Application FAQs

DO

• Read the Graduate Division's Admissions & Application FAQs: the ECE Dept only handles the transcript portion of the online application
• Read the ECE FAQs: we receive hundreds of email inquiries that can be spent on processing applications
• Send Official Transcripts: your application will be processed faster
• Review the Application Status page: to see if your application is complete and to find out if you have been accepted to UCSB
• Read and Follow the Directions: send us what we request - don't send us what other universities request

DO NOT!

• DO NOT: Use staples or fasteners that we cannot slip off your paperwork: paper clips are awesome!
• DO NOT: Use too much tape or gauze envelopes: we open thousands of envelopes during admissions time
• DO NOT: Send us photographs: save your money and photos for universities that require photos
• DO NOT: Put your papers in plastic sleeves, folders, frames, etc to impress us: we haven't had to buy a folder for our office in years
• DO NOT: Place an envelope within another envelope within another envelope: use one envelope with the exception of transcripts
• DO NOT: Send additional materials: a mention of papers, technical reports, theses, etc., in the resume is sufficient
• DO NOT: Send passport copies
• DO NOT: Send copies of materials that you have already submitted in the online application (e.g., Statement of Purpose, resumes, etc...)

Where can I get answers to my Graduate Division admissions and application questions?

The Graduate Division Admissions FAQ page has answers to questions about the online application, fees, test scores, admissions decisions and more.

I want to learn more about the UCSB Graduate Student Program, where can I find more information?

The ECE Graduate Student Resources section of this website has additional information about M.S. and Ph.D. degree milestones and procedures, frequently asked questions, requirements and study plans, financial support and aid, publications and manuals, coursework, Graduate Student Office contact information, helpful links and more.

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

Once the application fee is paid, it is then applicant's responsibility to review the Graduate Division's application status page to check if:

• all supplemental documents have been received (statement of purpose, personal achievements & contributions statement, resume, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, GRE scores and, if applicable, TOEFL or IELTS scores)

Applicants will not be notified once the application is complete - the applicant needs to follow-up and review their application status.

What is and where can I find my student PERM ID #?

The PERM ID # is your unique UCSB student identification number that you will use throughout your studies at UCSB. To find your PERM ID #, refer to the application status page several days after completing and paying for the online application fee.

Does the ECE Department require a Pre-Application?

No, the ECE Department does not require the Pre-Application.

What is the minimum G.P.A. requirement?

A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) is a minimum requirement for all applicants. However, meeting the 3.0 minimum alone does not guarantee admission.

What are supplemental documents?

Supplemental documents are considered to be all of the application's supporting documentation. Applicable supplemental documents are submitted within the online application with the exception of transcripts which should be sent via postal mail directly to the ECE Department.

• Statement of Purpose (SoP) — Three Parts: 1) SoP, 2) personal achievements / contributions statement, 3) resume / curriculum vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation
• GRE scores
• TOEFL or IELTS scores — international students only (if applicable)
• Transcripts (must be submitted directly to the ECE Department)

Should I send additional materials 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.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

What is the Statement of Purpose?

The Statement of Purpose consists of three parts 1) Statement of Purpose, 2) Personal Achievements/Contributions Statement, 3) Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

What is the difference between the Statement of Purpose (SoP) and the Personal Achievements / Contributions Statement?

• 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.
• 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.

TRANSCRIPTS

How do I submit my transcripts?

Two official copies of all post-secondary education transcripts from anywhere the applicant has taken 12 units or more courses MUST be sent directly to the ECE Department in sealed envelopes.

Send to:
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of ECE
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA
93106-9560
USA

Should I send transcripts or certificates from secondary or higher secondary schools?

Do Not send transcripts or certificates from secondary or higher secondary schools - they will be discarded.

My application status shows up as incomplete because my transcripts are not reflected on the status page. What should I do?

• Pay for your application - the application must be paid before the ECE department can add your transcript information
• Check with your institution to see if your transcripts have been sent out
• Give the ECE Department THREE weeks to update your transcript(s) information within your PAID application

Please be patient and do not contact the ECE Department. The ECE Department receives many transcripts especially within the last week of the deadlines. ECE appreciates your understanding.

What is UCSB's Institution and Department Code for reporting GRE and TOEFL /IELTS scores?

The Institutional Code is 4835. No Department Code is required by UCSB.

Can I submit unofficial GRE, TOEFL or IELTS scores?

We strongly recommend that you submit official (electronic) scores within the Graduate Division's online application to minimize delays in processing your application. Copies of the official GRE, TOEFL or IELTS score sheets will be accepted for initial review.

Send to:
Graduate Program Assistant
Department of ECE
University of California
Santa Barbara, CA
93106-9560
USA

GRE (Graduate Record Examination)

• What is the minimum GRE (Graduate Record Examination) score required?
  There is no minimum GRE scores required.
• Do you require the GRE subject test?
  No, only the general exam is required.
• Can I retake the GRE?
  One 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?
  The GRE scores can be no more than five years old from the date that the online application is started.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) / IELTS (Intl. English Language Testing System) — International Students Only

• Are TOEFL or IELTS scores required?
  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.

How do I apply for financial support?

The completed application for admission automatically serves as the application for financial support. Applications must be completed and submitted by December 15th to be considered for financial support. There are no exceptions for applications completed after the December 15th deadline.

I have been admitted to the graduate program, how do I find out if I received financial support?

Not all students admitted into our graduate program are awarded financial support. If you have an award, notification of a Teaching Assistantship (TAship) or a Graduate Student Research position (GSR) is sent by the ECE Department soon after the Dean of the Graduate Division notifies you of the final admission.

Do I need to submit a financial statement at the time of application — International students only

All international students need to complete documentation of financial ability to pay for expenses for the first year of study at UCSB.

Applicants do not need to submit a financial statement until they have been officially admitted and will not be penalized in any way for not submitting the financial statement earlier with other application materials.

Please note that newly admitted students should refer to the O.I.S.S. (Office of International Students and Scholars) website and send the financial statement directly to O.I.S.S. and not the ECE department.

Send to:
Office of International Students Scholars
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA
93106-7150
USA