University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC): 2022 Requirements, Scores & GPAs
This is the go-to guide for getting into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC). We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to UC Santa Cruz, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown UC Santa Cruz statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here.If you're interesting in transferring to UC Santa Cruz, the read our transfer guide.You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at UC Santa Cruz
What GPA Do You Need To Get Into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)?
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s average GPA is 3.6. University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) does require GPA.This average GPA means University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) is very selective. Often times, schools in this range are trying to increase their selectivity and “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of UC Santa Cruz application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.6 to 3.78 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.78 GPA.
*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on UC Santa Cruz’s campus. These UC Santa Cruz admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.
What Is University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s Acceptance Rate?
Last year University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s acceptance rate was 50.29. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.
As you can see, University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) is getting more and more difficult to get into. If this trend continue it’s likely that UC Santa Cruz will be even more competitive by the time you apply.
Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into UC Santa Cruz - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 58.0 % | 51.0 % | 50.29 % |
Will You Get Into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)?
Calculate Your Chances
Does University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) Require Test Scores?
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) SAT Requirements
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s average SAT score is 1175 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) is getting more or less competitive.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 540 | 660 | 600 |
| Reading | 520 | 630 | 575 |
| 2019 Total | 1060 | 1290 | 1175 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s average SAT score is 1175. To be a competitive applicant for University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 1060, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 1290.
Will You Get Into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)?
Calculate Your Chances
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) ACT Requirements
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)’s average ACT score is 82. To be a competitive applicant for University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 74, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 91.
| 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile | Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| Reading | 24 | 31 | 27 |
| Writing | 25 | 30 | 27 |
| 2019 Total | 74 | 91 | 82 |
| 2018 Total | - | - | - |
| 2017 Total | - | - | - |
Will You Get Into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC)?
Calculate Your Chances
University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) Requirements
Now you know where you need to be for getting into University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.
| Recommendations | Status |
|---|---|
| School Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| GPA | Required |
| School Record | Required |
How to get into UC Santa Cruz
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into UC Santa Cruz. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at UC Santa Cruz, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.
Main Academic Excellence that is in line with UC Santa Cruz admission standards.
- Score at least a 1175 on the SAT or 82 on the ACT.
- Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.6.
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Join Extracurriculars that Align with UC Santa Cruz’s Values.
- Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
- Volunteer in your hometown. Santa Cruz has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Santa Cruz area in general.
- Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. UC Santa Cruz needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.
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Prepare Your Application
- Write a stellar essay that shows University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
- Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your UC Santa Cruz app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
- Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that UC Santa Cruz’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.
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Related College & Universities:
Transfering to California State University-San Bernardino
Transfering to California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
Transfering to California State University-Chico
Transfering to California State University-Fresno
Transfering to California State University-Northridge
FAQs
What is the average GPA to be accepted at UC Santa Cruz? ›
| GPA and test scores of middle 25%-75% students | |
|---|---|
| High School GPA | 3.76 - 4.16 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 590 - 690 |
| SAT Mathematics | 610 - 760 |
| SAT Essay | 14 - 17 |
With a GPA of 3.55, UC Santa Cruz requires you to be around average in your high school class. You'll need a mix of A's and B's, and very few C's. If you have a lower GPA, you can compensate with harder courses like AP or IB classes. This will help boost your weighted GPA and show your ability to take college classes.
Can I get into UC Santa Cruz with a 3.4 GPA? ›California applicants must earn at least a 3.0 GPA and nonresidents must earn a minimum 3.4 GPA in all A-G or college-preparatory courses to meet this requirement. To see how to calculate your UC GPA, follow our instructions below.
What is UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate 2022? ›2022 Acceptance Rate for University of California, Santa Cruz. It is very difficult to get into UC Santa Cruz. Around 59% of applicants get into UC Santa Cruz each year. Out of 61,822 applications received in 2022, 36,411 students were offered admission.
Does UCSC look at weighted GPA? ›However, you'll see that UCSC uses weighted GPAs. This happens when schools weight honors or AP courses by assigning 5 points for each A, 4 for each B, and so on.
How difficult is it to get into UCSC? ›The acceptance rate at UCSC is 65%. It ranks #43 in California for lowest rate of acceptance. UCSC is a moderately competitive school to get into with a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the requirements. Last year, 35,591 out of 54,988 applicants were admitted.
What is the easiest UC school to get into? ›Thus, the easiest college to get into among the schools in the UC system is the University of California, Merced, with an undergraduate acceptance rate of 87%. This is followed by the University of California, Riverside, which has an undergraduate acceptance rate of 65%.
Can I get into UC Santa Cruz with a 3.2 GPA? ›Minimum Qualifications for UC
Earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better (3.40 or better for a non-resident of California) in these courses with no grade lower than a C.
Is a 3.4 GPA Good? To put it simply, yes. A 3.4 is on the verge of an A- and demonstrates consistently good test-taking, studying, and research skills. A 3.4 is comfortably above the national average GPA for high school graduates and is considered competitive at a majority of colleges and universities.
What is a good UC capped GPA? ›What Is A Good UC Capped GPA? Looking at the most competitive UC campus, UCLA, the average UCLA GPA amongst accepted students was 4.24. So, if GPA is at or above this number, your GPA will be competitive for all of the UC campuses.
What GPA is needed for UC Berkeley? ›
| GPA and test scores of middle 25%-75% students | |
|---|---|
| High School GPA | 4.15 - 4.30 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 660 - 750 |
| SAT Mathematics | 680 - 790 |
| SAT Essay | 16 - 19 |
A 3.0 GPA indicates a grade average of “B” and makes you eligible to apply to a wide range of schools, so yes! A 3.0 GPA is generally considered “good.”
Is it harder to get into UC Davis or UC Santa Cruz? ›Is University of California-Santa Cruz (UCSC) or University of California-Davis (UCD) Harder to get into? Which school is easier to get into? If you're looking at acceptance rate alone, then University of California-Davis (UCD) is more difficult to get into.
What major is UC Santa Cruz known for? ›The most popular majors at University of California, Santa Cruz include: Computer Science; Behavioral Sciences; Business/Managerial Economics; Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology; Sociology, General; Political Science and Government, General; Anthropology, General; Comparative Literature; Film/Video and Photographic ...
What is the average GPA for UCLA? ›The average GPA at UCLA is 3.9. This makes UCLA Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
What is UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate? › What is the hardest college to get into? ›1. Harvard University — 3.19% With a record-low admission rate of just 3.19% for the class of 2026, Harvard currently ranks as the most difficult school to get into. This rate reflects admission into Harvard College, the Ivy League university's undergraduate school.
What is the average GPA for UC Irvine? ›Recent Awards. In its 2022-23 rankings, U.S. News & World Report named UC Santa Cruz among the top 10 public universities in the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate teaching, celebrating our commitment to student success.
What GPA is needed for UC San Diego? ›To be eligible for admission to UC San Diego, you must earn the following minimum GPAs: California residents must earn a GPA of 3.0 (or better) with no grade lower than "C." Non-California residents including International applicants must earn a GPA of 3.4 (or better) with no grade lower than a "C."
Is UCSC competitive? ›
It is a large institution with an enrollment of 16,521 undergraduate students. Admissions is somewhat competitive as the UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate is 65%.
Which University of California is hardest to get into? ›- UC Los Angeles with an acceptance rate of 14.4%
- UC Berkeley with an acceptance rate of 17.5%
- UC Irvine with an acceptance rate of 29.9%
- UC Santa Barbara with an acceptance rate of 36.9%
The hardest Cal State to get into is the Cal Poly San Luis, Obispo. It has an acceptance rate of 28%, the lowest among CSUs. It also has the highest average SAT score requirement of 1340 and an average ACT score of 29, also the highest among the CSUs.
Which UC campus is most beautiful? ›The University of California has a number of beautiful campuses (keep reading), but the Santa Cruz campus is often considered the most impressive.
Is a 3.8 UC GPA good? ›Is a 3.8 GPA Good? GPA is measured on a 4.0 scale, with 4.0 correlating to flawless straight As every semester. A 3.8 GPA is only two tenths of a point below that “perfect” GPA, demonstrating consistent performance at a high level.
Is a 4.4 GPA good? ›A 4.4 weighted GPA most likely means that you've been earning mostly B+s in high level classes. You'll have a good shot at being accepted to most colleges with this GPA. 99.74% of schools have an average GPA below a 4.4. You can apply to colleges and have a good shot at getting admitted.
Do UC schools look at senior grades? ›UCs do look at courses you take in senior year and take the rigor into consideration when evaluating you for admission; but as long as you maintain satisfactory grades (typically an unweighted B average, with no non-passing grades, is sufficient), your performance in your senior year courses will not affect your ...
Should I put a 3.4 GPA on resume? ›While there's no clear-cut rule that dictates when to include your GPA, most career experts say to only keep it on a resume if it's over 3.5.
What is a 3.5 GPA equivalent to? ›A 3.5 GPA, or Grade Point Average, is equivalent to a B+ letter grade on a 4.0 GPA scale, and a percentage grade of 87–89.
Is 3.2 A good GPA in university? ›Earning a 3.2 GPA, two-tenths above the national average GPA, is generally considered a good GPA. It shows academic proficiency and consistency, as well as makes you eligible to apply to a high number of colleges.
What is UC Santa Cruz acceptance rate? ›
What GPA is needed for UC Berkeley? ›| GPA and test scores of middle 25%-75% students | |
|---|---|
| High School GPA | 4.15 - 4.30 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 660 - 750 |
| SAT Mathematics | 680 - 790 |
| SAT Essay | 16 - 19 |
1. Harvard University — 3.19% With a record-low admission rate of just 3.19% for the class of 2026, Harvard currently ranks as the most difficult school to get into. This rate reflects admission into Harvard College, the Ivy League university's undergraduate school.
What GPA do you need to get into UC Irvine? ›GPA Requirement
You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “A-G” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.
The most popular majors at University of California, Santa Cruz include: Computer Science; Behavioral Sciences; Business/Managerial Economics; Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology; Sociology, General; Political Science and Government, General; Anthropology, General; Comparative Literature; Film/Video and Photographic ...
What is the average GPA for UCLA? ›The average GPA at UCLA is 3.9. This makes UCLA Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.
What GPA do you need to get into UCLA? ›| GPA and test scores of middle 25%-75% students | |
|---|---|
| High School GPA | 4.18 - 4.32 |
| ACT Composite Score | 29 - 32 |
| ACT English Language Arts | 30 - 35 |
| SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing | 670 - 760 |
The average admitted GPA for the College of Letters & Science at UC Berkeley is 4.2. For the College of Engineering, not including Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EE/CS), the average admitted GPA is over 4.3.
What is the easiest major to get into UC Berkeley? ›What Letter Grade is a 3.4 GPA? A GPA of 3.4 is an 89%, or a B+ average and indicates that you've likely earned a combination of high B and low A grades in all of your classes.
What is the #1 university in the world? ›
| Rank | University | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Rank | University | Score |
| 1 | California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 100.000 |
| 2 | Harvard University | 98.697 |
| 3 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 98.634 |
- Adams State University. Location: Alamosa, Colorado.
- University of Texas at El Paso. Location: El Paso, Texas. ...
- Eastern Washington University. ...
- Dickinson State University. ...
- Presentation College. ...
- Eastern Oregon University. ...
- Wright State University. ...
- Western Kentucky University. ...
Highly selective colleges and universities are often well regarded worldwide and can help open doors to more job opportunities. Based on an index of admissions rates and SAT scores, California Institute of Technology ranks as the hardest school in California to get into.
Is a GPA of 5.0 good? ›Typically, high schools that use weighted GPAs opt for the 0-5 scale that makes 5.0 the highest possible grade. A GPA higher than 5.0 is rare, but school point systems are occasionally structured so that students taking advanced classes can rack up bonus points.
Which UC has the highest acceptance rate? ›The UC with the highest acceptance rate is UC Merced at over 70% according to https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-easiest-and-hardest-UC-school-to-get-into.
Can you get a 6.0 GPA? ›Those course grades are typically weighted and are usually graded on a five-point scale instead of four points, so if you get a “B, it equates to a 4.0, and an “A” would give you a grade of 5.0. At some schools, honors classes and advanced placement courses would be figured on a 6.0 GPA format.