Eligibility and Requirements

Discover UC San Diego will welcome approximately 200 high school students for a five-week, in-person residential summer program from June 26 – August 1, 2027.

The program is open to students from across the United States. Scholarship opportunities will be available for eligible students from California's 52nd Congressional District.

Application Information

Students must submit a completed application between December 2026 and March 5, 2027. A $100 application fee is required.

The application will include the following:

Basic biographical (name, birth date, gender, etc.) and contact information
Household information
School Information
Ranking preferred course of interest
Roommate Questionnaire
Academic Interest Questions
Upload of Student Photo
- Photo Guidelines: You're easy to recognize. You're the only one in the picture. It's a head-and-shoulders view, with the entire face, both eyes, and hair clearly visible. (Head coverings worn for religious purposes are okay).
Upload of Unofficial Transcript
- Note: A semester grade report will not be acceptable submission. Applicants will be required to submit a transcript that details their entire academic history and listed GPA.
Video Essay
- 2–3-minute intro video where students answer the following:
  - Name
  - Grade
  - “Why do you want to attend this program?”
2 references from either a teacher, counselor, advisor, or coach
Program Authorization Forms
Emergency and Medical Information
Permission to Dispense Over-the-Counter Medication Form
Photography Release Form
FERPA Form

Once students submit their completed applications, they will be notified of their admission decision on March 19, 2027. Students who are accepted will receive additional information about next steps, program preparation, and enrollment.