If you’re reading this, you’re likely wondering whether or not your child has a shot at getting into the University of California, Santa Cruz. We don’t blame you: On a hillside in a redwood forest overlooking Monterey Bay, just outside downtown Santa Cruz and near the Pacific Ocean, the University of California, Santa Cruz might boast one of the best campus locations of any school in the United States.  

While there’s no copy-and-paste format for a successful application to UC Santa Cruz (or to any school, for that matter), we’re going to dive into some of the features that unite the students who gain admission to Santa Cruz. But first, let’s look at what sets UC Santa Cruz apart from other schools. 

About UC Santa Cruz

UC Santa Cruz, although it has just shy of 20,000 students, is able to maintain a small school feel with its residential college system. UC Santa Cruz students live in one of ten residential colleges (which doesn’t impact choice of major), each of which provides a built-in community with its own events, programs, and academic support. Not to mention each of them is stunning! 

If your child has a green thumb, UC Santa Cruz might be the place for them. UC Santa Cruz has its own farm on campus, and it played a pivotal role in the American organic farming movement. 

The acceptance rate for the UC Santa Cruz Class of 2028 (the most recently available data) 62.54%. While this isn’t exactly competitive in terms of college admissions, it’s still no walk in the park. Getting into UC Santa Cruz will require strategic planning (and the help of Ivy Coach’s college admissions experts certainly wouldn’t hurt!). 

UC Santa Cruz Admissions Requirements

Obviously, GPA, standardized testing scores, and extracurricular achievements are the key components of a successful application to UC Santa Cruz and to any school. That being said, what do these components actually look like for Santa Cruz admits? Without further ado, let’s dive in!

What Kind of GPA Is Necessary To Get Into UC Santa Cruz?

Applicants should note that California residents need a GPA of 3.00 or higher to be eligible for admission to UC Santa Cruz, and non-residents of California need a GPA of 3.40 or higher to be eligible.

GPA Percentage of University of California, Santa Cruz Class of 2028

The following is the GPA breakdown of the members of the University of California, Santa Cruz  Class of 2028: 

GPA	Percentage of University of California, Santa Cruz Class of 2028
4.0	45.53%
3.75-3.99	33.31%
3.5-3.74	16.31%
3.25-3.49	3.93%
3.0-3.24	0.85%
2.5-2.99	0.07%
2.0-2.49	0%
1.0-1.99

What Kind of SAT or ACT Scores Are Needed To Get Into UC Santa Cruz?

None! That’s right: UC Santa Cruz is a test-free school. 

What Classes Do Students Need to Take to Get Into UC Santa Cruz?

UC Santa Cruz lists the following as their minimum academic requirements for applicants: 

The “A-G” requirements, also called Academic Subject Requirements, represent the minimum academic preparation you must meet to be eligible for admission to the University of California.

A. Two years of history — One year of world or European history, cultures and geography, and one year of U.S. history or one half-year of U.S. history and one half-year of American government or civics

B. Four years of English

C. Three years of mathematics (four years recommended) — Must include algebra, geometry, and advanced algebra

D. Two years of science (three years recommended) — Must include two years of laboratory science, however additional years can include a range of disciplines such as: applied science, engineering, computer science, and other integrated science courses.

E. Two years of a language other than English (three years recommended) — The second year or higher of the same language must be completed to fulfill this requirement

F. One year of visual and performing arts — A yearlong course chosen from the following disciplines: dance, drama/theater, music, visual art, or interdisciplinary arts

G. One year of college-preparatory electives

Of course, we at Ivy Coach would not recommend merely three years in any core subject. Highly selective colleges like UC Santa Cruz want to see students excelling in each core subject (English, history, math, science, and foreign language) all four years of high school. In fact, they expect to see five years for foreign language since most students begin their first level of foreign language in eighth grade.

What Kinds of Extracurriculars Does UC Santa Cruz Like To See?

We’re going to clear up a common misunderstanding: highly selective colleges are not looking for well-rounded students. They’re looking for a well-rounded student body comprised of students who are each singularly talented. 

In terms of extracurriculars, that means UC Santa Cruz is looking for depth over breadth. If you’re a member of the debate team, the robotics team, the field hockey team, and the drama department…well, then, you’re merely a member of those groups. You don’t stand out in any of these pursuits. UC Santa Cruz would much rather accept a nationally ranked debate champ than a kid who spent an hour or two on debate a week because he spent the rest forgetting Shakespeare lines and fumbling the ball in football practice. 

University of California, Santa Cruz Application Requirements

All University of California campuses, including UC Santa Cruz, require applicants to use the exclusive University of California application system. Strangely, UC Santa Cruz does not accept letters of recommendation. UC Santa Cruz asks applicants to submit four short-answer responses from eight choices.

Does UC Santa Cruz Require An Interview? 

UC Santa Cruz does not require an interview, and, in fact, they don’t even offer one!

What Are University of California, Santa Cruz’s Application Deadlines? 

Applications to UC Santa Cruz are due Dec. 1, a bit on the earlier side (most schools are in January) so make sure to plan ahead. 

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Get Into UC Santa Cruz 

If you’re interested in discerning if your child has a shot of getting into UC Santa Cruz, we recommend setting up Ivy Coach’s Strategy Session. Not only will you find out if your child has a chance of getting into UC Santa Cruz, but you’ll receive a game plan of how your child can optimize their admission to the best school possible.