UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC)
Santa Cruz, CA 17,812 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
UC SystemCalifornia
Accept
61.3%
Yield
10.4%
Test
Blind
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%)
Not used
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
Not used
SAT Math (mid 50%)
Not used
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
Not used
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTEAverage GPA of 3.89
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$56,760
Total COA
$86,898
Avg need-based aid
$21,438
Avg merit award
$6,081
Net price after avg need aid
$65,460
UC Santa Cruz meets 0.78% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Regents Scholarship
$5,000 – $5,000 / yr (renewable)
Sabatte Family Scholarship
$9,000 – $17,000 / yr (renewable)
Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Award
$10,000 – $10,000 / yr (renewable)
AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
UC Santa Cruz's AP Policy
UCSC awards unit credits for AP exams with scores of 3, 4, or 5. The number of quarter units awarded varies by exam. Some exams may also satisfy general education requirements or be equivalent to specific UCSC courses.
Min score
3
Credit cap
32 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankConsidered
- Academic GPAVery Important
- Standardized test scoresNot Considered
- Application EssayVery Important
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
As a preeminent public research university, UC Santa Cruz transforms California and the world through groundbreaking discoveries, creative scholarship, public service, and educational opportunity.
Distilled Themes
Public research universityGroundbreaking discoveriesCreative scholarshipEducational opportunity
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01UCSC is a great option for students who are looking for a top-tier research university with a strong commitment to social and environmental justice.
- 02The university is known for its interdisciplinary programs and its focus on experiential learning.
- 03Students who are independent, creative, and intellectually curious will thrive at UCSC.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in a challenging curriculum.
- 02Highlight your passion for learning and your commitment to making a difference in the world.
- 03Showcase your unique talents and experiences, and explain how you will contribute to the UCSC community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest in the university and its programs
- A generic application that does not reflect the student's individual personality and passions
- A failure to address any academic or personal challenges in the application
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Marine Biology; Computer Science: Game Design; Environmental Studies; Astrophysics; Film and Digital Media
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Decision release is late February to mid-March 2026.
Dec 1, 2025
→ Mar 15, 2026
Early Decision I
Not offered
—
Early Decision II
Not offered
—
Early Action
Not offered
—
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2024-2025)
Not trackedWeight: Not Considered
UCSC does not track demonstrated interest; their official policy states that all applicants are evaluated on the same criteria.
Save the energy
Do not spend effort on interest signals — focus on essays and academics instead.
Provenance