Mathematics

Mathematics is only accepting applications for Fall 2024 for both new and current UCSB students. If you are a current UCSB student who wishes to change their major, please choose the Fall 2024 quarter on your application, or you will be contacted about whether or not you want to pursue your application.

Priority Deadline

The CCS Mathematics program has an extended priority deadline for incoming new students. Prospective CCS Mathematics students are encouraged to complete their applications by January 30, 2024 in order to be considered in the initial review for admission.

Letter of Intent

The letter of intent for CCS Mathematics applicants comes in the form of a series of short response questions.  These questions are intended to allow the CCS Mathematics faculty to gauge your academic interests, your reasons for wanting to study at CCS, and your background in Mathematics. These questions are separate from those required in the UC application, and responses are limited to 250 words per question.

1. Describe a mathematical problem that challenged you and what steps you took to find a solution.
2. What kinds of mathematics have you been exposed to beyond calculus, if any?
3. Describe any mathematical experiences or activities that you have been involved into other than taking high school math classes, if any (for example, math camps, math circle, community college classes, math clubs, math competitions, etc)?
4. What unique qualities and characteristics do you bring as an applicant that make you a good fit for CCS? How might your unique qualities help you achieve your goals during your time here?
5. Why have you chosen mathematics as opposed to another exact science or creative activity?
6. If there is anything else that you feel is relevant for your application, please share it here.

Letters of Recommendation

At least one letter of recommendation is required for applications to CCS Mathematics, but two letters are preferred. Please list persons well-acquainted with your academic background and your ability in mathematics, with at least one from a mathematics (or math-related subject) teacher or mentor. The CCS Online Application form will ask for your recommenders’ email addresses and will send them a prompt with a link. This link will direct recommenders to instructions for uploading letters. We suggest notifying recommenders ahead of time that they should be expecting an email with instructions to upload their letter. Please request that letters are saved and uploaded as a PDF in order to avoid formatting distortions.

Transcripts

In addition to the copies you send to the UCSB Office of Admissions, there is a section on the CCS Online Application where you must upload copies of your transcripts from every high school and college you have attended. Transcripts do not need to be official, so a scan or picture of your transcripts may be uploaded (jpeg or PDF). If you are currently enrolled at UCSB, please upload a copy of your course history, which you can obtain using a screenshot from GOLD.  It is your responsibility to ensure that attachments uploaded to your application are clear and legible.

Submitting Supplemental Application Materials

Although submitting Supplemental Application Materials is not required for CCS Mathematics, it helps to give us a more complete idea of your skills and interests. If possible, submit examples of independent research, scientific reports or projects, or any other work that shows your ability and interests.