UCSB to host UC application workshop for local high school students

Seeking to support Santa Barbara area high school students interested in applying to any University of California campus, the admissions team at UC Santa Barbara is hosting free community workshops to help local UC hopefuls navigate the application process.

“The University of California has one shared UC application,” explained Cuca Acosta, director of admissions for UCSB. “Students in the area are often not thinking about applying to UCSB but we are their local UC campus and we are here to support them as they explore their college options. We want them to think of the UC system as their home. As more and more students apply to one or more UC campuses, avoiding mistakes can help in the review of a first-year freshman application.”

The in-person workshops are open to the Santa Barbara community and targeted to first-year freshman applicants. The sessions will cover starting an application, avoiding common mistakes, and asking questions before submitting a completed application. Local students in the class of 2026 who want to apply to any of the nine UC campuses are encouraged to attend.

Each session is held in person on the UCSB campus. Students can come alone or with a family member. Attending both sessions is recommended. 

Session 1 (August 12 or 13) will provide an overview of the UC application and break down each of its seven sections. 

• Option 1: Tuesday, Aug. 12, 3–5 p.m. Register for session 1, option 1.  
• Option 2: Wednesday, Aug. 13, 3–5 p.m. Register for session 1, option 2.  

Session 2 (September 24 or 25) will focus on the logistics of the academic record, extracurriculars, and the UC PIQ's. 

• Option 1: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Register for session 2, option 1.  
• Option 2: Thursday, Sept. 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Register for session 2, option 2.   

“Applications change from one year to the next,”  Acosta said. “Our workshops are meant to help students understand what is being requested of them in the application. We uncover the common mistakes that students make in submitting their application and explain the nuances of how information is used in the review for a first-year freshman applicant. While attending a workshop will not guarantee a student admission to a UC campus, it will help students put their best foot forward in the review of their application. Remember, we want you on a UC campus!”

Space is limited and registration is required. Additional virtual workshops are offered online throughout the fall.