<p>Called the UCSC FA office just now and got the scoop. A “conditional” or “preliminary” offer should go out this week (week of 4/7), even if the offer of admission has not yet been accepted. This is “for the purpose of comparing colleges.” The “official” offer will not go out until admission has been accepted (that must have been what @SESeattle was referring to).</p>
<p>So if you’re waiting for the “preliminary” offer, hang in there, I was told by the FA office that it should be coming this week.</p>