2016 / 2017

admission guide

California First-Year Students

WORLDWIDE RECOGNITION worldwide for research influence, tied with MIT (2014, Times Higher Education World University Rankings)

• 1st

worldwide for research impact in molecular biology and genetics (2008, Science Watch)

• 1st

A Global Leader in Education & Research

nationally for research impact in physics (2007, Science Watch)

• 1st

• 2nd

nationally and eighth overall for universities under 50 years old (2015, Times Higher Education)

• 2nd

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES • Intensive

Part of the renowned University of California system that includes UC Berkeley and UCLA, UC Santa Cruz is known for the worldwide impact of its research and teaching and its commitment to undergraduate education.

• Opportunities

for Undergraduate Research in CuttingEdge Fields in the Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Physical and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences ugr.ue.ucsc.edu (Dolphin Research at UCSC’s Long Marine Lab Pictured Above)

• Field

Study and Internships in Nearby Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

• International

and National Honors Societies Such as Phi Beta Kappa and the Golden Key International Honour Society

• First-Year 2

Programs of Study

Honors Program honors.ucsc.edu

highest-ranked best-value public university in the U.S. (2015, U.S. News and World Report)

LEADER IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH In 2013, President Barack Obama presented UC Santa Cruz astronomer Sandra Faber with the National Medal of Science for her pioneering research on the formation and evolution of galaxies (see photo at right). ucsc.edu/about/achievements 3

Oakland

101

San Francisco

San Francisco International Airport

880 680

Sacramento

84 101

280

San Francisco

Santa Clara

San Jose International Airport

85

130

Lick Observatory

N

San Jose

Monterey

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

R

1

237

UCSC Extension Silicon Valley

SILICON VALLEY

O

UCSC UniversityAffiliated Research Center at NASA Ames

Santa Cruz

San Jose

F

87

Los Angeles

MOJAVE DESERT

IA

44

92

LI

Rarely will you find a location as inspiring as Santa Cruz, where opportunities and convenience are combined with magnificent natural beauty. For a virtual tour of UCSC with panoramic photos, see admissions.ucsc.edu/# virtualtour

580

A

• A

A Location Like No Other

spectacular campus featuring redwood forests, panoramic views of the Monterey Bay, and open meadows • The nearest UC campus to Silicon Valley, a worldwide center of technological innovation (less than 1 hour by car) • 1.5 hours by car from San Francisco • Next to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, with unique opportunities to study marine life in diverse ecosystems such as kelp forests • Over 300 sunny days a year • Outdoor recreational opportunities: beaches, state forests, hiking trails • Convenient to downtown Santa Cruz, with shops, restaurants, and movie theaters, and to the ocean (about 1 mile away from campus)

Oakland International Airport

C

STUDY ON THE BEAUTIFUL CENTRAL COAST

REDWOOD NATIONAL PARK

580

280

101

17

UC Santa Cruz Campus

152

Santa Cruz

Gilroy 1

129

Watsonville

156 101

Marina miles 0

5

10

Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey Monterey Regional Airport

Carmel

Salinas

UCSC Monterey Bay Education, Science, and Technology Center

5

UNDERGRADUATE MAJORS

Academic Life at UCSC Students can choose from 65 majors, 38 minors, and 52 academic concentrations in the Arts, Humanities, Engineering, Physical and Biological Sciences, and Social Sciences. Firstyear students can apply as “undeclared” and determine their major later as UCSC students.

6

Anthropology* Applied Physics Art Art and Design: Games and Playable Media Astrophysics (minor only)* Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology* Bioeducation Business Management Economics Chemistry* Biochemistry Environmental Chemistry Classical Studies* Cognitive Science Community Studies Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Dance (minor only)* Earth Sciences* Environmental Geology Ocean Sciences Planetary Sciences Science Education Earth Sciences/ Anthropology East Asian Studies (minor only)* Ecology and Evolution Economics* Economics/Mathematics Education (minor only for undergraduates)* Electronic Music (minor only)*

(IN BOLD) &

MINORS

Environmental Studies Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Environmental Studies/ Biology Environmental Studies/ Earth Sciences Environmental Studies/ Economics Feminist Studies Culture, Power, and Representation Law, Politics, and Social Change Science, Technology, and Medicine Sexuality Studies Film and Digital Media* Critical Studies Integrated Critical Practice Production German Studies Global Economics Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (minor only)* History* Americas and Africa Asia and the Islamic World Europe History of Art and Visual Culture* Religion and Visual Culture Human Biology Italian Studies* Jazz (minor only)* Jewish Studies*

(INDICATED WITH AN ASTERISK)

Language Studies* Chinese French German Italian Japanese Spanish Latin American and Latino Studies* Latin American and Latino Studies/Politics Latin American and Latino Studies/Sociology Legal Studies* Linguistics* Theoretical Linguistics Literature* Creative Writing English-language Literatures French Literature German Literature Greek and Latin Literatures Italian Literature Modern Literary Studies Pre- and Early Modern Studies Spanish/Latin American/ Latino Literatures World Literature and Cultural Studies Marine Biology Mathematics* Computational Mathematics Mathematics Education Pure Mathematics

(academic concentrations listed below the major)

Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology Music Neuroscience Philosophy* Physics* Physics (Astrophysics) Physics Education Plant Sciences Politics* Psychology Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education (minor only)*

Sociology* Spanish Studies Languages and Linguistics Literature and Culture Sustainability Studies (minor only)* Theater Arts* Dance Design and Technology Drama

Jack Baskin School of Engineering Applied Mathematics (minor only)* Bioengineering Assistive Technology: Cognitive/Perceptual Assistive Technology: Motor Bioelectronics Biomolecular Bioinformatics* Computer Engineering* Computer Systems Digital Hardware Networks Robotics and Control Systems Programming

Computer Science* Computer Science: Computer Game Design Electrical Engineering* Communications, Signals, Systems, and Controls Electronics/Optics Network and Digital Technology Robotics Engineering Statistics (minor only)* Technology and Information Management*

*Minor offered

Undergraduate Programs: admissions.ucsc.edu/majors Graduate Programs: graddiv.ucsc.edu/prospectivestudents/Programs.html 7

• Participation

in Educational Preparation Programs • Academic Accomplishment within Life Experiences • Geographic Location

Admission and Selection

Applying for Admission universityofcalifornia.edu/ apply Application available: August 1, 2015

UC SANTA CRUZ ADMISSIONS INFORMATION FOR CALIFORNIA FROSH The admission and selection process for freshmen to UC Santa Cruz reflects the academic rigor and preparation needed for admission to a major research institution. Qualifying for the University of California • Complete a minimum of 15 college-preparatory courses (“a-g” courses), with at least 8

11 finished prior to the beginning of your senior year. To view your school’s a-g course list, visit ucop. edu/agguide. The 15 courses are: a. History/social science, 2 years b. English, 4 years c. Mathematics, 3 years d. Laboratory science, 2 years e. Language other than English, 2 years f. Visual and performing arts, 1 year

g. College-preparatory elective, 1 year (chosen from the subjects listed above or another course approved by the university) • Earn a grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better in these courses with no grade lower than a C. • Meet the examination requirement by taking the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT no later than December of the senior year. California students who meet these qualifications may be “qualified in the statewide context,” or “qualified in the local context” (also referred to as ELC).

For more information, visit: admission.universityofcalifornia. edu/freshman and admissions.ucsc. edu/apply/freshman.html. Selection by UC Santa Cruz As a selective campus, UC Santa Cruz is unable to offer admission to all UC-qualified applicants. UCSC offers admission to freshman applicants according to the selection policy described on admissions. ucsc.edu/apply/freshman.html. Professionally-trained Admissions readers conduct an in-depth review of your academic and personal achievements. The 14 factors we consider are:

• Grade-Point Average

(GPA)

Scores Completed/Planned • Honors Courses • Eligibility in the Local Context • Quality of Senior-Year Program of Study • Educational Opportunities in California High Schools • Performance in Academic Subject Areas • Achievements in Special Projects • Improvement in Academic Performance • Special Talents, Achievements, and Awards

Application filing period: November 1-30, 2015

• Test

• Courses

Transferring from a California Community College About 25 percent of UCSC students do not begin their career as freshmen, but choose to enter the university by transferring from a community college. When making their transfer admission decisions, UCSC gives top priority to qualified junior transfers from California community colleges. admissions.ucsc.edu/apply/ transfer-students 9

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HIGHLIGHTS FOR FROSH Housing & Campus Life • A residential-college affiliation at one of 10 UCSC colleges, providing smaller communities of living and learning, advising, and a writingintensive core seminar • A two-year campus housing guarantee • Free access to campus shuttles and buses to get around campus and town

GET INVOLVED! SOME OF OUR 150+ STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Student Life at UCSC Come live and learn with us in a rigorous, yet caring academic environment that supports your success!

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African American Theater Arts Troupe African/Black Student Alliance Asian/Pacific Islander Student Alliance Cosplay Club Education for Sustainable Living Program (ESLP) Everett Program (formerly Global Information Internship Program) Filipino Student Association Greek Life (26 Fraternities and Sororities)

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Mock Trial at UCSC Model United Nations at UCSC Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (MEChA) Queer Student Union and Allies Sports Clubs Student Alliance of North American Indians (SANAI) Student Environmental Center University Economics Association (UEA) admissions.ucsc.edu/why-ucsc/ organizations.html

Health & Safety • A commitment to campus safety, with police and fire stations right on campus • The Student Health Center on campus, providing medical, counseling, and psychological services Sports & Recreation • Intercollegiate athletics and a worldfamous recreation program • NCAA Division III teams in men’s/ women’s basketball, cross-country, soccer, swimming/diving, tennis, and volleyball; women’s golf and track. goslugs.com Student Support Services • Opportunities for academic support, such as advising, tutoring, and Modified Supplemental Instruction

STUDENT PROFILES AUTUMN JOHNSON Major: Literature Hometown: Culver City, California High School: Culver City High School

“UCSC is a wonderful campus because there are a lot of resources inside and outside of the classroom. The faculty and staff are really helpful in helping students succeed in their courses as well as extracurricular endeavors.”

JUSTIN McCLENDON Major: Legal studies and politics double major Hometown: Acton, California High School: Vasquez High School “The natural beauty of UCSC, the UCSC community, and the proximity to San Francisco are why I chose UCSC. The natural beauty of UCSC and the Santa Cruz area compares to no other. Living in the forest and having the beach on the cliffs of Santa Cruz is amazing. The community of students, staff, and faculty were beyond nice and welcoming.”

admissions.sa.ucsc.edu/studentprofile 11

UC Santa Cruz Facts & Figures

ADMISSION FACTS

Admitted frosh fall 2015 profile

Number of countries represented by fall 2015 applicants: 96

(percentages of all admits whose scores fell in the ranges below)

U.S. states represented by fall 2015 applicants: all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands 2015 admission rate for frosh: 51.4% 12

4.0 or higher GPA: 40.7% 3.5 to 3.99 GPA: 51.1% 3.49 or lower GPA: 8.2% Mean GPA: 3.88 ACT Scores

SAT Scores

27 or higher: 62.0%

1800 or higher: 55.6%

22-26: 29.6%

1500-1799: 36.5%

21 or lower: 8.4%

1499 or lower: 7.9%

Comp.*: 27.6

Total*: 1846.8

Engl. w/Writing*: 26.5

Crit. Reading*: 599.0

Reading*: 28.0 Math*: 27.8 *mean

ENROLLMENT FACTS

New frosh hometowns, fall 2014

Undergraduate Ethnicities

Class size:

• Total

Los Angeles Area/South Coast 27.4%

UC Santa Cruz seeks to enroll and graduate a student body of diverse cultural, racial, geographical, and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fall 2014, the ethnic composition of undergraduates was African American, 4.0%; Native American, 1.1%; Asian American/Pacific Islander, 25.7%; Chicano/Latino, 30.8%; Euro-American, 34.6%; international, 2.2%; not stated, 1.6%.

•

enrollment for fall 2014: 17,866 16,277 undergraduates 1,589 graduate students

• Undergraduates:

52.8% women; 46.8% men; 0.4% unknown

San Francisco Bay Area

26.8%

Central Valley Area

12.4%

Monterey Bay Area/ Santa Clara Valley

11.6%

San Diego Area

10.0%

International

5.3%

Math*: 639.1

Out of State

5.0%

Writing*: 608.6

Other Northern California

1.5%

64% of undergraduate courses have fewer than 30 students; 76% have fewer than 50.

Student/faculty ratio: 20 to 1 Undergraduate research: over 70% of undergraduates conduct research during their UCSC careers. 13

Paying for a UCSC Education

ESTIMATED UNDERGRADUATE EXPENSES 2015-2016*

ON CAMPUS OFF CAMPUS Tuition and Fees* $13,482 $13,482 Food and Housing 15,123 9,891 Books and Supplies 1,449 1,449 Transportation 576 1,272 Personal Expenses 1,818 1,899 Campus Health Insurance** 2,634 2,634 Resident Totals $35,082 $30,627 Non-Resident Tuition* Non-Resident Totals

24,705 $59,787

24,705 $55,332

*Tuition and fees are subject to change. For updated information, see financialaid.ucsc.edu/cost.shtml **Campus health insurance is mandatory. The campus medical health insurance charge will be waived for students who provide proof of insurance.

FINANCIAL AID In 2014-15, more than $260 million in student aid was distributed to UC Santa Cruz undergraduates. For more information, please see

financialaid.ucsc.edu

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Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan UC’s Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan pays for educational and student services fees for California resident students with family incomes less than $80,000 a year. universityofcalifornia.edu/blueandgold

SUPPORT FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS AB540 Students and Dreamers • Assembly Bill 540 allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public universities in California. • The

California Dream Acts (Assembly Bill 130 and 131) extend eligibility for certain types of institutional and state aid to undocumented students. Instead of the FAFSA, undocumented students fill out the California Dream Act Application.

Resources for Further Support • UCSC’s Educational Opportunity Programs • El Centro/Chicano Latino Resource Center • Financial Aid and Scholarships Office financialaid.ucsc.edu/get-started/ Dreamers/Index.html

Middle Class Scholarship This scholarship is for California resident students with total family income under $150,000. The scholarship amount is based on a sliding scale.

admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/ paying-for-uc/glossary

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After Graduation RECENT ALUMNI & THEIR CURRENT ACTIVITIES

Brittany Alba (neuroscience, ’15), two-year fellowship at UC Berkeley’s Destination College Advising Corps, in preparation to become a teacher. Kristoffer Hellén (history, ’13), winner of the UCSC Steck Award for the best senior thesis of 2013, graduate student at the University of Indiana, studying Russian History. SOME WELL-KNOWN ALUMNI

Maya Rudolph (art,’95), actress and comedian, former cast member of Saturday Night Live whose recent film credits include Bridesmaids (2011) and Grown Ups 2 (2013). Dr. M. Sanjayan (biology Ph.D.,’97), executive vice president and senior scientist for Conservation International, host of the new ground-breaking PBS nature series EARTH A New Wild.

LEARN MORE THE SLUG CONNECTION Sign up for the Slug Connection, your personalized online connection to UC Santa Cruz Admissions! admissions.ucsc.edu/prospect

KEEP IN TOUCH! Facebook: facebook.com/UCSCAdmissions Twitter: twitter.com/ucsc_admission Instagram: instagram.com/ucscadmissions Admissions Representatives admissions.ucsc.edu/contact E-mail [email protected] Campus Tours admissions.ucsc.edu/ campustours Campus Address 1156 High Street Santa Cruz, California 95064

Virtual Tour

admissions.ucsc.edu/ #virtualtour

Produced by: UCSC Office of Admissions

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