbia University

CollegeAdvisor’s tremendous resources and committed advisors helped make the application process stress-free. I was able to customize the service and create an environment in which I work best. Through hours of essay editing, not only did I grow as a writer but I became more self-aware, learning the value of my experiences. As a look back, I am proud of all the work my advisor, Zoe, and I were able to accomplish together.

Layal Kazerooni

Matthew Yekell was extremely helpful throughout the entire process of applying to college. He went out of his way to be extremely accommodating to time differences and his help was fundamental to my admission into my top choice universities. He supported me through every step of the application process and made applying to college an enjoyable experience – couldn’t have done it without him!

Jieshan Liu
University of California - Berkeley

My advisor has been dedicated to assisting me with all my needs. She’s very flexible time-wise and always gives honest advice about my essays. I enjoyed having conversations with her and discussing the multiple aspects of my college applications. I feel grateful for this opportunity and all the resources she has been sharing with me, including the College Panels and Zoom sessions which showed me how to approach writing distinctive essays.

Avery Medina

My experience with CollegeAdvisor was excellent. My advisor, Carolyn, was always available for help and kept me on track with a well planned out timeline. She helped me refine my essay ideas and was fantastic when it came to editing and clarifying ideas in my writing. My college application experience would have been much tougher had it not been for CollegeAdvisor. I definitely recommend!

UCSB Webinars

UC Essay Prompts

uc essay prompts
UC Essay Prompts 2024-25

UC Essay Prompts 2024-2025 Students applying to UC schools must be prepared to answer the UC prompts as part of the application process. Each year, the University of California receives […]

Avatar photo
University of California (UC) Personal Insight Questions Guide: 2021-2022

Not sure how to approach the UC Personal Insight Questions? With tips from an Ivy League graduate, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the UC essay prompts will show you how to write […]

Avatar photo
University of California Essay Guide 2020-2021

In this University of California essay guide, CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts and UC alumni Angela, Kaitlin, and Zoë will discuss how to best respond to the University of California Personal Insight Questions (PIQs). For […]

Avatar photo

How to Get into UCSB

how to get into uc santa barbara; collegeadvisor.com image: text "how to get into uc santa barbara a collegeadvisor guide" over yellow-blue splash image of ucsb campus
How to Get Into University of California – Santa Barbara (UCSB) Guide

How to Get Into UC Santa Barbara–General Information The University of California–Santa Barbara is one of the colleges in the University of California public school system. The UC system is […]

Avatar photo

Learn more about UCSB

test optional schools
Applications Best Colleges
Exploring Test Optional Schools: Top 35 Colleges that Don’t Require SAT/ACT

Exploring Test Optional Schools Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in test optional colleges and universities. Where test optional schools used to be a small minority, […]

best colleges for marine biology
Best Colleges College Major Majors
Best Colleges for Marine Biology

Best Colleges for Marine Biology When embarking upon your college application journey, you may have a specific major in mind. If so, looking at the best colleges by major is […]

uc transfer application
Application tips Applications Majors
Understanding the UC Transfer Application

UC Transfer Application There is no single linear path to follow when it comes to higher education. In fact, transfer students make up a large part of the undergraduate community […]

Avatar photo
top public universities
Best Colleges College List Juniors Seniors
Top Public Universities

Top Public Universities – Introduction America’s top public universities offer incredible research opportunities, all-star facilities, vast alumni networks, and more. They also offer lower tuition rates to in-state students, making […]

Avatar photo
best colleges for science
Best Colleges College Major Juniors Parents Seniors
Best Colleges for Science

Best Colleges for Science: An Introduction Are you interested in pursuing a degree in a STEM field? In that case, you’re likely curious about the best colleges for science.  So, […]

college application deadlines
Application tips Applications College Applications Juniors Seniors
College Application Deadlines

College Application Deadlines – Introduction Understanding college application deadlines is a key part of planning for the college admissions process. You may have just started building your college list. Or, […]

Avatar photo
best colleges in california
Best Colleges College Applications College List
Best Colleges in California

Best Colleges in California: Introduction With one of the most robust public university systems in the nation—as well as many top-ranked private colleges—California has a lot to offer college students. […]

Avatar photo
UC Application
Application tips Applications College Applications
Navigating the UC Application – A CollegeAdvisor Guide

Want to know how to apply to UC Schools? Read our expert guide to the UC Application today and make applying to any UC school a breeze!

Avatar photo
University of California – Berkeley Berkeley, California 15% Acceptance Rate
University of California – Davis Davis, California 49% Acceptance Rate
University of California – Irvine Irvine, California 29% Acceptance Rate
University of California – San Diego San Diego, California 34% Acceptance Rate
University of California – Los Angeles Los Angeles, California 11% Acceptance Rate

UCSB Campus Videos