By Barry Hirshfeld
Surrounded by the vast Pacific Ocean, University of California Santa Barbara possesses a calming coastal scenery contrasting with its immense and unrestrainable party scene, providing the perfect college experience for young adults looking to achieve their academic aspirations and memorable social experiences. A top-tier college in the United States, UCSB is ranked 5 among public universities in the nation according to “U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 ‘Best Colleges’ Rankings;” 28 compared to public and private in the “2022 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities.”
Possessing a diverse variety of academic opportunities, the most prominent majors at the research institution include: Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Communication, Journalism, Related Programs, Psychology, Visual and Performing Arts, Natural Resources and Conservation, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. UCSB is praised for its faculty’s accomplishments, possessing six winners of Nobel Prizes for landmark research in chemistry, physics and economics.
Pertaining to student life, most students inhabit cluttered yet cozy shared dorms and off-campus apartments in Isla Vista––which they solely utilize to nap throughout the day between their affairs. Students’ most common modes of transport remain walking and riding bike; furthermore, when attending parties and social events, it is almost impossible to travel with a motor vehicle, as the main streets are often filled with pedestrians.
With a 30 percent acceptance rate, UCSB remains an elite school––forcing its students to be at the top of their respective classes with an average range of a 4.04 to 4.28 weighted high school GPA, and a modernly irrelevant SAT score ranging between 1280 and 1520. To apply, individuals must complete the UC application, consisting of four personal essays and a lengthy form––due between November 1 and November 30 for 2022 fall applicants, I suggest you get these done soon if you are attempting to apply for next year’s quarter!