How to Apply

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Click Here to Apply to COSMOS

 

Applications for COSMOS 2025 open on Wednesday, January 8th @8AM and close on Friday, February 7th @11:59PM.

 

  • Returning Student Policy: Students can attend COSMOS only once.
  • Students completing grades 8th - 12th by the summer 
  • Eighth-Grade Student Policy: Graduating 8th graders completing advanced mathematics or science courses will be considered for admission, and must be mature enough to participate in a one-month virtual program. A very small percentage of applying 8th graders are admitted to COSMOS each year.

Summer 2025 - In Person Setting

  • For the 2025 program, COSMOS is limited to residents of California ONLY.
  • All students must show proof of COVID vaccination prior to the start of the program.
  • All students must show proof of a negative COVID test result prior to arrival. 
  • Complete and submit an online application.
  • One or two completed online recommendation(s) from a math/science teacher.
  • Transcripts for current year and at least one preceding academic year. Unofficial electronic transcripts accepted for the application period. Must be generated after January 8th, 2025. We will not accept transcripts that have been generated before. If admitted, Official Transcripts will be required.
  • Select one campus - Students can only apply to ONE COSMOS Campus; chosen clusters must be at the same campus.
  • Select a First and Second Choice Cluster: Choosing more than one cluster may increase your chance for acceptance. Write compelling essays for both choices.
  • Application fee (paid online by credit card or check/money order mailed to address below). 
  • Financial Assistance form (online) - only for California residents (if requesting assistance). For more requirements, please visit COSMOS Statewide's Financial Aid tab for more information.
  • Late postmarked items will not be considered and the application will be incomplete.

*EVERYTHING needs to be completed or submitted by the deadline. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

For application FAQs, please visit the COSMOS Statewide's Site

  • Cluster faculty review and choose admitted students based on information in the entire application and in comparison to other cluster applicants.
  • Cluster prerequisites are a minimum requirement for consideration by cluster faculty.
  • Overall grades in math/science courses are strongly considered over GPA.
  • Honors and AP courses are recognized as more difficult.
  • Average applicant GPA is 3.8 unweighted.
  • All essays are read, all applications reviewed. Faculty read to determine the applicant's motivation and what they want out of their COSMOS experience. This is the student's opportunity to convince faculty that they should be chosen for this cluster.
  • Teacher recommenders should be contacted early to ensure time for recommendation completion. Students should verify teachers have received their emailed link and completed their recommendation. The application does not need to be completed for the link to be sent to teachers. Student's may select a teacher from the previous year.
  • Student Activities – Extracurricular activities surrounding math and science fairs, Math Olympiad, robotics competitions, student leadership positions, etc.

Official transcripts will be preferred via e-mail, but must be sent by a school official from their school e-mail address to cosmos@ucsd.edu. 

 

Attention: COSMOS

9500 Gilman Dr., MC 0429

Jacobs Hall, Room 1205

La Jolla, CA 92093

  • Unofficial electronic transcripts accepted via online submission by February 9th. (Transcripts must be generated after January 8th, 2025)
  • Official transcripts will be required upon acceptance by May 3rd. Must be postmarked to the mailing address above if mailing.

COSMOS-Statewide Cashier's Office

University of California

PO Box 989062

West Sacramento, CA 95798-9062

  • Make a check or money order payable to "UC Regents" (not COSMOS).
  • Please note on the check or money order the Applicant's name and the campus they are applying to (i.e. Jane Doe, COSMOS UCSD).
  • Online payment is available.

COSMOS Statewide

230 Physical Sciences

& Engineering Library

One Shields Avenue

Davis, CA 95616-8596

  • See COSMOS Statewide's Financial Aid tab for more information.

For more information, please visit the COSMOS Statewide website.

For more information, please view COSMOS Statewide's Dates & Deadlines.

July 6th, 2025

  • COSMOS Opening Day

August 1st, 2025

  • COSMOS Closing Day 

 

 

Questions? Contact COSMOS at cosmos@ucsd.edu.