COSMOS is an intensive four-week summer residential program for students with a demonstrated aptitude for academic and professional careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Talented and motivated students completing grades 8-12 have the opportunity to work with renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities while exploring advanced STEM topics far beyond the courses usually offered in California high schools. Through challenging curriculum that is both hands-on and lab intensive, COSMOS fosters its students’ interests, skills, and awareness of educational and career options in STEM fields.

Students apply to one of the four University of California’s COSMOS campuses — UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz. While each campus employs the best practices in STEM education, the curriculum of each program builds on the teaching and research expertise of its faculty and host campus. Each campus can only accommodate approximately 160 participants so selection is competitive. A typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above. Students must have achieved academic excellence. Preference will be given to 9-11 graders. The application will be available online February 1st. The following factors are taken into consideration:

• Grades, especially in Math and Science courses
• Math/Science teacher recommendations
• Participation in math/science activities
• Responses to short-response questions

UC Irvine: June 24 - July 21
UC Davis / UC San Diego / UC Santa Cruz: July 8 - August 4

Application Fee: $30 (non-refundable)
Tuition Fee*: $2,810 (includes room & board)

* Non-California students pay the out of state fee of $6,500 and are not eligible for financial assistance.

Full and partial financial assistance is available for tuition. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch by The National School Lunch Program will likely qualify to receive full financial assistance, based on verification requirements and availability of funding. Students not receiving free/reduced lunch will be evaluated for financial assistance based on family size and income.