Admissions

Current UCSB and Transfer Students

CCS reviews applications for admission on a continual basis throughout the academic year. There is a six quarter residency requirement so that current UCSB and new transfer students may apply to the College any time up to the end of their sophomore year. However, it is a good idea to apply early to fully take advantage of the unique program. Transfer students should apply before the start of the fall term in order to ensure time to review their files and meet the six quarter residency requirement.

High School Students

CCS reviews applications for admission on a continual basis throughout the academic year. If you are applying for fall admission to UCSB and are interested in CCS, it is strongly recommended that your CCS application be completed and all required materials sent to us by mid-January.  Although you are still encouraged to apply, if your completed CCS application is received after mid-January, this may delay review and decision by the CCS faculty for the fall term.  Please note that, if you are offered admission to UCSB, or are already a continuing UCSB student, you can still apply to CCS at any time for consideration for the next regular academic quarter (F,W,S).

Application Process

The application process in the College of Creative Studies is intended to review the student as a whole. While grades and test scores are important they are certainly not the only factor that goes into your evaluation. Once an application is complete it will be reviewed by committee of faculty from the Chemistry and Biochemistry program. Your application will consist of the following items.

• CCS application form (available online here)
• Letter of intent*
• Academic transcripts (high school and any college transcripts you may have)
• Letters of recommendation (typically two letters from instructors)

* Many student have questions about the letter of intent. In this letter we are looking for your motivation for studying chemistry or biochemistry. Tell us about why you are interested in CCS and what you think you may like to do after you graduate. CCS is a place for students that are passionate about science. Most letters are 1 to 2 pages in length.

Note: Work in evidence of talent is not a requirement in the sciences as we do not expect you to have performed research while in high school. There are some students that have done research and/or significant science fair projects. You may submit a description of this work if you would like.