GRE Scores The GRE Physics exam is not required by our department. Furthermore, in light of the reduced opportunities to take the GRE Physics exam in 2020 and other challenges facing the student community, students are not expected to submit GRE Physics exam scores this year. Students who have already taken the exam and wish to submit their scores may do so.
Recommendations
Three letters of recommendation are required. Additional letters, up to five total recommendations, will be reviewed but will not help or hurt your application.
Statement of Purpose
Please describe your plans for graduate study or research and for your future occupation or profession. Include any information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your preparation and qualifications for graduate study at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Recommended length is a concise 1-2 pages.
Personal History Statement
This statement will be used in conjunction with your application for graduate admission and financial support. Note that the Personal History Statement should not duplicate the Statement of Purpose. Recommended length is a concise 1-2 pages.
UC Santa Cruz is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey, how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field, and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
Resume
Upload your resume in PDF format.
Research Interests. For those choosing to take the TOEFL, a minimum score on the paper-based TOEFL of 550, or 220 on the computer-based test, or 83 on the internet-based test is required for admission.
Any international students who wish to be considered for Teaching Assistant opportunities must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the internet-based test.
IELTS Exams
For those choosing to take the IELTS, a minimum overall score of 7 from the IELTS test is required for admission. A speaking portion score of 8 from the IELTS test is required for all new international students who may serve as a Teaching Assistant at any time during their graduate career. Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded to the application before you can submit this application The minimum GPA requirement for UC graduate admissions is 3.0. International applicants need not convert their international GPA to the U.S. GPA scale.