Freshmen Admissions and Preparation

Given the strength of its programs and its national reputation, it is not surprising that UCSB's College of Engineering receives applications from more qualified students than can be admitted. Each applicant must apply to a specific major. Applicants with the strongest qualifications are admitted. The exact level of performance required to gain admission to the College varies from year to year and from major to major depending on the size and quality of the applicant pool and the number of available enrollment spaces. The College accepts applications for the fall term only and gives preference to freshmen and upper-division transfer students.

When admitting freshmen, the College considers grade point average in college preparatory courses, standardized test scores with an emphasis on mathematics scores, completion of coursework beyond the university's A-G requirements and completion of advanced placement and honors courses, especially those in science and math.

Examination Requirement

SAT Reasoning Test (or ACT plus Writing) and two SAT Subject Tests

Subject Requirement

Students must successfully complete UC-approved courses in these A-G subject areas with a 'C' grade or better:

Three years of mathematics, including pre-calculus or calculus
Two years lab science, to include physics, biology or chemistry
Four years college-preparatory English
One year U.S. history and one year world history
Two years of language other than English
One year of visual or performing arts
One year college preparatory elective

Students should be sure that the classes they take are on their school's UC Certified Course List, available from the high school or community college's academic counselor, or at http://pathways.ucop.edu/doorways/list.

Advanced Placement Credit

Students may satisfy some of the requirements of the College of Engineering through the College Board Advanced Placement Tests. For a complete listing of AP articulations, see the UCSB General Catalog. A few examples of AP credit are:

Computer Science-AB - With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Examination AB, equivalent credit will be granted for Computer Science 5NM.

English - With a score of 3, equivalent credit will be granted for the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement (Writing 1 or 1E). With a score of 4, equivalent credit will be granted for the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement and Writing 2 or 2E. With a score of 5, equivalent credit will be granted for the UC Entry Level Writing Requirement, Writing 2 or 2E, and Writing 50 or 50E.

History - With a score of 3, 4, or 5 in American history, 8 units of credit toward graduation will be awarded, and the student will be given credit for one course in general education Area D. If the score of 3, 4, or 5 is in European history, 8 units of credit toward graduation will be granted, and the student will be given credit for one course in general education Area E. Advanced placement credit in American history will satisfy the American history and institutions requirement.

Mathematics - With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Examination AB, equivalent credit will be granted for Mathematics 3A. A score of 5 may be substituted by petition for Mathematics 3A and 3B at the student’s request; however, students with scores of 4 or 5 may take Mathematics 3B for full credit. With a score of 3, 4, or 5 on Examination BC, equivalent credit will be granted for Mathematics 3A-B; students should enroll in Mathematics 3C.

Admissions Contact

Freshman Admissions - Office of Admissions
Email: admissions@sa.ucsb.edu
Phone: (805) 893-2485 or (805) 893-2487

UCSB Engineering