UC Santa Cruz, How Do I Get In?!

Hi there! I hope your day is going great today and I’m here to ask for the advice I need! I am currently entering Junior Year and I’m really getting into searching colleges and working hard in order to get into the dream I have, getting into UC Santa Cruz. I am not the brightest student and I acknowledge that but I do truly believe that I can push myself to be better. I will list my stats/info below and it would mean the world to me if, you guys who have been accepted to UC Santa Cruz or any of the other colleges I will also list in my info, would give me advice on what I need to do to improve and my current chances on getting into the given schools. Thank you so much and I will appreciate your knowledge forever!

Info:

UC GPA: 3.75
SAT Estimate: 1220-1300

Key Club Officer
ASB
School Commissioner of Technology
Link Crew Leader
Cross Country
Model United Nations

Intended Major: Computer Science or Engineering

Freshman Classes:
Model UN Honors
Spanish 1 Honors
(P.E.)
English 1 Honors
Biology Honors
Math 2 Honors
Cross Country

Sophomore Classes:
Multimedia/Graphic Arts (Fine Arts Course)
Spanish 2
Model UN Honors
English 2 Honors
Chemistry
Math 3
Cross Country

Upcoming Junior Classes:
AP Language
AP Computer Science Principles
Spanish 3
AP US History/Model UN
ASB/Student Government
Advanced Topics in Biology
Precalculus
Cross Country JV

Desired Colleges: (No Specific Order)
UC Irvine
UC Santa Cruz (Dream School)
UC Davis
UC Santa Barbara
UC San Diego
(I’m willing to take recommendations for any other colleges!)

Thank you so much!!! Have a great day!

@Skyrunner17 Your stats as well as classes are pretty similar to my S who was accepted to UC Santa Cruz for next fall. Try to get your UC GPA above 3.8.his was 3.83. I hear that helps a lot. Most UCs cutoff at 3.8 or your chances really drop. Also are you 1st gen? He was not but I also hear that increases your chances. Any community service? Perhaps with MUN or church etc. that’s another thing they look at. Good luck!

@Skyrunner17: UCSC admits into the University first then into the “proposed major” since you still need to declare a major after taking the pre-req courses. For Engineering/CS, you do have to list your “proposed major” for the school of Engineering and admit stats are higher than for the general Freshman population due to the competitiveness of the College. I would say to be a solid candidate you need to be above the average UC capped weighted GPA so at least a 4.0+ with an SAT of 1330+ or ACT of 30+. Higher stats alone does not guarantee you an acceptance since your overall application will be evaluated especially your personal insight essays. Definitely apply, but make sure you have some solid safety and match schools on your list and apply widely.

  • SANTA CRUZ

  • Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores, State residency
  • Important: Character/personal qualities, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Geographical residence, Talent/ability
  • Considered: Volunteer work, Work experience
  • Note: Test scores, GPA in required subjects most important. Personal statement very important.
  • Admission Selection: Important Note for Prospective Engineering Students: Choice of major does not influence the selection of first-year students, except for those applicants interested in a major offered by the Jack Baskin School of Engineering (BSOE). Freshmen who are interested in a BSOE program should be sure to indicate a BSOE proposed major. Students who do not indicate a BSOE program or who apply as undeclared might not be able to pursue a BSOE program.