Everything you need to know about transferring to UC Santa Cruz - from requirements and deadlines to competitive majors and insider strategies.
62%
Transfer Accept Rate
3.3
Median Admit GPA
94%
From CA Community Colleges
Nov 30
Application Deadline
At a Glance
Location
Santa Cruz, California
Quarter System
Fall Only
No spring or winter transfer admits
Minimum Units
60 semester / 90 quarter
Junior-level standing required
Minimum GPA
2.4 (CA residents)
Competitive admits average 3.0–3.5
What You Need
UCSC evaluates transfer applicants holistically. Here's what you need to be competitive.
UCSC transfer eligibility:
Major prerequisites are important:
Standard UC application:
UCSC participates in TAG:
Strategic Advantage
TAG is one of the most powerful tools available to CCC transfer students applying to UCSC.
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.
CCC enrollment - must be attending a California Community College
GPA threshold - varies by major, typically 3.0–3.5 range
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
Know the Landscape
Acceptance rates vary by major. Understanding the competitive landscape is key to a smart application strategy.
Baskin School of Engineering
Most competitive major at UCSC. Growing program with Silicon Valley connections.
Low
Accept Rate
3.4+
Competitive GPA
Baskin School of Engineering
Unique and popular program combining CS and art.
Low
Accept Rate
3.3+
Competitive GPA
Division of Social Sciences
Popular major with moderate transfer competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA
Division of Social Sciences
Solid economics program with manageable competition.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.1+
Competitive GPA
Division of Physical & Biological Sciences
Strong research-oriented biology program.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.2+
Competitive GPA
Division of the Arts
Popular creative arts program near Silicon Valley.
Moderate
Accept Rate
3.0+
Competitive GPA
Key Dates
Missing a deadline can cost you an entire year. Here are the dates that matter.
September 1–30
File TAG application.
October 1 – November 30
Submit UC application.
January 31
Report fall grades and spring plans.
April–May
UCSC releases transfer decisions.
Pacific + UCSC
Our team provides expert guidance tailored specifically to UC Santa Cruz transfer admissions.
UCSC has generous TAG options. We ensure you're positioned to qualify.
ASSIST-based planning for your CC-to-UCSC pathway.
Specialized support for Baskin School of Engineering applicants.
Essay coaching that highlights creativity and initiative.
Complete application review before submission.
Help comparing offers if admitted to multiple UCs.