Hey everyone, I'm planning on applying to UCSB and majoring in Economics. I'm curious, does anyone know the acceptance rate specific to this major? I want to know if it's more competitive than other programs at the school. Thanks for any help!
Hello! It's difficult to find exact acceptance rates for specific majors within a university, as these numbers aren't usually made public by the institutions. That being said, I can give you a general idea about how competitive the Economics major might be at UCSB.
The Economics program at UCSB is well regarded and does have a level of competitiveness. However, the acceptance rate for this major is likely not drastically different from the overall acceptance rate at UCSB. The overall acceptance rate at UCSB for the class of 2026 was approximately 26-29%.
One important detail to consider is that UCSB has two Economics majors: the regular Economics major and the Economics and Accounting major. The Economics and Accounting major is more competitive since students also have to apply separately to the program upon completing the prerequisite courses. So, the acceptance rate for Economics and Accounting could be slightly lower than the overall university acceptance rate due to its specific requirements.
When applying, make sure to highlight your interest and proficiency in the subject, along with any related extracurricular activities, internships, or work experiences you have that showcase your qualifications and passion for Economics.
Finally, remember that individual college admissions offices review applications holistically. While your intended major will play a role in their decision, so will your academic background, test scores, essays, extracurricular involvement, and other factors. Best of luck with your application to UCSB!
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