Welcome to COSMOS - California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

Frequently Asked Questions

COSMOS Program Support

What if I receive conflicting information from different COSMOS sources?

If you receive conflicting or inconsistent information from COSMOS websites, campus offices, or other official communications, please contact the COSMOS Statewide Office for clarification.

While COSMOS strives to ensure that all published information is accurate, consistent, and current, updates may not appear simultaneously across all campuses and communication channels.

The COSMOS Statewide Office is responsible for providing authoritative clarification of statewide program policies and requirements. In the event of conflicting information, the most current written guidance issued by the COSMOS Statewide Office will take precedence over earlier or inconsistent communications, subject to applicable University of California policies and governing law.

RESIDENCY

Eligibility for COSMOS is limited to students attending high schools in California, subject to the program's established eligibility requirements. Attendance at a California high school does not automatically establish eligibility.

Please review the official COSMOS program policies for complete residency and eligibility requirements. For questions or clarification regarding individual circumstances, please contact the COSMOS Statewide Office directly.

APPLICATION

Can I apply to more than one COSMOS campus?

No. Applicants may apply to only one COSMOS campus per application cycle. Within the selected campus, applicants may identify one first-choice cluster and one second-choice cluster.

Are SAT or ACT scores considered in admission or financial aid decisions?

No. COSMOS does not consider SAT or ACT scores when evaluating applications for admission or determining financial aid eligibility.

Can I apply if I have previously attended COSMOS?

No. Students who have previously participated in COSMOS are not eligible to attend the program again.

What is a CASSID?

CASSID refers to the California Statewide Student Identifier (SSID), a unique identification number assigned to students enrolled in California public schools.

Providing this number is optional and will not affect your application if it is unavailable. If you do not know your number, please contact your school registrar or counselor.

How can I determine whether my high school courses meet the prerequisites for a cluster?

Each COSMOS campus establishes and administers its cluster-specific prerequisites and admissions review process.

Applicants are responsible for reviewing the prerequisites and descriptions published on their selected campus's website before applying. For questions about course equivalencies or whether a particular course satisfies a prerequisite, please contact the campus directly.

How do I pay the application fee?

Application fees must be paid through the COSMOS Parent/Guardian Portal.

Parents or guardians will receive an email with instructions to access the portal. Through the portal, they can complete required electronic signatures, submit payment, and provide financial aid information, if applicable.

Applicants should ensure that their parent or guardian completes all required steps by the published deadlines.

I applied to COSMOS previously. Can I use the same login credentials?

Yes. Returning applicants may use their existing login credentials. However, a new application must be completed and submitted for each application cycle. Information submitted in a prior year does not constitute an application for the current year.

If admitted, am I required to live on campus?

Yes. COSMOS is a residential academic program, and participation in the residential experience is required for attendance.

All admitted students must reside in the designated campus housing for the duration of the program, in accordance with applicable program and campus policies.

Is the application fee refundable?

No. The COSMOS application fee is non-refundable, regardless of the admission decision, application withdrawal, or an applicant's decision not to attend.

Please review the official COSMOS program policies before submitting payment.

Is the program tuition refundable?

COSMOS tuition and program fees are subject to the published payment, cancellation, and refund policies. Payments become non-refundable after the applicable published refund deadline, except as otherwise required by law or expressly provided under official program policy.

Applicants and families are responsible for reviewing the applicable deadlines and refund conditions before submitting payment.

Please refer to the official COSMOS program policies for complete details.

MISSED DEADLINES

Can I submit application materials or payments after the deadline?

No. To ensure a fair and consistent admissions process for all applicants, COSMOS strictly enforces its published application deadlines. All required application materials and payments must be received by the applicable deadlines.

Late or missing materials and payments will result in an incomplete application, which will not be considered for admission.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required components are submitted on time, including materials provided by teachers, counselors, or other third parties.

What if my school is closed or on holiday near the application deadline?

Applicants are responsible for planning ahead and allowing sufficient time for teachers, counselors, and school officials to submit required materials before the published deadlines.

School holidays, closures, or staff unavailability do not extend COSMOS application deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to request transcripts, recommendations, and other school-provided materials well in advance.

All published deadlines remain in effect unless an official extension is announced by the COSMOS Statewide Office.

APPLICATION ESSAYS

What should I include in my personal statement?

Your personal statement is an opportunity to introduce yourself to the admissions committee beyond your academic record. Share your interests, experiences, accomplishments, and motivations for applying to COSMOS.

We encourage you to explain your interest in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), what you hope to gain from the program, and how your experiences and goals align with the COSMOS academic experience.

Your essay should reflect your own perspectives, experiences, and voice.

Is there a word limit for the personal statement?

Yes. The application includes a maximum length for the personal statement, as indicated in the essay text box. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their responses remain within the specified limit.

Is there a word limit for the cluster choice essays?

Yes. Each cluster choice essay has a maximum length, as indicated in the corresponding text box within the application.

Applicants should use these essays to explain their interest in their selected clusters and how their academic background, experiences, or interests relate to the cluster topics. All responses must remain within the specified limits.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Does applying for financial assistance affect my admission decision?

No. COSMOS admission decisions are made independently of financial assistance determinations. Applying for financial assistance does not affect an applicant's eligibility for admission or consideration during the admissions review process.

Please refer to the Financial Assistance page for additional information regarding eligibility, required documentation, and applicable deadlines.

When will I be notified if I have been awarded financial assistance?

Financial assistance decisions are communicated at the same time as admission decisions. Applicants who request financial assistance will receive information regarding their award, if any, with their admission notification.

Where do I submit my financial assistance application and supporting documents?

All required financial assistance documentation must be submitted directly to the COSMOS Statewide Office in accordance with the instructions and deadlines published on the official COSMOS website.

Applicants and their families are responsible for ensuring that documents are properly addressed and received by the applicable deadline. COSMOS is not responsible for delays, lost or damaged mail, delivery errors, or documents sent to an incorrect address.

Please do not use delivery services that require a recipient's signature, as these may delay processing. COSMOS recommends using a mailing service that provides tracking and delivery confirmation.

Refer to the official COSMOS website for the current mailing address and submission requirements.

TEACHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Do my recommendations need to come from STEM teachers?

At least one recommendation must come from a teacher in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) subject. A second recommendation is optional and may be submitted by another teacher, school counselor, or academic recommender who can speak to your academic abilities and potential.

What information do I need to request a recommendation?

You will need each recommender's full name and official school or work email address.

Once you complete the recommendation section of your application, the COSMOS application system will automatically send an email to your designated recommender with instructions for completing the recommendation.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their recommenders in advance to confirm their willingness and availability to submit a recommendation by the deadline.

Are recommenders required to submit a formal letter?

No. Recommenders will complete an online evaluation that includes questions about your academic performance, abilities, and potential in STEM subjects. They may also be asked to evaluate your performance relative to your peers.

An optional comments section is provided for additional information. A separate formal recommendation letter is not required.

How will I know if my recommendation has been submitted?

You can monitor the status of your recommendations through the application checklist in your COSMOS applicant portal.

Applicants are responsible for checking their application status and following up with recommenders to ensure all required recommendations are submitted by the published deadline.

What should I do if my recommender does not receive the email from COSMOS?

First, ask your recommender to check their spam or junk email folder and confirm that the email address entered in your application is correct.

Some school districts may block automated emails. If the invitation cannot be located, ask your recommender to contact their school or district IT department to allow emails from the COSMOS application system.

Applicants should address email delivery issues well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for submission.

When are recommendations due?

All required recommendations must be submitted electronically through the COSMOS application system by the published application deadline.

Applicants are responsible for notifying their recommenders of the deadline and allowing sufficient time for completion. Late recommendations may result in an incomplete application that will not be considered for admission.

ADMISSIONS DECISIONS

When will admission decisions be announced?

Admission decisions will be released according to the schedule published on the COSMOS Dates and Deadlines page. Applicants should monitor their email and COSMOS applicant portal for updates and official notifications.

Does COSMOS maintain a waitlist?

Yes. COSMOS maintains a waitlist for qualified applicants who are not initially offered admission. Waitlist offers are dependent on available space and program enrollment needs. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee admission.

Please refer to the Dates and Deadlines page for additional information.

If I am not admitted, may I apply again in a future year?

Yes. Students who are not admitted may reapply in a subsequent application cycle, provided they meet the eligibility requirements in effect for that year.

Each application is evaluated independently. A previous denial does not negatively affect consideration for admission in a future application cycle.

Are official transcripts required?

Yes. Students who accept an offer of admission must submit an official transcript by the deadline specified in their admission notification.

The preferred submission method is for a school counselor, registrar, or other authorized school official to email the official transcript directly to the COSMOS campus the student will attend.

Failure to submit the required official transcript by the specified deadline may affect a student's ability to finalize enrollment.

What qualifies as an official transcript?

An official transcript is an academic record issued or authenticated by the student's school.

Official transcripts may be submitted through one of the following methods, subject to the receiving campus's instructions:

Electronic submission: Sent directly from an authorized school official or through a school-approved secure transcript delivery service to the designated COSMOS campus.
Mail submission: Sent directly by the school or provided to the student in an official, sealed school envelope for forwarding to the designated COSMOS campus.

Transcripts provided in sealed envelopes must remain unopened to be considered official. Photocopies, screenshots, or unofficial student-generated records do not satisfy the official transcript requirement.

Applicants should follow the submission instructions and deadlines provided by their admitting campus.

UC Davis	UC Irvine	UC Los Angeles
cdirect@ucdavis.edu	cosmos@uci.edu	uclacosmos@ucla.edu
Attn: COSMOS 1204 Mathematical Sciences Building One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616	Attn: COSMOS 120 Theory, Suite 150 Irvine, CA 92697-2505	Attn: Barbara Zolkin 612 Charles E. Young Dr. East Los Angeles, CA 90095

UC Merced	UC San Diego	UC Santa Cruz
cosmos@ucmerced.edu	cosmos@ucsd.edu	cosmos@ucsc.edu
Attn: COSMOS University of California, Merced Bldg.-Rm: BSP-431 Merced, CA 95343	Attn: COSMOS 9500 Gilman Dr., MC 0429 Jacobs Hall, Room 1205 La Jolla, CA 92093	UC Santa Cruz Attn: COSMOS EPC/Oakes 1156 High Street Santa Cruz, CA 95064

Does COSMOS accept electronic transcripts?

Yes. COSMOS accepts official electronic transcripts sent directly from a high school or through an authorized transcript delivery service, such as Parchment, to the designated COSMOS campus.

If your school does not use an electronic transcript service, please contact your high school registrar or counselor to arrange for an official transcript to be sent according to your admitting campus's instructions.

Admitted students are responsible for ensuring that official transcripts are submitted by the deadline specified in their admission notification. Late submissions will not be accepted.

What does "postmarked" mean?

A postmark is an official marking applied by the United States Postal Service (USPS) indicating the date a mailed item was processed.

If a COSMOS deadline is specified as a postmark deadline, required materials or check payments must bear a USPS postmark dated on or before the published deadline.

Simply placing an item in a mailbox on the deadline does not guarantee that it will receive a postmark that day. Applicants should confirm USPS collection times and post office operating hours and allow sufficient time for mailing.

Can I submit an unofficial transcript with my application?

Yes. Applicants must upload an unofficial transcript in PDF format as part of their application before the published deadline.

The transcript must be generated on or after the date the application opens and must accurately reflect the student's academic record at the time of submission.

Students who are admitted will be required to submit an official transcript separately, in accordance with the instructions and deadlines provided in their admission notification.

Will I be required to provide proof of vaccination to attend COSMOS?

COSMOS students must comply with all applicable University of California and host-campus immunization, vaccination, and public health requirements in effect during their program attendance.

Requirements, including any applicable documentation, exemptions, or accommodations, are governed by University of California policies and applicable law.

Admitted students will receive instructions from their assigned campus regarding any required health documentation and submission deadlines.

UC Davis: https://campusready.ucdavis.edu/testing-response/dashboard

UC Irvine: https://studenthealth.uci.edu/

UC Los Angeles: https://covid-19.ucla.edu/ucla-covid-protocols/

UC Merced: https://health.ucmerced.edu/

UC San Diego: https://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/resources/public-health/covid-19/index.html

UC Santa Cruz: https://health.ucsc.edu/

RESIDENCY AND ELIGIBILITY

Can I apply to COSMOS if I am not a California resident?

No. COSMOS is intended for eligible California high school students. Applicants must meet the California residency and school enrollment requirements established in the official COSMOS program policies.

Attendance at a California high school does not, by itself, guarantee eligibility.

Please review the official program policies for complete eligibility requirements. If you have questions about your individual circumstances, contact the COSMOS Statewide Office before applying.

Are international students eligible to apply?

COSMOS eligibility is determined by the residency and enrollment requirements established in its official program policies. Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible to participate.

Students attending California high schools on international student visas or with other nonresident classifications should contact the COSMOS Statewide Office for clarification before submitting an application.

PAYMENTS

Are there additional fees for paying by credit card?

Yes. Credit card payments for COSMOS program tuition and fees are subject to an approximately 2.5% transaction fee assessed by a third-party payment processor. The COSMOS application fee is exempt from this charge.

The transaction fee is collected by the payment processor, not COSMOS, and is non-refundable, including when the associated payment is canceled, refunded, credited, or disputed through a chargeback, subject to applicable law and payment processor terms.

Why am I required to make separate payments?

In accordance with applicable University of California banking requirements, credit card transaction fees are assessed separately from COSMOS program tuition and fees.

Applicants who choose to pay by credit card must therefore complete two separate transactions:

Payment of the applicable COSMOS program tuition and fees.
Payment of the associated credit card transaction fee.

Both payments must be successfully completed by the published deadline to satisfy the program's payment requirements and finalize enrollment.

Can I avoid the credit card transaction fee?

Yes. Families may avoid the credit card transaction fee by paying with a check or money order instead.

Check or money order payments must be mailed to the designated COSMOS payment address and postmarked on or before the published payment deadline.

Please refer to the official COSMOS payment instructions for the current mailing address and additional requirements.

UC Davis Campus Cashiering
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616

Payment by Check or Money Order

Checks and money orders must be made payable to “UC Regents”, not COSMOS.

To ensure proper identification and processing of your payment, please include the following information on your check or money order:

Applicant's full name
COSMOS campus (e.g., COSMOS UCD)

Payments must be postmarked by the published deadline and mailed to the designated COSMOS payment address.

Important Mailing Information and Disclaimer

Applicants and their families are responsible for ensuring that payments are properly addressed, mailed, and postmarked by the applicable deadline.

COSMOS is not responsible for mail that is lost, delayed, held, or damaged in transit, or for delivery errors resulting from incorrect or incomplete mailing information provided by the sender, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Please verify the mailing address and allow sufficient time for delivery. Do not use mailing services that require a recipient's signature, as these may delay or prevent delivery.

COSMOS recommends using a mailing service that provides tracking and proof of mailing without requiring a recipient's signature.