Undergraduate Admission

Admission

Undergraduate admission to the University of California is based on two principles: that the best predictor of a student’s success in the university is high scholarship in previous work and that the study of certain subjects gives a student good preparation for university work. Minimum admission requirements are the same for each UC campus, but each sets additional standards when the number of qualified applicants exceeds capacity. In 2008, UCSC received more than 33,000 applications for 3,700 places in the freshman class and 850 in the transfer class.

If you are considering applying to UC Santa Cruz, the Office of Admissions wants to help you learn more about the campus and its distinctive educational programs. Admissions counselors from UCSC visit many high schools and community colleges throughout California and are available to answer your questions about Santa Cruz.

If you are able to visit the campus, you may wish to take a student-led tour. The Office of Admissions offers tours on weekdays and selected Saturdays, and reservations are required. Visit our web site at admissions.ucsc.edu/campustours for information and reservations for campus tours. If you do not have Internet access, please call (831) 459-4008.

The University of California, Santa Cruz, continues to take positive steps to increase the diversity of the student population, including applicants coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds, students with disabilities, veterans, and non-traditionally aged students. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to childbirth), disability, age, medical condition (cancer-related), ancestry, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran or special disabled veteran in admission to or participation in its programs, activities, or services.

Educational Opportunity Programs at UCSC are designed to encourage students from educationally and/or economically disadvantaged backgrounds to prepare for and enter the university. For a description of these programs, see the Educational Opportunity Programs section.

Admission by Exception. Special consideration may be given to a limited number of applicants who do not meet standard admission requirements. Admission by Exception
is granted to a very small percentage of those considered for admission each quarter. Such factors as academic accomplishments in light of a person’s life experiences and/or special circumstances, socioeconomic background, special talents and/or achievements, contributions to the community, and the quality of the applicant’s personal statement are taken into consideration when reviewing applicants seeking Admission by Exception.

Graduation rates. The following graduation-rate information is listed in compliance with the 1990 Title I: Federal Right-to-Know Act, Section 103. Forty-eight percent of the students who entered as first-year students in 2003 graduated in four years; 67 percent of those who entered in 2002 graduated in five years; and 68 percent of those who entered in 2001 graduated in six years. In recent years, students who entered as first-year students took an average of 4.19 years to graduate, and students transferring to UCSC as juniors averaged 2.29 years. These graduation rates are well above the national averages.

In accord with the Education Amendments of 1976, Section 493A, more detailed information regarding retention is available on the Institutional Research web site at planning.ucsc.edu/irps/retengrad.asp.

Admission Procedures

The University of California Application for Undergraduate Admission and Scholarships may be accessed through admissions.ucsc.edu.

In addition to the application, the above site includes a wealth of information for prospective UC students about undergraduate education, admission, financial aid, and various topics of interest.
The application can also be printed from this web site if you are unable to apply via the web. If you do not have web access, you can either e-mail ucinfo@ucapplication.net or call (831) 459-4008 to have a printed application mailed to you.

Application Filing Periods

You should submit an application for admission during the filing period for the quarter in which you want to attend the university. Enrollment opportunities for winter are more limited than for fall. Check with the Office of Admissions to see if UCSC is accepting applications for winter quarter.

Application Fees

The application fee is $60 ($70 for international nonimmigrant applicants) to apply to one ­campus of the university. For each additional campus you select, you must pay an extra $60 fee ($70 for international nonimmigrant applicants). These fees are subject to change and are not refundable. The online application includes payment instructions.

Fee Waivers

The University of California will waive application fees for up to four campuses for certain students who otherwise would be unable to apply for admission. To qualify for the fee waiver, you must meet specific requirements related to your family income and size. The fee waiver is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents only.

Students who qualify for fee waivers and who select more than four campuses must pay $60 for each additional choice.

There are several ways to apply for a fee waiver, as described below. To qualify, you must meet the same income and family-size guidelines, regardless of the application method you use.

An online fee waiver form is available to applicants who apply for admission on the web. The online application can determine if an applicant is eligible for the fee waiver as soon as the necessary form is complete.

Other methods for waiving the application fee are listed below.

• High school students: Use the College Board fee waiver. It is available from your school counselor.
  
• EOPS community college students: If you are enrolled in Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) at a California community college, obtain a fee waiver authorization from the EOPS Office.
• Other applicants: Qualified students may obtain a UC fee waiver authorization at a UC campus Admissions, Relations with Schools, or Educational Opportunity Programs Office. When requesting a fee waiver authorization, be prepared to answer questions about your gross family income and family size.

If you are unable to obtain a UC fee waiver authorization due to time constraints, you may attach a letter to your application for admission stating your gross family income and the number of family members supported by that income, and requesting consideration for an application fee waiver.

High School Preparation for University Work

A carefully planned program of high school study provides you with the best preparation for university work. It can give you a definite edge in your undergraduate course work and the opportunity to do advanced preparation for your chosen field of study. Most important, students who master certain basic knowledge and skills in high school substantially increase their chances of success at the university. (Requirements for transfer students are explained in the Admission as a Transfer Student section.)

Prospective university students should give priority to completing the high school courses required for admission—the “a–g” requirements section. You should understand, however, that the “a–g” requirements represent minimum admission standards. Demonstrating proficiency in these subjects will not automatically prepare you for freshman work in every discipline, much less in your major or program of study. The university strongly recommends, but does not require, that you complete advanced study in many of the “a-g” subjects.

A student who is well-prepared for university work will have mastered the equivalent of four years of English; four years of mathematics, including a course in the senior year; two to three years of a language other than English; two to three years of laboratory science; two or more years of history and social sciences; and one or more years of visual or performing arts.

You should also give careful thought to the general field of study, and perhaps the specific major, you want to pursue at the university. If you are able to make this decision in advance, plan to take additional courses in high school related to the field.

You should take courses beyond the minimum levels in reading, writing, and mathematics in order to be adequately prepared for basic university courses, such as English composition and calculus, that you may be expected to take in the freshman year. A lack of basic preparation can cause problems for students who do not choose a major until after they enroll or for those who prepare for one major and then decide to change to another.

Good study habits and skills are also essential for success at the university. These are often developed in more advanced courses in high school, but can also be gained in self-directed learning methods. University students are expected to know how to read a textbook effectively and master background material, how to take notes, and how to plan a proper study schedule.

Senior-Year Program. The more challenging your high school program, the better prepared you will be for university work. Prospective students should take particular care in planning the senior-year program. The senior year should be used to prepare students for their first year at the university and should include honors and advanced courses as well as courses that will strengthen overall preparation. A challenging, successfully completed senior-year program is a natural bridge between high school and university course work in the intended major. A strong senior program will also strengthen your chances for admission to UC Santa Cruz.

Reading. Prospective university students need to develop the ability to read and understand scholarly publications. You will have to do more reading and more writing than in high school and will be required to learn more material in shorter periods of time. You should be able to analyze what you read and question yourself about an author’s intentions, viewpoint, arguments, and conclusions. You should have experience reading commentaries and essays as well as textbooks. You should read a wide variety of other material—including literature, biography, nonfiction, and criticism—in addition to what you are required to read in class. You should become familiar and comfortable with the conventions of standard English and with various writing strategies and techniques.

Writing. Prospective university students must learn to write clearly and skillfully. You will be expected to write papers for many university classes, and many examinations will include essays. You will have to think critically and analyze what you learn in class and in your outside reading, and present your ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.

By university standards, a student proficient in composition is able to understand the assigned topic, select and develop a theme by argument and example, use words and sentences that clearly and precisely express what he or she means, demonstrate an understanding of the rules of standard English, and punctuate and spell correctly.

Students who plan to attend UC Santa Cruz must take English courses in high school that require the development and practice of these skills. You must take at least four years of English composition and literature with a focus on expository writing—the development of persuasive critical thinking on the written page.

Mathematics. Many students are unaware of the large number of fields that require preparation in mathematics beyond the three years necessary for admission to UCSC. Courses in calculus are included in all majors in engineering and the physical, mathematical, and life sciences, as well as in programs leading to professional degrees in fields such as medicine, dentistry, optometry, and pharmacy. Moreover, many majors in the social sciences and economics require statistics or calculus, and sometimes both.

The university highly recommends that students take four years of mathematics in high school, including precalculus in the senior year. Courses in mathematics should include basic operations with numerical and algebraic functions; operations with exponents and radicals; linear equations and inequalities; polynomials and polynomial equations; functions and their graphs; trigonometry, logarithms, and exponential functions; and applications and word problems.

Admission as a Freshman

The university considers you a freshman applicant if you have graduated from high school and have not enrolled in a regular session at any college or university. If you attend a summer session immediately after graduating from high school, you are still a freshman applicant.

The admission and selection process for freshmen to UC Santa Cruz reflects the academic rigor and preparation needed for admission to a major research institution. Meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for the university does not guarantee you admission as a freshman. Students are encouraged to achieve well beyond the minimum requirements to enhance their chances for selection.

Information regarding the admission and selection process for UC Santa Cruz can be accessed at admissions.ucsc.edu. This site provides information on establishing UC eligibility for both residents and nonresidents of California. If you are unable to access the online information, please call the Admissions Office at (831) 459-4008.

High School Proficiency Examination

While the University of California expects freshman applicants to have graduated from high school, in lieu of the regular high school diploma, the university will accept the following:

• Certificate of Proficiency, awarded by the State Board of Education upon successful completion of the California High School Proficiency Examination
• Proficiency tests from other statesGeneral Educational Development (GED) Certificate

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit may be granted to a freshman applicant for an acceptable college course taken while still in high school if an official transcript is received from the college that conducted the course.

Transfer credit is granted for specified College Board Advanced Placement Examinations completed with a score of 3, 4, or 5 and for specified International Baccalaureate Higher Level Exams completed with a score of 5, 6, or 7. A score of 30 or higher on the International Baccalaureate Diploma is also accepted for transfer credit.

Admission as a Transfer Student

The University of California defines a transfer applicant as a student who has been a registered student in a college or university, or in college-level extension classes following high school graduation. Summer session attended immediately following high school graduation is excluded in this determination. If you are a transfer applicant, you cannot disregard your college record and apply for admission as a freshman.

The admission and selection process for transfer students reflects the academic rigor and preparation needed for admission to a major research institution. UC Santa Cruz gives highest priority to junior-level transfers from California community colleges.

Information regarding the admission and selection process for UC Santa Cruz can be accessed at admissions.ucsc.edu. This site provides information on eligibility and selection for both residents and nonresidents of California. If you are unable to access the online information, please call the Admissions Office at (831) 459-4008.

Credit for Courses Taken Elsewhere

The university gives unit credit to transfer students for courses they have completed at other accredited colleges and universities, including courses taken at recognized institutions outside of the U.S. To be accepted for credit, your courses must be comparable to those offered at the university, as determined by the UC Santa Cruz Admissions Office. The UC Santa Cruz department sponsoring your major decides which transfer courses may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Because a total of 70 semester units (105 quarter units) of credit toward a university degree may be earned at a community (two-year) college, only subject credit will be granted for courses taken in excess of these amounts.

Applicants will not be considered for admission if they have completed 90 semester units (135 quarter units) or more of UC–transferable credit because it is not usually possible for these students to complete a bachelor’s degree within UC Santa Cruz graduation requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate Higher Level (IBH) credit is permitted to exceed the 90 semester unit maximum by the number of AP or IBH units granted.

Opportunities to take courses at UC Santa Cruz as a nonmatriculated student are available through Summer Session, Concurrent Enrollment through UC Extension, and Intersegmental Cross-Enrollment.

UC Santa Cruz Transfer Services

The Admissions Office provides information to all students who wish to transfer to UC Santa Cruz.

Student-led guided tours happen year-round and both require advance reservations. Please see admissions.ucsc.edu/campustours to make a reservation. If you do not have Internet access, please call (831) 459-4008.

In addition, UCSC counselors make regular visits to many community colleges in California. Check with your counseling department or transfer center to determine whether a UCSC counselor will be visiting your community college.

Admission of International Students

The University of California welcomes applications from international students. The academic credentials of applicants from other countries are evaluated in accordance with the general regulations governing admission.

UC Santa Cruz accepts applications from international students for the fall quarter, and students should begin application inquiries a year before the quarter of desired admission. Openings for the winter quarter may be limited. If you are interested in applying for winter, check with the Office of Admissions. For information, write to admissions@ucsc.edu or the International Admissions Specialist, Office of Admissions, University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064.

Students whose native language is not English must certify proficiency in English by one of the following methods: earning a score of 83 or higher on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (minimum 550 if paper-based TOEFL; minimum 220 if computer-based TOEFL), or earning a minimum score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam, or completing two transferable English composition courses with grades of B or higher in a U.S. college or university.

A financial certificate and official academic records will be required if admitted to the university. Generally, nonimmigrant students must provide documentation that sufficient funds will be available to cover nonresident tuition, educational fees, and living expenses. The university does not offer financial assistance to international students.

For information about services for international students, see Office of International Education.

Readmission

If you are an undergraduate who wants to return to UC Santa Cruz after an absence of a portion of a quarter or more, you must file an Application for Readmission. The application form is available online at advising.ucsc.edu/student/read from your college office. The completed application should be filed, along with the nonrefundable $60 application fee, with the Office of Admissions during the appropriate period:

*Filing deadlines for priority enrollment: fall, April 1; winter, October 1; spring, January 1.

If during your absence you attended another UC campus, an official transcript must be submitted to the Office of Admissions before your application will be sent to your college for approval. If you attended another collegiate institution, your UC Santa Cruz college may require a transcript. If you left for health reasons, clearance from the Cowell Student Health Center is required. You must pay all outstanding bills owed to the university before you will be permitted to register.

Admission to Special Categories

For information on applying for admission in the categories described below, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@ucsc.edu or University of California, Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, (831) 459-2131.

Applications from students interested in pursuing a second baccalaureate or limited-status program will be considered as campus enrollment allows. Priority is given to applicants who have not yet had the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Second Bachelor’s Degree

If your educational goals have changed substantially since receiving your bachelor’s degree, you may be eligible to pursue a second undergraduate degree in an established major at UCSC.
You must meet regular university admission requirements, and your experience or previous scholarship record must show potential for academic success in your proposed area of study. Additional selection criteria may be applied. Admission is also subject to approval by the appropriate department and the selected college.

For a second degree, you must fulfill major and residence requirements, as well as system-wide requirements in American history and institutions and the Entry Level Writing Requirement. You must enroll for at least three quarters and are usually restricted to six quarters total.

Limited Status

If you have already completed an undergraduate degree and you have a particular reason to take specific undergraduate university classes, you may be eligible to enroll in a nondegree program as a limited-status student.

Your proposed program of study must either prepare you for graduate or professional school or satisfy some definite educational need or interest. Participants generally enroll full-time for a specified period that does not exceed three quarters. You must meet regular university admission requirements, and your experience or previous academic record must show potential for success in your proposed program. Additional selection criteria may be applied. Admission is subject to approval by the appropriate department or college.

Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policies

Student-Related Matters

University policy also prohibits retaliation for bringing a complaint of discrimination or participating in a complaint process or investigation pursuant to this policy.

Inquiries regarding the University’s student-related nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Student Judicial Affairs at extension 9-1738, or e-mail sja.ucsc.edu.

Inquiries regarding UCSC’s Sex Offense Policy and Procedures for Reports of Sexual Assault(s) and Sexual Harassment and/or violations of Title IX may be directed to Title IX Coordinator/Sexual Harassment Officer, (831) 459-2462, or e-mail rew@ucsc.edu.

Inquiries regarding the University's affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, and nondiscrimination policies for staff employment may be directed to the Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Office, (831) 459-3676, or e-mail cbene@ucsc.edu. For academic employment, contact the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Human Resources at (831) 459-4399, or e-mail pgpeters@ucsc.edu.

Student inquiries regarding disability or disability accommodations may be addressed to the Director, Disability Resource Center, (831) 459-2089 (voice); (831) 459-4806 (TTY); e-mail drc@ucsc.edu.

Employment-Related Matters

The University of California prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed by or seeking employment with the university on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy (including childbirth and medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth), physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or status as a covered veteran (special disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, Vietnam-era veteran, or any other veteran who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized). This policy applies to all employment practices, including recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer, merit increase, salary, training and development, demotion, and separation.

This policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable state and federal laws and university policies. The University of California is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. The university undertakes affirmative action to ensure equal employment opportunity for underutilized minorities and women, for persons with disabilities, and for covered veterans (Vietnam-era veterans, special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized).

Employment-related discrimination complaints from student employees are processed in conformity with appropriate personnel policies. Inquiries regarding the university’s equal employment opportunity policies may be addressed to the Equal Employment Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Office, (831) 459-2349.

Sexual Harassment/Title IX

The university cherishes the free and open exchange of ideas and expansion of knowledge. To maintain this freedom and openness requires objectivity, mutual trust, and confidence; it requires the absence of coercion, intimidation, or exploitation. The principal responsibility for maintaining these conditions must rest upon those members of the university community who exercise the greatest authority and leadership: faculty, managers, and supervisors.

The university has therefore instituted a number of measures designed to protect its community from sexual and other forms of harassment. Students, faculty, and staff who want information, advice, to file a complaint, and/or copies of the UCSC Policy on Sexual Assault, the UC Policy on Sexual Harassment, and Procedures for Reports of Sexual Assault(s) and Sexual Harassment should contact Rita E. Walker, Title IX/Sexual Harassment Officer, 119 Clark Kerr Hall, (831) 459-2462 or via e-mail at rew@ucsc.edu. For detailed information about the services of the Title IX/Sexual Harassment Office, visit the web site at www2.ucsc.edu/title9-sh/. The Title IX/SHO is also available to investigate other violations of Title IX.