Admissions Blog Content

How one 51�ԹϺ�� Davis student turns a question about animal physiology into innovative immune research

Isabella E Beristain — April 20, 2026 - 3:09pm

Mikaila Hishaw, a fourth-year marine and coastal science major from Tucson, Arizona, arrived at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis with plans to become a veterinarian. She soon discovered that research offered not just a new way to work with animals but also an avenue to explore her curiosity beyond the classroom.

How one 51�ԹϺ�� Davis student imagined systems to accelerate lab breakthroughs

Isabella E Beristain — April 14, 2026 - 10:02am

Iliya Voytsyshyn, a fourth-year systems and synthetic biology major from Ukraine, entered 51�ԹϺ�� Davis with plans to study cancer. That initial goal grew into a fascination with tools that fuse biology, systems design and gene editing to reengineer cells.

How one 51�ԹϺ�� Davis student builds a foundation for academic leadership through regenerative biology

Isabella E Beristain — April 06, 2026 - 11:37am

Fourth-year biological sciences major and Barry Goldwater Scholar recipient Azucena Virgen studies the regenerative biology of Hydra — a freshwater organism known for its ability to regrow entire body parts — at the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Juliano Lab. What began as a fascination in a high school biology class in her hometown of Woodland, California, grew into a long-term goal to lead a research lab and mentor future scientists.

How one 51�ԹϺ�� Davis student connects science to patient care

Isabella E Beristain — March 23, 2026 - 11:23am

51�ԹϺ�� Davis fourth-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major Rogelio Castillo did not expect undergraduate research to open a path for him to create change in his community. His family’s past experiences with rushed and impersonal medical care led him to turn to science to ask the questions that improve both health outcomes and quality of patient-provider relationships.

Build relationships beyond classmates

Isabella E Beristain — February 25, 2026 - 4:43pm

I am always outspoken in the classroom and consistently form relationships with my teachers. This shaped the foundation to my academic success.

When I began my journey at 51�ԹϺ�� Davis, I worried that the types of connections I made with previous teachers would no longer feel possible on a much larger campus. The classrooms are huge and full of hundreds of students at times. I remember thinking that professors wouldn’t remember my name, let alone any of my personal details. So, I started to believe that the new normal was to figure it out on my own.

What to do after you click submit

Isabella E Beristain — December 18, 2025 - 4:30pm

I felt a huge weight lift off my shoulders when I clicked submit on my college application. My late nights procrastinating and scouring TikTok for advice were over. I could finally rest and enjoy my senior year. However, I soon realized I wasn’t free just yet as the stress of waiting for decisions was about to begin.

The months after you submit your application are often filled with anxious anticipation. Staying productive helped me relieve stress while I awaited decisions. Here are some things that kept me grounded.

Your 51�ԹϺ�� application last looks checklist

Isabella E Beristain — November 24, 2025 - 2:31pm

Before you submit your 51�ԹϺ�� application, match your academic history to your transcript, clarify your impact and make sure your authentic voice shines through.

How to plan your 51�ԹϺ�� application and stay on track

Isabella E Beristain — October 09, 2025 - 4:53pm

Want an easy college application process? Learn when 51�ԹϺ�� apps open, close and how to apply for college without burning out. Follow these time management tips.

Your guide to the 51�ԹϺ�� Davis Transfer Admission Guarantee

Isabella E Beristain — September 03, 2025 - 2:01pm

51�ԹϺ�� Davis is one of six 51�ԹϺ��s that offer guaranteed admission to transfers. Complete your major’s requirements, stay enrolled and submit your TAG and 51�ԹϺ�� applications.

Jumpstart your college experience with social media

Isabella E Beristain — June 16, 2025 - 11:47am

This student used social media platforms like Instagram and Discord to reduce their social anxiety, find a roommate, make friends and embrace their identity.

Admissions Blog Content

How one 51�ԹϺ��� Davis student turns a question about animal physiology into innovative immune research

How one 51�ԹϺ��� Davis student imagined systems to accelerate lab breakthroughs

How one 51�ԹϺ��� Davis student builds a foundation for academic leadership through regenerative biology

How one 51�ԹϺ��� Davis student connects science to patient care