What constitutes a completed application?
An application is considered complete once:
- The online application has been completed and submitted
- The application fee has been paid.
- Please note the application fee is paid to the Graduate Division. If you need assistance with processing your payment of the application fee please contact the Graduate Division at: graddiv-gdadmissions@ucsb.edu
- All transcripts, supplemental documents(Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, Personal Achievements Statement), letters of recommendation and scores have been received
- Statement of Purpose: is a brief statement outlining your reasons for undertaking our graduate program, particular area of specialization within the major field, past academic work and academic goals. You may also include names of UCSB ECE faculty whose research field interests you most.
- Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Personal Achievements/Contributions Statement: should describe aspects of your personal background, accomplishments or achievements that you feel are important in your contribution to a diverse population at UCSB. For example, include any economic challenges experienced while achieving higher education, any unusual or varied life experiences that might contribute to the diversity of the graduate group like fluency in other languages, experience in living in bicultural communities, academic research interests focusing on cultural, societal or educational problems as they affect underserved segments of society or evidence of an intention to use the graduate degree toward serving disadvantaged individuals or populations.
- Three letters of recommendation: While three letters are required, applicants can submit up to four letters of recommendation. Academic references are preferred, although applicants may submit one letter from industry.
- Transcripts: Official transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission - they should include grading scale and appropriate institution seals/stamps). If noted on the transcript, please black/cross out all social security numbers.
- International Applicants: Degree certificates required (if degree is awarded) AND original language and certified English translation transcripts required.
- TIPS for uploading official transcripts:
- Must be current transcripts with institution name/identifying marks (e.g., logos, seals, stamps...) and transcript legend or university key (grading scale)
- Do not upload transcripts from secondary or higher secondary schools
- Only PDFs accepted with a 10 MB size maximum
- Black and white copies are sufficient
- Ensure scan can print on letter-size paper - 8 ½ by 11 in (21 ½ by 30 cm)
- Select the “view document” button to verify whether transcript(s) meet all requirements
NOTE: UC Santa Barbara reserves the right to require official transcripts at any time during the admissions process, and rescind any offer of admission if discrepancies between uploaded and official transcript(s) are found.
- GRE scores: Applicants should instruct ETS to send official scores to UCSB (institution code 4835). A department code is not required.
- What is the minimum GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score required? There is no minimum requirement for GRE scores, but a competitive score would be Verbal: 155; Quantitative: 165; Analytical writing: 4.
- Do you require the GRE subject test? No, only the general exam is required.
- Can I retake the GRE? You can retake the GRE; however, we will only use the most recent set of scores during the evaluation of the application.
- If I have already taken the GRE, how long are my test scores valid? GRE scores can be no more than five years old from the date that the online application is started.
- May I update my score if I retake the GRE after the application deadline has passed? No, you may not update submitted test scores with new test scores after the application deadline. The official test scores reported with the application materials are what will be evaluated.
- TOEFL or IELTS scores( if applicable): International students whose native language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. Exceptions to TOEFL or IELTS testing may only be considered for those students who have or will be completing an undergraduate or graduate education at an institution whose primary language of instruction is English, or are permanent residents of the U.S.
- What are the minimum TOEFL or IELTS scores required?The minimum TOEFL score is 550 for the paper-based test and 80 for the internet-based test. The minimum IELTS score is an overall band score of 7.
- If I have already taken the TOEFL or IELTS, how long are my test scores valid? Scores can be no more than two years from the date that the online application is started.
- May I update my score if I retake the TOEFL or IELTS after the application deadline has passed? No, you may not update submitted test scores with new test scores after the application deadline. The official test scores reported with the application materials are what will be evaluated.
Should I send, email, or upload additional information such as papers as supplemental materials?
We Do Not accept additional materials. A mention of papers, technical reports, theses, etc., in the resume is sufficient.
Also, Do Not send copies of your passport.
If we receive such materials, they will simply be discarded.
Applicants will not be notified once the application is complete. It is the applicant's responsibility to review the application check list and confirm that they have submitted all the required documents.