I’m currently a sophomore in high school and I want to Major in Zoology at UCSB once I get to that point in my education. I mainly want to specialize in Herpetology (I love reptiles and amphibians) and was wondering if the classes I’m currently taking are the right ones. I’m taking animal anatomy and physiology, honors English, AP Euro, math 3, Ag Chem, Spanish 2, and I play a sport. In my next years I’m going to take AP Biology, then Physics, and Pre-Cal then Calculus. I’ll also take Vet Science, AP US History (Most likely), and then either Econ or Government. Let me know if I’m going in the right direction!
Don’t worry so much about electives like Vet Science. They are fine to take, but what will make you competitive is making sure you take all five core subjects - math, science, English, social studies, foreign language - all four years, as the highest rigor you can. Your plan generally looks fine, but make sure you focus on core courses.
6 Likes
Absolutely agree. You need to meet HS diploma requirements first, as well the entry requirements, for admission to the universities, by taking the core courses.
The UC’s and other universities like to see that you have taken the most rigorous academic prerequisites. Taking electives is fun, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your core classes. Without the core classes, you risk not being admitted to your universities.
1 Like
Thanks for the feedback!
Is this a regular high school chemistry course that is considered suitable preparation for college general chemistry that you will take as a biology major?
Yes, it is. I’m would be taking normal chemistry but I needed an intro course so that I could take Animal Anatomy for my CTE Pathway, but it still counts.
Follow up question: I’m planning on volunteering at my local zoo (it’s pretty small) for volunteer hours. Would that be beneficial to put on my transcript when applying for college?
Put any meaningful ECs on your applications.
2 Likes
Does anyone know what it’s like to be a Zoology major at UCSB? I want to major in Zoology (which is obvious since I’m posting this), but I don’t have any information or experience with the classes there. Has anyone taken that course (also I plan on specializing in Herpetology, any opportunities for that)?
I do not have personal experience either, but since you are interested in biology related subjects at UCSB, I just wanted to mention UCSB CCS. If you are interested in research, it’s great… my kids have friends in CCS who are very happy there. The CCS bio major is incredibly flexible. I believe that you can apply to both CCS and a regular bio major of your choice. https://ccs.ucsb.edu
So essentially I should apply to take bio at the CCS as well as taking their Zoology major? Because I want to focus more on Zoology rather than just normal Biology.
https://undergrad.biology.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/2025-08/Zoology%20Major%20(2025).pdf lists the course requirements.
Courses | University of California Santa Barbara Catalog lists courses that may include those of your interest.
Thanks for the info!
Yes, if you are interested in CCS, you would list both the CCS bio major and the Zoology major when you apply.
Here’s information about applying: How to Apply | UCSB College of Creative Studies
When selecting two majors on your UC Application, you should list your preferred CCS major as one of your choices (preferably the primary)
You would also write a letter of intent (describing your interests and background) and you would need teacher recommendations.
Write a letter to the attention of the CCS Biology faculty, stating your academic interests, your reasons for wanting to study at CCS, and your background in Biology. If you have a future career goal, explain how you believe CCS will help you reach that goal. This letter is separate from the essay required in the UC application.
CCS allows you to focus in any area of bio that you wish.
Here’s info on the CCS bio major: Biology | UCSB College of Creative Studies
CCS biology classes are typically small seminar-style classes that are largely discussion based. Although each student’s curriculum is flexible, CCS biology students normally take many of the same courses as biology majors in the College of Letters and Science (L&S). The distinction is that they take more upper division science courses, and take them earlier in their career, than majors in Letters and Science Biology. Students work with their faculty advisor to craft an individualized curriculum consisting of classes from various L&S departments that align with each student’s area of emphasis.
And even more detail here: https://ccs.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/2023-06/Biology-Major-Sheet.pdf
Ok, thank you so much for all the help!