Pacific Admissions Group
How to transfer to UC Santa Cruz (UCSC): acceptance rate, TAG and requirements
Requirements, deadlines, competitive majors and prerequisites for California community college students transferring to UC Santa Cruz.
67.5%
Transfer Admit Rate (fall 2026)
3.3
Median Admit GPA (est.)
96.5%
From CA Community Colleges (fall 2026)
Nov 30
Application Deadline
Short answer
UC Santa Cruz admitted 67.5% of transfer applicants for fall 2026 (9,141 of 13,546). To transfer, complete at least 60 semester (90 quarter) transferable units, the UC seven-course pattern and your major's preparation courses, then apply on the UC application by November 30. UCSC offers TAG, filed September 1–30.
UCSC transfer quick facts
Location
Santa Cruz, California
Admit terms
Fall and Winter
Fall is the main term. UCSC also admits winter transfers in most majors (winter 2027 filing was July 1–Aug 15, 2026)
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
2.4 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.0–3.5 (est.)
UCSC transfer requirements
Academic Requirements
UCSC transfer eligibility:
- 60 UC-transferable semester units
- Minimum 2.4 GPA (competitive admits est. 3.0–3.5)
- 7-course pattern completion
- CCC students given highest priority
Major Preparation
Major prerequisites are important:
- Check ASSIST.org for course articulation
- CS and engineering are most competitive
- STEM majors need strong math/science preparation
- Complete as many prerequisites as possible
UC Application
Standard UC application:
- Major prep prompt + 3 PIQs
- TAU due January 31
- UCSC values creativity and innovation
- Holistic review of academic and personal achievements
TAG Program
UCSC participates in TAG:
- Guaranteed admission for eligible CCC students
- File September 1–30
- All majors open to TAG at a 3.0 GPA; screening majors need extra major prep
- Strong transfer-friendly culture
Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)
If you qualify and file on time, TAG guarantees you a spot at UCSC before you apply.
What is TAG?
The Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) is a program that guarantees admission to six UC campuses - including UCSC - for eligible California Community College students who meet specific requirements.
TAG is filed separately from the UC application, during September 1–30. If you meet the GPA and course requirements for your chosen major, you are guaranteed admission. This is as close to a sure thing as exists in college admissions.
TAG Requirements
CCC enrollment - must be attending a California Community College
GPA threshold - 3.0 for all majors; screening majors (like Computer Science) also have major-prep requirements
30+ UC-transferable units completed by end of summer before TAG filing
Complete major prerequisites by spring before transfer
File by September 30 - the TAG portal closes and does not reopen
Competitive transfer majors at UCSC
Accept rates and competitive GPAs below are our estimates, not official UC figures.
Baskin School of Engineering
Computer Science
Most competitive major at UCSC. Growing program with Silicon Valley connections.
Low
Accept Rate
3.4+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Baskin School of Engineering
Computer Game Design
Unique and popular program combining CS and art.
Low
Accept Rate
3.3+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Division of Social Sciences
Psychology
Popular major with moderate transfer competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Division of Social Sciences
Economics
Solid economics program with manageable competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.1+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Division of Physical & Biological Sciences
Biology
Strong research-oriented biology program.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.2+
Competitive GPA (est.)
Division of the Arts
Film & Digital Media
Popular creative arts program near Silicon Valley.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA (est.)
UCSC transfer timeline
September 1–30
TAG Application
File TAG application. TAG decisions come out around November 15.
October 1 – November 30
UC Application
Submit UC application.
January 31
TAU Deadline
Report fall grades and spring plans.
April–May
Decisions Released
UCSC releases transfer decisions.
How we help you get into UCSC
TAG Strategy
UCSC has generous TAG options. We ensure you're positioned to qualify.
Course Planning
ASSIST-based planning for your CC-to-UCSC pathway.
CS/Engineering Strategy
Specialized support for Baskin School of Engineering applicants.
PIQ Development
Essay coaching that highlights creativity and initiative.
Application Review
Complete application review before submission.
Decision Support
Help comparing offers if admitted to multiple UCs.
See how our transfer consulting works and our prices and packages, or read whether a consultant is worth it for you.
About the author
Manraj, Founder of Pacific Admissions Group
Manraj transferred from a California community college and was admitted to UC Berkeley Haas, UCLA Business Economics, USC Marshall and UC Irvine Merage. He enrolled at Haas. More about us
Official sources
Requirements and deadlines change every year. Confirm the details for your major on the official pages below. Last reviewed October 2026.
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