UCSB CCS Program

Is anyone familiar with the College of Creative Studies (CCS) at UCSB? What does the program look like, and what are the entrance requirements?

Absolutely! The College of Creative Studies(CCS) at UCSB offers an undergraduate program that is quite unique. It is often described as a "graduate school for undergraduates," allowing students to dive more deeply into their chosen areas of study than in a typical undergraduate program.

In CCS, the course of study is more flexible and student-driven. Students often have freedom to tailor their own education and have more direct access to faculty compared to most traditional undergraduate programs. Plus, students can start doing independent work and research from a very early stage. The academic tracks in CCS include Art, Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Computing, Mathematics, Music Composition, Physics, and Writing & Literature.

In terms of admission requirements, applying to the CCS typically involves a secondary application in addition to the general UCSB application. The CCS application will ask for more details about your specific passion for the chosen field, often including things like a portfolio, auditions, or demonstrations of some kind to show your talent and/or commitment. Keep in mind, though, that these requirements vary depending on the specific discipline you choose within CCS, so you should check their website for the most accurate info. Remember that while you should be passionate and capable in your intended field, they also highly value creative, independent and critical thinking.

On top of this, if you want to go to a graduate school after your undergraduate studies, being part of such a program can truly enhance your application because you will have some hands-on experience and original work in your field of study which could be a huge plus.

For admissions, CCS takes a holistic view of each applicant, carefully reviewing grades, test scores, the student's essay, as well as the portfolio or additional materials. This allows the admissions team to form a well-rounded picture of each applicant's strengths, talents, and potential contributions to the CCS community.

I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what the College of Creative Studies at UCSB might look like for you and how it differs from traditional undergraduate programs!