How to Succeed as a UC Santa Barbara Premed
/Everything you need to know about UC Santa Barbara premed, including premed requirements, the best extracurriculars, and the UC Santa Barbara premed acceptance rate
LEARN WHAT IT TAKES TO SUCCEED AS A UC Santa barbara PREMED
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Part 1: Introduction
Located in the beach town of Santa Barbara, California, UC Santa Barbara (also referred to as “UCSB”) began as a teaching college in the late 1800s. In 1944, it formally joined the University of California (UC) college system and became the third-oldest college to do so, behind UC Berkley and UCLA. Today, UCSB regularly enrolls well over 20,000 undergrad students and nearly 2,000 graduate students.
According to the 2024 rankings published by US News, UC Santa Barbara sits at #35 in National Universities. Additionally, the school comes in at #12 for Top Public Schools and #207 for Best Value Schools.
It’s little wonder, then, that UC Santa Barbara comes in as one of the best premed schools in California. With so many options for degrees and majors, you’re sure to discover a program of interest on which to focus as you prepare for med school. Interestingly, most UCSB students (27%) major in the Social Sciences, though Biological and Biomedical Sciences are the next most popular majors (10%).
Regardless of the major you decide to pursue, chances are good that you’re reading this guide because you’re interested in becoming a premed student at UCSB. We’ll cover the course requirements for a UCSB premed (including suggested courses and even a three-year sample course plan), ideas for extracurricular activities, and the steps you need to take to ensure you’re ready for the next step in your journey. We’ll also touch on topics such as maintaining your high GPA and when you should take the MCAT. Additionally, we did the research needed to bring you information on how UCSB premed students do when it comes time to apply to med school.
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Part 2: UC Santa Barbara premed requirements
It’s a given that you’ll need to earn and maintain a high GPA as a UC Santa Barbara premed, but knowing what courses you’ll be required to take can help tremendously in the planning stages. In the table below, we’ve listed standard med school requirements to help highlight how you can fulfill the requirements most med schools have with courses at UCSB.
| Biology: One year (three quarters), with lab | Choose from among the following: MCDB 1A: Intro. To Biology I MCDB 1B: Intro. To Biology II--Physiology BIOL 110L-BME 258MCDB 1LL: Intro. To Biology I Lab EEMB 2: Intro. To Biology II—Ecology and Evolution EEMB 2: Intro. To Biology II—Ecology and Evolution EEMB 3: Intro. To Biology III EEMB 2LL: Intro. To Biology Lab II |
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| Chemistry: 1. General chemistry: One year (three quarters), with lab 2. Organic chemistry: One year (three quarters), with lab 3. Biochemistry: One to two quarters |
For General Chemistry:
CHEM 1A and CHEM 1AL: General Chem. and Gen. Chem. Lab CHEM 1B and CHEM 1BL: General Chem. and Gen. Chem. Lab CHEM 1C and CHEM 1CL: General Chem. and Gen. Chem. Lab For Organic Chemistry: CHEM 109A: Organic Chemistry CHEM 109B: Organic Chemistry CHEM 109C: Organic Chemistry CHEM 6AL: Organic Chemistry Lab CHEM 6BL: Organic Chemistry Lab For Biochemistry: MCDB 108A: General Biochemistry |
MCDB 108B (Some med schools may require only one quarter of Biochemistry, but others may require two quarters as that is the most similar to an entire semester.) | ||||
| Calculus: One year (three quarters) | Choose one of the following options: MATH 34A, MATH 34B, and PSTAT 5A OR MATH 3A, MATH 3B, and PSTAT 5A OR MATH 2A, MATH 2B, and PSTAT 5A |
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| Physics: One year (three quarters), with lab | Choose one of the following sequences: PHYSICS 6A and PHYSICS 6AL: Introductory Physics w/Lab PHYSICS 6B and PHYSICS 6BL: Introductory Physics w/Lab PHYSICS 6C and PHYSICS 6CL: Introductory Physics w/Lab |
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| College-level English/writing: One year (three quarters) | Choose courses in the following departments: (MD-bound students): Composition & Rhetoric, Creative Writing, and Literature (DO-bound students): Basic Composition, Composition, Creative, Writing, English, English as a Second Language, Journalism, Literature, Medical, Terminology, Poetry, Rhetoric, Technical Writing, Writing. |
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| Psychology: One course/quarter | PSY 1 | |||||
| Sociology: One course/quarter | SOC 1 | |||||
Considerations for UCSB premed required courses
While most of the classes mentioned above are relatively straightforward, there are some for which there are special considerations. We’ve outlined those subjects/courses below:
Biology labs:
Most students will likely take MCDB 1LL in the winter quarter and EEMB 2LL in the spring quarter. This constitutes one full year of biology lab courses despite it being just two quarters of study.
Organic Chemistry labs:
The specific chemistry lab you take will depend on your major and the medical school requirements you have in mind. That said, most students will end up taking CHEM 6AL. Some majors may also require that you take CHEM 6BL.
Biochemistry:
Many medical schools require one biochemistry course, but they may assume one course lasts an entire semester. With this in mind, UCSB indicates that some students may want to take the second biochemistry course, but the decision will likely depend on your major and the exact requirements at the med school you’d like to attend.
Physics:
To take PHYSICS 6A, you’ll need to have taken (or concurrently take) MATH 2A, MATH 3A, or MATH 34A. (An AP Math AB Exam score of 3 or higher is also acceptable.)
English/Writing:
For most California-based medical schools, you can typically take three courses in the Writing, English, or Comparative Literature departments for your “one year” of English/Writing that is required.
Psychology/Sociology:
While an introductory level course is usually all that is needed to do well in the Psychology/Sociology section of the MCAT, some DO programs require that you take these courses.
Additionally, while most of the required courses above are introductory level courses, it’s worth noting that successful med school matriculants often take classes beyond the introductory level. At UCSB, some relevant options include MCDB 101A (Molecular Genetics I), MCDB 111 (Human Physiology), MCDB 103 (Cell Biology), and MCDB 131 (Genetic Microbiology).
(Further reading: How Hard Is It to Get into Medical School?)
What’s the best major for a UCSB premed student?
As a student interested in a premed path in college, it’s probably safe to say that you have a natural interest in the biological sciences or other science-related fields. On the other hand, you could be someone who thrives in an environment that combines science with knowledge of the brain and psychology. Alternatively, you may be a more creative-minded student who would thrive as an art major.
The answer to the question of the best major for a UCSB premed is simple: the one where you’ll thrive. You should major in something you enjoy because earning a high GPA is more likely when you study something that excites you.
At UC Santa Barbara, you can also major in a creative degree program with a science bent! For instance, students enrolled in a major through the College of Creative Studies (CCS) can use their imaginative and artistic skills while still focusing on an intellectual study program. From Art and Biology to Chemistry and Marine Science, the CCS has nine majors from which to choose.
And there are additional benefits. One student who attended UCSB through the CCS tells us, “The good thing about CCS classes, even though they don't have grades, is that they are small so that you can form great relationships with professors. You can take CCS classes even if you're in another college, but it's harder.”
Ultimately, the “best” major for a UCSB premed will be the one in which the individual student can do their best, maintain a high GPA, learn the most, and thrive.
Sample UCSB premed two-year course plan
By now, you understand that the best major is where you’ll thrive, and you know there will be some required courses along the way. This can all seem like a lot to absorb and juggle, though. Therefore, we’ve put together a sample two-year course plan outlining one possible way you can “do it all.”
| Freshman Fall | MCDB 1A + MCDB 1LL CHEM 1A + CHEM 1AL MATH 34A |
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| Freshman Winter | MCDB 1B + EEMB 2LL CHEM 1B + CHEM 1BL MATH 34B |
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| Freshman Spring | EEMB 2 + EEMB 3 CHEM 1C + CHEM 1CL PSTAT 5A WRIT 1150 |
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| Sophomore Fall | CHEM 109A + CHEM 6AL MCDB 108A |
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| Sophomore Winter | CHEM 109B + CHEM 6BL PSYC 1000 PHYS 2051 |
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| Sophomore Spring | CHEM 109C SOCI 1001 PHYS 2052 |
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The pre-health department at UCSB has also developed a sample two-year schedule you may find helpful.
How to maintain a high GPA as a UCSB premed
Earning a high GPA is challenging in and of itself, particularly at a school known for its academic rigor. What can you do to earn and maintain a high GPA?
Develop a study schedule. A consistent study routine that aligns with your course load and preferences is a non-negotiable for students who wish to maintain a high GPA in college. Set aside time for each subject and break your study sessions into manageable chunks.
Make time management a priority. Avoid procrastination by starting assignments and projects well in advance. Allocate dedicated times for studying, and stick to your schedule.
Use effective study techniques. You may need to experiment with different methods to determine what works best. For example, you may do best with flashcards and practice problems, or you may do better with simple rote memorization. Whatever it is, create a routine around study strategies that work best for you.
Seek out sources of academic support. Reach out to professors and TAs any time you feel in need of more academic support. Feel free to contact pre-health advisors at UCSB; that’s an entire team whose mission is to help premed students succeed. Finally, you should consider forming or joining premed-focused study groups for peer support.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Part of your academic strength relies on your physical strength. If you fail to care for yourself physically, it won’t be long before your grades tank. Ensure you sleep well, exercise regularly, stay hydrated, and eat a balanced diet.
Weed out distractions. Keep distractions to a minimum, but eliminate them if possible. The fewer areas vying for your attention, the better.
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Part 3: UC Santa Barbara premed extracurriculars
Getting accepted into medical school is about more than just having high grades. It’s also about more than scoring incredibly high on the MCAT. It combines factors, including grades, test scores, and extracurriculars. We’ve known students who had no problems listing their remarkable grades and MCAT scores but are floored to learn that acceptance into med school is about more than just those two things. In other words, choosing the right extracurricular activities can make or break your acceptance into med school.
UCSB premed students need to spend time in extracurricular activities in the following categories: service, patient exposure, research, and shadowing. As a student at UCSB, you’ll have ample opportunities for each type of activity.
(Further reading: How to Choose the Right Extracurricular Activities for Medical School)
UCSB premed opportunities for service
There are several volunteer opportunities available for students through Cottage Health, typically at Goleta Valley Cottage Hospital and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.
The Sansum Clinics provide students with volunteer opportunities in various areas, including Camp Wheez.
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is another organization where students can find volunteer opportunities. Additionally, they hold numerous events throughout the year that may serve as volunteer opportunities for UCSB premed students.
UCSB premed opportunities for patient exposure
Opportunities for patient exposure can come from employment you may gain. Jobs are available at Cottage Hospital and Sansum Clinics, but you should also check traditional sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Handshake.
For instance, working as an EMT, medical scribe, or medical assistant can provide direct contact with patients while also allowing you to serve your community. While you may plan to become a physician, remember that even working as a dental assistant or as an assistant to a therapist will provide you with patient exposure, too.
If employment opportunities seem slim, consider inquiring about internship opportunities in the area. Some employers may require certifications (e.g., you may need to be certified as a CNA or EMT). Community colleges usually provide students with certification opportunities.
UCSB premed opportunities for research
Participating in research provides premed students with opportunities to connect their critical thinking skills with science. Some programs (usually MD/PhD, MSTP, or physician-scientist programs) require more research than others.
UCSB premed students have plenty of options to engage in research. For example, the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) at UCSB has a whole undergrad research directory where opportunities are outlined in a chart, making it easy to compare different opportunities. There, you can see the various project titles, the research department for each project, and contact information to connect with mentors.
The URCA also has a grant opportunity that allows undergraduates to have their (independent) research project funded up to $750.
Additionally, Stanford Medicine is often looking for students to fill open positions in their research labs, making it a convenient option for UCSB premeds to gain further research experience.
UCSB premed opportunities for shadowing
It can be challenging for students to come by shadowing opportunities, primarily because laws guarding patient privacy and safety are in place.
That said, UCSB students are uniquely positioned to be in an area accustomed to this. UCSB highly supports students seeking shadowing opportunities—so much so that the college has a course on the subject!
INT 184PD Clinical Shadowing is a course available to premed students interested in shadowing, and many UCSB premed students who manage to secure significant shadowing opportunities do so through the connections made in that course.
Remember that you can also end up securing shadowing opportunities through volunteer work. While a physician’s office may be hesitant to allow you to “shadow” initially, they may be open to allowing you to volunteer there. Once you get to know the doctors and they’re comfortable with the way you work, it could lend itself to a chance to shadow that physician. So, consider volunteering somewhere you’d enjoy shadowing the physician(s).
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Part 4: Getting into medical school as a UC Santa Barbara premed
None of what we’ve described so far would be worthwhile if it didn’t culminate in the ultimate destination: medical school. Thankfully, UCSB is highly experienced at preparing students for that next step.
UCSB prides itself on how well it prepares its premeds. According to data from UCSB, in the 2020 application cycle, roughly one-third of UCSB students who applied to medical school ultimately matriculated into medical school. Expressly, 38% of those who applied were accepted (80 acceptees out of 210 applicants), and nearly all of those (78 out of 80) matriculated.
Regarding how prepared those applicants were, the mean undergrad science GPA (for that group) was 3.40 while the national average science GPA was 3.49. The mean MCAT score for that group of applicants was 510.4, higher than the national average that year (506.9). However, the mean MCAT for those who eventually matriculated was 513.7, which is also considerably higher than the national average for matriculants (511.6).
Where are these students applying and attending medical school? Not surprisingly, most applicants applied to UC med schools, but plenty also applied to (and were accepted into) Ivy League schools and other top medical schools such as Vanderbilt, Duke, and Columbia University.
Not all UCSB students end up at allopathic (MD) schools; some end up in osteopathic (DO) programs, dentistry programs, and physical therapy programs. Granted, only about half as many students end up applying to DO programs compared to those who apply to MD programs. However, the percentage of those who matriculate is still noteworthy.
(Further reading: Do Medical School Rankings Matter?)
Final thoughts
Navigating through college as a UCSB premed won’t be easy, but with proper planning and preparation, a solid study schedule, and a handle on time management, it can be done well.
Simply put, it takes dedication, grit, determination, and maybe some caffeine along the way!
The good news is that the outcome seems promising; you can rest assured that you’re in good hands and are among some of the best professors and researchers in the nation. Ultimately, finishing undergraduate years as a UCSB premed will prepare you for a lifetime of service and excellent patient care. You’ll complete your program feeling good about yourself and your life plan and be ready for the next chapter of your life.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.
