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Step UPP: Undergraduate Pathway Program

This step-by-step Undergraduate Pathway Program is designed to prepare high school graduates to seek admission to a US research university.

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Why Step UPP at UC Santa Barbara?

As a defined pathway, it allows students to receive an exceptional, progressive preparation for succeeding in the rigorous academic environment of top universities in the US.

Program Highlights

6 weeks of Intensive English Language Training at UCSB's English Academy that gets you where you need to be!

3 quarters of instruction in General Education and academic preparation courses

Guarantee to seek admission to UCSB after completing Santa Barbara City College (SBCC)

28 transferable units that count toward your admission application

infographic StepUPP

Further Details

Step 1 - Apply

To Submit your Application you will need
- Copy of your passport
- Photo passport-style
- High school transcript and diploma (GPA 2.7)
- English language proficiency (TOEFL 75; IELTS 6.0; Duolingo 95; CET-4 500)
- Proof of financial eligibility (tuition plus estimated living expenses)

Step 2 - Summer English Academy

The English training schedule consists of four hours per day and four days a week, for six weeks. Coursework will include:
- Academic Reading and Writing
- Language and Culture
- Grammar
- Speaking and Pronunciation

Step 3 - Academic Year

The academic year will include the following:

Fall Quarter:
- 1 General education course
- 2 Academic English language preparation courses

Winter Quarter:
- 3 General education courses

Spring Quarter:
- 3 General education courses

The schedule for classes will be provided one week before the start of each quarter. The General Education courses may include Economics, Geography, Psychology, Anthropology, and/ or Communication. Courses subjects are subject to change.

Step 4 - Transfer to SBCC

After the Spring quarter, students will transfer to Santa Barbara City College to complete their General Education requirements.

UCSB will assist with applying to Santa Barbara City College and work closely with advisors there to get students enrolled

Step 5 - Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG)

Students apply to the TAG program to gain admission to UCSB. The SBCC International office will assist students through this process.

Program Dates & Tuition Pricing

Orientation: August 8, 2024 (online)
English Language Training (6 weeks): August 12, 2024 to September 20, 2024 (mandatory)*
2024-25 Academic Year: September 26, 2024 to June 13, 2025

Application fee: $200
Summer Intensive English Training + Academic year: $39,980

Payment is required in full at the time of acceptance.

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