A Message from the Executive Director

Greetings from UC Santa Barbara!

September always feels like a fresh start. Here at UCSB, we are gearing up to start a new school year. This weekend, roughly 7,000 new Gauchos will move in and start classes on September 25th. Your students are now our students, and we’re excited to support them as they begin their UCSB journey. See a snapshot of fall 2025 on UCSB's Horizon Counselor Newsletter.

September also means ‘travel season’ is in full swing. Our team is out visiting schools and attending college fairs. You and your students can track us on the UCSB College Fair Map.
Will you be at NACAC this week? I’d love to see you! Stop by the UCSB table at the NACAC College Fair for a hug and some merch (while supplies last!). 

At the heart of admissions, our role is clear: guide students through the application process, review each application with care, and welcome the next generation of Gauchos to our
campus. Every student is more than an application. Each application takes time (and
sometimes tears). On behalf of the UCSB Admissions team, thank you for supporting students through the UC application. We cannot do what we do without YOU. 


Announcements

  • Fall Counselor Webinars are posted. Join us for live chats this fall or watch the 
    recordings on our Counselor Webinar Playlist. The next webinar is happening on
    September 16th at 10:00 AM PT to share all of the new and exciting UCSB Campus
    Updates.     See the full list of counselor webinars on our website.
    • Need guidance on navigating the Academic History section of the UC Application?
       Check out our brand new counselor webinar recording: All About Academics.
  • Students can receive direct support with the UC Application by registering for one of our virtual admissions events. We have the following options for you and your students:
    • UC Application Overview (California, Out of State, and International student options)
    • UC Personal Insight Questions (PIQ) Overview
    • UC Activities & Awards (Freshman focused)
    • NEW: We've created supplemental UC application videos to share with your students. Check out the 'Breaking Down the PIQs' and 'UC Application Mythbusters' series.'


Freshman/High School Updates
  • We are excited to welcome Kennady Reason, our new Assistant Director to the UCSB High School Services team. Students can find their freshman admissions counselor by using our Find Your Counselor Tool!
  • Although we are not able to accommodate all in-person visit requests, we continue to offer limited virtual high school visit presentations based on scheduling and staffing availability. If interested in a virtual visit between October or November, submit your request today.
 

Transfer Updates

We love transfers! It is our sincere goal to see your transfer students supported through their journey. Here's what you need to know this month:

  • The UCSB Transfer Admissions Guarantee (TAG) application is open. Students have until September 30, 2025. to apply. We'll be hosting TAG workshops to answer questions for you, your students, and their families. Please share these opportunities with your students.
  • We've updated our Transfer Resource Playlist. These videos answer questions about transfer eligibility. AP/IB for transfer, and more. Please share with your colleagues, students, and friends.
  • We encourage students in high school who know they want to start a community college to connect with us in their senior year. They can see our Transfer Prep programs, set up time with a transfer counselor, and more.

Visitor Center

  • If you are looking to bring a group of students to visit UC Santa Barbara, please submit a Group Visit Request! Our Group Coordinator will work with you to book a date and time for your visit. Visit options include Guided Campus Tours, Admissions Presentations, and Self-Guided Campus Tours. We are currently confirming group visits through December 2025 but you are welcome to submit a request for future dates as well.
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Office of Admissions
University of California, Santa Barbara
1210 Cheadle Hall, Santa Barbara, CA 93106
admissions@ucsb.edu | (805) 893-2881