<p>I've see in admissions statistics publications a reference to "service area." I'm not sure if I saw it in a UC or CSU document though. I know that California community college transfer students get priority in admissions vs out of state transfer applicants but I was wondering if "service area" comes into play as well. For example, if I apply to UCSB and live/attended community college 35 miles away (next county over from Santa Barbara county) would I fall into the college's service area? Does this mean I'd have a better chance of getting in compared to someone else from California who lives 300 miles away?</p>
<p>If you had the exact same everything: GPA, ECs, Personal Statement, IGETC, same Major, and same amount of pre major requirements completed at the time of applying then yes you’d most likely have a 0.0005% better chance at admission. They do this because they feel if you are closer to home you may be one of their “commuter” students and not take up university housing and will be able to achieve better academics or so I’m told.</p>
<p>I could be wrong, but I don’t think UCs consider service area. On the other hand service area is a huge factor in most Cal States’ admissions since the schools were set up to be commuter schools. There are some Cal States, where an applicant could have a 4.0, but since s/he lives outside the service area, will still be denied. Meanwhile, another student with a 3.1 will be offered admission because he lives near the school.</p>
<p>I think it’s more heavily considered in the CSU system but the UC’s also glance at it if they’re having a hard time deciding.</p>
<p>Alright, thanks for the help guys. I’m liking that 0.00005% edge!</p>
<p>No lol it’s only 0.0005% not 0.00005% haha</p>
<p>What everyone else has said is right on the money. Although I’ve heard as of recently because of the lack of funding and influx of students, they are starting to look less at this statistic and give it less value. (Especially if you are a Spring applicant)</p>
<p>UC’s don’t accept spring applicants (except Merced, but who wants to go there lol) and few CSU’s are even accepting spring transfers so keep that in mind too.</p>
<p>Correction then. If you would have used scientific notation maybe I could have read it easier! 
And I do plan on transferring in the fall of 2014. That is when I’d have all my major prep done.</p>
<p>I’ll be able to do a transfer agreement this fall. As long as things go according to plan, service area should not be an issue. Just wanted to know in case the wheels fall off, then I’ll need any edge I can get.</p>