@Twoin18 My son got in for CS, can I ask you few questions relating to the major and college in general.
If you submit the SIR to UCSC, is that considered “enrolling”?
My son’s situation is a long story, but essentially…he’s planning to accept his spot at UCSC. However, he is also on the UC Davis waitlist as well as UC Berkeley (his intended major is Physics).
He’s still concerned with some issues at UCSC, even though my husband and I really think it’s a fantastic option. But it is HIS decision. If the waitlists do not go in his favor then he is considering a gap year and reapplying this fall. Could submitting the SIR to UCSC possibly affect his freshman applicant status if he reapplies in the fall?
I’ve been reading some posts above that state that taking community college classes in the summer after graduation is also okay (but NOT fall or spring or you become a transfer). But when my son emailed an admissions rep from UC Berkely a month ago and asked if it was okay to take cc courses in the summer they said no. Is that just for UCB? I am confused by the contradiction, so just trying to clarify so he has his plan in place. Thank you!
To maintain Freshman status for the UC’s only summer CC courses are acceptable. Enrolling in a regular session (fall, winter, spring) at a college or university will make you a transfer.
I would always confirm with admissions about the CC summer courses.
Submitting an SIR to UCSC will not hurt his Freshman status if he decides to withdraw and take a gap year. He will lose his enrollment deposit.
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Thank you! That’s very reassuring.
Just to reassure you, UCSC has quite a large physics department and so far S23 has felt they were well taught. Getting classes has had occasional nerve-wracking moments when they all looked to be full, but the department sorts it out so everyone can get the classes needed for their major (adding more lecture spots and extra lab/discussion sections before term starts).
But note that the entering class is dominated by astrophysics (50 freshmen per year compared to 10-15 in general physics and applied physics) simply because UCSC is best known for that (they run the Lick observatory). I think a few students drop astrophysics when it gets hard and may do general or applied instead.
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This is very good to hear! UCSC definitely has an excellent, highly ranked physics and astrophysics programs. When we went to admitted student visit day, unfortunately we werent able to see the lab facilities or have questions answered with faculty and current students (something he was able to experience at other campus visits which we found helpful). We were only able to walk around the science buildings. UCSC has a beautiful campus and very new looking facilities and buildings. Both my husband and I were very impressed. I think my son just feels very uncertain because of the lack of interaction with faculty. They didn’t seem to attend accepted student visit day (or we missed them). We were able to see everything at UCB and UCD.
UCSC seems really bad at putting on external events, whether it is admitted students day, parents weekend or even (so we are told) graduation. Fortunately that’s a minor part of the experience. About the only thing we’ve experienced that was fairly well organized was move-in and welcome week.
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My Slug graduated with his physics degree last year. For the most part, the professors were pretty good. Wherever your child decides to go, encourage them to volunteer for outside events and seek out internships and research opportunities. Grad schools are heavily focused on what you have done in the field outside the school academic part.
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I think you can’t go wrong at any of the UC’s. Your son will get an excellent education wherever he lands within the UC system.
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You’re so right! Our S24 submitted his SIR to UCSC last weekend and is very happy with his decision. Thanks so much for the encouraging advice.
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My daughter (instate, local bay area) got admitted for Electrical Engineering off of waitlist yesterday. The notification came via e-mail.
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Hello Gumbymom, my daughter had been wait-listed at UCSC Comp Engg, it is July24 almost first two weeks gone, would we know if we are still getting acceptance off the wait list? Please share what’s available as info incase if you know or saw else where. I have been looking for updates could not find much online. Please guide us.
Only admissions can tell you the chances of being admitted off the waitlist at this point. I do not have any insider information other than if there is still no decision, there is always a chance due to the possible summer melt, but I would definitely make sure the student has moved on to the school that they SIR’d.
The last posting of waitlist admits I have seen anywhere was June 24.
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There is a thread specifically for waitlisted students that may have some information you are looking for: https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/uc-santa-cruz-freshman-class-of-2028-waitlist-appeal-discussion/
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Thank you for your prompt response and help with the info.
Thank you, useful link. This helps too.