UCSB Computer Science

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Santa Barbara
1

Hi,
I’m currently a senior in high school wanting to be accepted to UCSB for Computer Science in the COE. I was wondering if any people currently enrolled in the program or have any insight about it know how competitive it is to get accepted into it. What kind of stats - sat, GPA, act, etc - does the COE want? Do they expect you to have any previous knowledge of Computer Science? What should my essays be about? Any help would be amazing! Thanks.

2

I only have 2017 CS data. Average UC GPA (capped weighted) was 4.15 and SAT scores for EBRW was 647 and SAT Math was 764. I am sure 2018 data will be slightly higher.

You should consider CS very competitive for any of the UC’s.

I do not have any more data other than what I have posted. Having some CS/programming knowledge should be an advantage but not necessary. Your essays should be about you so pick the 4 personal insight essays that will tell the admissions officers something about you they cannot ascertain from your academics.

3

Below is what UCSB considers important in their application review:

  • SANTA BARBARA
    *
  •   Very important: Academic GPA, Application essay, Rigor of secondary school record, Standardized test scores

  •   Considered: Character/personal qualities, Class rank, Extracurricular activities, First generation college student, Level of applicant's interest, State residency, Talent/ability, Volunteer work, Work experience

  •   Note: Eligibility established by high school GPA, course requirement, and SAT scores. Special consideration for disadvantaged students.
  • Freshman Selection:
    College of Letters and Sciences: Choice of major is not considered in selection to the College of Letters and Science. The exceptions to this rule are dance and music performance majors. Both majors require applicants to complete an audition in late January or early February.
College of Engineering: Students are selected by major for all engineering  and computer science majors. Only applicants with a solid background in     advanced high school mathematics will be considered for admission to        engineering. This includes high grades in all math courses through grade 11     and enrollment in pre-calculus or higher in grade 12. A student not selected    for their first choice major will be reviewed for admission to an alternate         major outside of the College of Engineering if one was selected.

College of Creative Studies:
Applicants to the College of Creative Studies submit a supplementary        application in addition to the general UC Application, which is reviewed by     Creative Studies faculty. Students are selected within Creative Studies         majors only. Applicants not selected for Creative Studies will automatically    be considered for admission to the College of Letters and Science.