<p>I've been out of High school for a little over a year, almost two years. I want to go to UCSB, my gpa is around a 3.45. And I'm out of state, I live in Nevada.</p>
<p>I've read that I can gain admittance by test scores alone. I took the act a couple months back for the hell of it and I got a 31 on English and a 27 in the math section, without any studying and only 3 hours of sleep. I was going to study like hell and take it again and hopefully get my scores around a 32-33.</p>
<p>Would that be good enough to get into UCSB? I've read that the average ACT scores for students that go there is a 26.</p>
<p>To be honest, I don't think so. UCSB is mainly gpa and the fact that you are an OOS student, makes it even tougher. I know someone who applied instate with around your gpa and a very high SAT, but got rejected. </p>
<p>It'll be tough. You're definitely going to have to write some incredible ass essays.</p>
<p>You're going to be applying as a freshman then,</p>
<p>In that case I'm afraid shiomi is correct, your GPA tends to be something of the major component to your acceptance. Make no mistake, ACT scores are very important too but in this case you'll want to make sure you write a solid essay.</p>
<p>There are lots of help and people who can review said essays at your school and online. Best of luck.</p>
<p>Are you able to pay the $46K cost for 5 years? That's probably the hardest part of anyone from OOS considering a UC. While it looks like they did give a few OOS applicants grants this year, they in no way meet need with aid.</p>
<p>Financially, it might make more sense to move to CA, work during the day, take a few classes at a community college to get some credits, then apply to UCSB as in-state.</p>