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Identifying a UC Davis Biological Sciences Major
The University of California Davis School of Biological Sciences has a robust collection of undergraduate research majors and minors. Ranging from organic chemistry to neurobiology, physiology, and behavior, the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts at UC Davis is a steadfast way to a strong career.
Here are some of the majors offered at UC Davis Biological Sciences
- Molecular and Cell Biology
- Human Biology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Microbiology
- Organic Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- General Chemistry
- Ecology
- Genetics and Genomics
- Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior
- Evolutionary Biology
Using ASSIST to Ensure Transferability of College Course Credit
Students can make sure they meet the requirements to transfer into one of the aforementioned majors at UC Davis School of Biological sciences by utilizing ASSIST.org.
ASSIST is the official repository for articulation amongst California institutions of higher education. The California Community Colleges, University of California (UC), and California State University (CSU) systems utilize a single interface to consolidate course articulation for prospective transfer students.
Some transfer guidelines and admissions criteria are presented from private colleges or Historically Black Colleges and Universities that agree with one of the “Big 3” in California’s higher education system (CCC, UC, and CSU).
- Select your California Community College
- Select a Major from UC Davis Biological Sciences
- View or Download the Articulation Agreement
- A list of Following Courses and Other Courses is Created
- Compare Community College Courses (Planned or Completed) with UC Davis Major Requirements
Understanding the UC Davis Biological Sciences Application Timeline, Decision Dates, & Deadlines
August 1st: Applications Open
September 1-30: Students Participating in TAG can submit TAG Applications via UC Transfer Admission Planner
October 1-March 2: Financial Aid Application Filing Period (FAFSA, CA Dream Act, Scholarships, etc)
October 1-November 30: UC Application Filing Period opens for all UC admissions.
Students can expect to hear back from UC admissions officers between March 1–31.
UC release dates can change depending on when you submit an application, but UC decision dates for 2023 are Mid-Late March (March 12-31). These dates apply to those who filed during the October 1–November 30 filing period.
UC Personal Insight Questions
Like a regular UC application, you will still have to complete the UC Personal Insight Questions on the UC Application Portal. We will not discuss this application component as much because the questions are the same as if the application were submitted to the University of California Los Angeles or the University of California Berkeley.
If UC Davis Biological Sciences is at the top of your UC priority list, it would be advantageous to curate your responses to the UC Personal Insight Questions in a way that appeals to UC Davis Admissions officers.
For example, suppose you grew up near or around the UC Davis area. In that case, you can mention symbolic monuments, sites, or common views with which the UC Admissions officer can personally identify. It is a small gesture that is not likely to impact whether you get accepted, but it is nonetheless something that can catch the eye of that ONE admission officer.
Applying to UC Davis Biological Sciences
- Academic Coursework
- Students who enter UC Davis with “Junior-Level Class Standing” are more competitive for admission. These students have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter transferable credits by the end of the spring term before the fall enrollment period (i., Spring 2023 for Fall 2023).
- Some UC Davis Colleges (such as UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences) will evaluate transfer applications with less than junior standing. However, very few competitive or popular schools offer lower-division transfers; even if they do, few are accepted.
- Generally, you should only consider applying to UC Davis if you meet the 60 credit or 90 quarter unit threshold because most programs require Junior-Level standing even to be considered.
Related Reading: CSU Apply Tips | California State University Application
UC Davis Biological Sciences Subject & Major Requirements
- Generally, students must complete the UC requirements for English and Math and must do so with a C letter grade or higher.
- Two classes in English Composition
- One Course in Mathematical Concepts or Quantitative Reasoning
- Four transferable courses must be completed with a grade of C or better from two of the following three subject areas
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Physical and Biological Sciences
- Arts & Humanities
- UC Davis requires students to meet specific Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements in all of the UC transferable courses a student enrolls in.
- Students must earn a minimum 2.40 GPA to meet UC requirements, but UC Davis requires a minimum GPA of 2.80 to be considered for transfer admission. Note: Some selective majors will require GPAs that exceed the minimum required.
- The course requirements listed above for admission to UC Davis are the MINIMUM needed to be considered for admission. Most competitive applicants will have to complete the prerequisite courses for the major they intend to declare.
- You can find the Prerequisite Courses for Selective Major Requirements HERE!
- For example, the different major paths (i.e., human biology, cell biology, organic chemistry, neurobiology, physiology and behavior, and biological sciences, can incur different prerequisite paths).
- You can find the Prerequisite Courses for Selective Major Requirements HERE!
How does UC Davis Biological Sciences Choose & Analyze Transfer Applicants?
The selection process for transfer admissions at UC Davis College of Biological Sciences is a transparent process.
The University of California Davis College of Biological Sciences bases admission decisions on a student’s academic achievement and preparation path.
The UC Davis admissions office will analyze previous college coursework, standardized test scores (AP, IB, etc), transferable GPA, major designation, and other factors in basing an admission decision.
Decisions are maintained and included with recognition of planned coursework, so an admissions offer can be rescinded if a student fails to pass a required course by the spring semester before transferring in the fall.
Moreover, UC admission decisions are based on the available space for the major designated. In other words, UC Davis has specific colleges that can only accommodate a handful of new students, including transfers, which results in certain major designations being more competitive than others.
The fewer the spots available, the more competitive the process will be, so it is important to present yourself in the best possible way if you know you are vying for one of the few spots available.