UCSC Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at UCSC is 46.9%.  Its admission rate is the 30th lowest in California.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into UCSC and can you get accepted?

UCSC is a more competitive school to get into. You have a good chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 30,926 out of the 65,912 who applied were admitted.

University of California Santa Cruz typically accepts and attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.63. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top ten percent of their high school class or better. 12% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into UCSC?

47% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to University of California Santa Cruz you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.63 or better
• Earn B+ grades in high school
• Score 1260 on the SAT
• Score 29 on the ACT
• Graduate in the top 10% of your high school class

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into University of California Santa Cruz?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into UCSC are to have around a 3.63 high school GPA. You are required to have very good grades in high school.

Even with a competitive GPA, admission to UCSC will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at UCSC is 3.63 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B+ letter grades and regularly score around 87-89 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #35 in California for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since UCSC is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.6 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.

 What do these chances mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required by University of California Santa Cruz. The school has a test blind policy.

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to University of California Santa Cruz?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at UCSC is 1260 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1160-1360. Students who get into University of California Santa Cruz score in the top 31 percent of all SAT test takers..  UCSC ranks #26 in the state of California and #242 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 1260 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. UCSC regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1160 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1160, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1060, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

University of California Santa Cruz is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 1260 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1260, you have around a 47% chance of being admitted. A 1360 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 63% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into UCSC?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to UCSC is 29, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 25 and 33.  The school ranks #21 in California and #156 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 29. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 25 and score in the score in the top 22 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 21.

40 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to University of California Santa Cruz.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as University of California Santa Cruz is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not considered for admission, even if submitted (test blind)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into UCSC for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 29 score has around 47% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 63% with a 33 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

94% of University of California Santa Cruz freshman are in the top ten percent of their high school graduating class. For your application to be competitive, you need to graduate at the top of your class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2024 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to University of California Santa Cruz is $70.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to University of California Santa Cruz and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because UCSC is fairly competitive, you have a decent chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.63 GPA, you have a good shot at getting in. An SAT score of 1260 will further improve your application. If you can get a 1360 on the SAT you will have a very good chance on getting in. Additionally a 29 on the ACT places you in a strong position.