Florida State University vs UC Santa Barbara

Florida State University is the more selective of the two at 25%, versus 26% at UC Santa Barbara. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Florida State University
Highly selective
25%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1380
Public · Florida
UC Santa Barbara
Selective
26%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1430
Public · California

Florida State University vs UC Santa Barbara: the differences that matter

How Florida State University and UC Santa Barbara stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Florida State University and UC Santa Barbara are almost equally selective (25% vs 26%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

The two also read applications a little differently. Florida State University leans more on class rank, standardized test scores, while UC Santa Barbara puts more weight on application essay, extracurricular activities, talent / ability. The same profile can land differently at each, which is why a per-school estimate matters more than a single GPA.

On test scores, Florida State University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1380 and UC Santa Barbara's is around 1430. Admitted students at UC Santa Barbara post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorFlorida State UniversityUC Santa Barbara
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantconsidered
Standardized test scoresvery importantimportant
Application essayconsideredimportant
Extracurricular activitiesconsideredimportant
Talent / abilityconsideredimportant
Character / personal qualitiesconsideredimportant
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Florida State University or UC Santa Barbara harder to get into?

Florida State University is harder to get into, with a 25% acceptance rate versus 26% at UC Santa Barbara.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Florida State University and UC Santa Barbara?

Florida State University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1380, and UC Santa Barbara's is around 1430.

What are my chances at Florida State University and UC Santa Barbara?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.