Guide to Applying for International Applicants and Students with

International Records

D I F F E R E N T

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D E S I G N

The University of California, Santa Cruz is a world renowned research university south of San Francisco adjacent to Silicon Valley.Whether you study with us online or on our beautiful campus next door to Silicon Valley, join us as we break new ground in technology, biosciences, humanities, and the arts!

Admitted freshmen fall 2020 profile

Scholarships

UC Santa Cruz’s Undergraduate Dean’s Scholarships and Awards range from $12,000 to $40,000, split over four years and applied to non-resident tuition.

These scholarships and awards are only available to admitted non-resident students, based mostly on their academic achievement as determined by the UC Application. No separate application is required.

Estimated Total Yearly Investment for International Students, 2020-21:

$66,738 $65,079On campus Off campus

Top Ranked U.S. University

In 2019, UC Santa Cruz was honored with election to the 65-member Association of American Universities, one of the most prestigious honors in higher education. This membership recognizes our high-impact research, along with our achievements in social mobility.

3.5 TO 3.99 GPA

4.0 OR HIGHER GPA 3.49 OR LOWER GPA

48.6%41.6%

9.8%3.91MEAN GPA

Academic Preparation for International Applicants

The process of international freshman applicants to UC Santa Cruz reflects the rigor and preparation needed to succeed within the University of California system. UC Santa Cruz uses a holistic approach in selecting freshmen for admission. Each applicant is thoroughly reviewed to determine the full spectrum of their academic and personal achievements. Experienced admissions readers with expertise in curricula and educational systems from around the world conduct an in-depth review. To be considered for admission to UC Santa Cruz as a freshman, international applicants must meet the following:

Students must be in the final year of high school or have received a high school diploma or equivalent credential. The diploma or equivalent credential must be one that will allow you to enter a university in that country’s educational system or a U.S. university.

Students must complete a well-rounded college-preparatory program represented by the 15 academic courses below (often referred to as ‘a-g’ courses) to be eligible for admission to the University of California. International applicants should have a 3.4 GPA or better, weighted by a maximum of 8 semesters of honors points.

A-G Courses

· 2 years of history/social science· 4 years of English composition and literature

(or the language in which you are instructed)· 3 years of math including geometry and

advanced algebra· 2 years of laboratory science· 2 years of a second language· 1 year of visual and performing arts (if available)· 1 additional course

*note: qualifying courses taken during 7th-8th grade will count for some requirements

UC Santa Cruz will no longer use standardized exam scores (ACT/SAT) in our holistic review and selection process. Like all UC campuses, we consider a broad range of factors when reviewing a student’s application, from academics to extracurricular achievement and response to life challenges. No admission decision is based on a single factor. Exam scores may still be used to meet area b of the a-g subject requirements as well as the UC Entry Level Writing requirement.

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Scholarships

UC Santa Cruz’s Undergraduate Dean’s Scholarships and Awards range from $12,000 to $40,000, split over four years and applied to non-resident tuition.

These scholarships and awards are only available to admitted non-resident students, based mostly on their academic achievement as determined by the UC Application. No separate application is required.

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Award-winning Campus

UC Santa Cruz is one of the world’s most spectacular university campuses, with wide ocean views, footpaths, and bridges through forests of giant redwood trees. The campus is divided into 10 residential colleges, each with its own academic advisers and faculty provosts.

Our Undergraduate Majors Follow your passion!

Join us! Go to admissions.ucsc.edu

AgroecologyAnthropologyApplied Linguistics and MultilingualismApplied MathematicsApplied PhysicsArtArt and Design: Games and Playable MediaBiochemistry and Molecular BiologyBiologyBiomolecular Engineering and BioinformaticsBiotechnologyBusiness Management EconomicsChemistryClassical StudiesCognitive ScienceCommunity StudiesComputer EngineeringComputer ScienceComputer Science: Computer Game DesignCritical Race and Ethnic StudiesEarth SciencesEarth Sciences/AnthropologyEcology and EvolutionEconomicsEconomics/MathematicsEducation, Democracy, and JusticeElectrical EngineeringEnvironmental SciencesEnvironmental StudiesEnvironmental Studies/Biology Environmental Studies/Earth SciencesEnvironmental Studies/EconomicsFeminist StudiesFilm and Digital MediaGlobal Economics

HistoryHistory of Art and Visual CultureHuman BiologyItalian StudiesJewish StudiesLanguage StudiesLatin American and Latino StudiesLatin American and Latino Studies/PoliticsLatin American and Latino Studies/SociologyLegal StudiesLinguisticsLiteratureMarine BiologyMathematicsMathematics EducationMolecular, Cell, and Developmental BiologyMusicNetwork and Digital TechnologyNeurosciencePhilosophyPhysicsPhysics (Astrophysics)Plant SciencesPoliticsPsychologyRobotics EngineeringScience EducationSociologySpanish StudiesTechnology and Information ManagementTheater ArtsUndeclared/Undecided (freshmen can pick an Advising Cluster and declare their major later)

Testing Requirements for International Applicants

English Proficiency Requirement - If an applicant attends a school in a country where English is not the official language of instruction or if English is not the primary language of instruction (i.e. a bilingual school), applicants will need to show proficiency in English. To be admitted, the minimum IELTS score is 6.5 and minimum TOEFL is 80. For more information please see: admissions.ucsc.edu/apply/international-students/english-proficiency.html

Note: The SAT/ACT is now optional for all freshman applicants beginning fall 2021. However, all applicants should report scores for any SAT Subject Tests, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, TOEFL, or IELTS exams they have taken.

INDIA You must complete both year X and XII state board or CBSE examinations, with average marks above 70 and no mark lower than 60.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATEIf you are completing your IB diploma or taking some IB courses, make sure to report your IB status in your application. Follow the instructions in the application for reporting IB coursework and examinations. We are typically seeking marks of 5 and above.

13-YEAR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMSYou must complete all 13 years before entering the University of California. You must graduate from secondary school, earning a certificate of completion that enables you to attend a university in your country.

BRITISH SYSTEM ( INCLUDING SINGAPORE)You must complete at least 5 IGCSE/GCSE/GCE O Levels, and at least 3 GCE A Levels to be considered for admission.

Deadline to Submit ApplicationNovember 30

Apply Onlineapply.universityofcalifornia.edu

Produced by UC Santa Cruz Office of Undergraduate Admissions, 7/20. Statistics and budgets are subject to change. For the most current information, visit: admissions.ucsc.edu.