Does UCSC have a competitive admissions process?

I'm looking at UC Santa Cruz as one of my potential schools. How tough is it to get admitted there, and what are the admissions requirements like? Is there anything specific that UCSC looks for in applicants?

UC Santa Cruz (UCSC) is a fairly selective school with an acceptance rate that can vary from year to year, but it usually falls around 50-60%. As for admission requirements, they typically seek students who have completed a rigorous high school curriculum, particularly in mathematics and science for STEM-focused majors.

In terms of academics, for in-state applicants, UCSC requires a minimum 3.0 weighted GPA for California residents and a 3.4 GPA for out-of-state residents. However, keep in mind that these are just the minimum requirements and the admitted students' average GPA is usually much higher. Since 2024-2025 application cycle, like other UC schools, UCSC is test-blind, meaning SAT and ACT scores are not considered in admissions.

UCSC, along with the other UC schools, uses a holistic review process. This means they consider factors beyond your GPA and academics, such as your extracurriculars, work experience, community service, and personal essays. They look for students who have demonstrated leadership and involvement in their communities, and the personal insight questions are a key part of demonstrating who you are beyond your academic achievements.

Specifically, for the personal insight questions, UCSC expects you to respond to four out of eight prompts with a maximum of 350 words each. They tend to favor essays that are personal, introspective, and demonstrate a solid understanding of yourself and your ambitions.

In essence, UC Santa Cruz looks for academically strong candidates with evidence of personal initiative, active involvement in their communities, and strong writing skills as demonstrated in their personal essays. Admissions can indeed be competitive, so it's ideal to aim for a strong academic profile, along with showcasing who you are and what you can contribute to the UCSC community through your extracurriculars and essays.