When can you transfer to UCSB /how hard

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

Hi! I am planning on beginning a 4 year university this fall. However this university does not have many of the things I was looking for in a college. I’m still planning on attending and giving this college a chance because my parents really really wanted me to give it a chance but I am almost positive I will end up transferring!
I was confused by the information about transferring on the UCSB website and had a few questions:

  1. When is the earliest a student can transfer? Would I be able to send a transfer application in my fall semester and transfer to UCSB second semester?
    2.what do colleges look at to judge students transferring after one semester? Is it mostly hs grades?
    3.does UCSB give out good financial aide / scholarships to transfers?
  2. How selective is UCSB with transfer students and what do they look for in their applications?

Thank you for any help!

2
  1. UCSB accepts Junior level transfers with a minimum of 60 semester/90 quarter units. They only accept transfers in the Fall so you would apply after you complete Freshman year at your 4 year university and you would matriculate the following Fall so a minimum of 2 years.
  2. You cannot transfer after 1 semester, but for UC transfers they will look at your college GPA, completion of required courses for your major and personal insight essays. HS grades/test scores, EC’s etc.. are not considered for UCSB transfers.
  3. UCSB gives good need-based aid if you are a California resident. If you are not, then do not expect any FA and plan to pay full fees at $65K/year.
  4. UCSB should be considered a selective college especially if you are transferring from a 4 year university. California community college students get priority followed by UC to UC, CSU to UC and CA private universities then finally out of state students.

If you are a CA resident, going the CA CC to UC transfer route is the best option.

What is your intended major?

3

I’m planning on majoring in economics & do have ap credit for ap Econ but according to their website to transfer into an Econ major I would need actual college credit not just ap credit

4

You are referring to this information? Since Econ is a selective major, there is specific and more restrictive criteria for transfers.

All Economics Applicants Must:
Complete four required major preparation courses: 1) macroeconomics, microeconomics and two calculus courses.

Advanced Placement exams in macroeconomics and microeconomics may NOT be used to satisfy major preparation requirements.
2) Attain a grade point average of 2.75 or better in the four required major preparation courses with no individual grade lower than “C.”
3) When completing an application for admission, applicants intending to major in economics should select an economics major as their first choice major. Applicants who would consider studying in an alternate field and who want the greatest opportunity for selection at UCSB, should consider selecting an alternate major outside of the Department of Economics. Students who are not admitted to economics may be admitted to an alternate major, but should expect to complete their degree in the major to which they were admitted.