Transfer Prep by IDEA Engineering Student Center
The Transfer Prep Application opens May 1st, 2026!
Overview
Transfer Prep is a 4-day program held over the summer for incoming transfer engineering students. This FREE program provides incoming students with the opportunity to acclimate to campus life, build skills and habits necessary for success in engineering, and develop community amongst their peers before beginning their courses in the fall.
Transfer Prep provides incoming transfer engineering students an opportunity to interact and build community with peers and current engineering students who will serve as your mentors throughout the duration of the program. Students will participate in academic and social activities that include connecting with faculty, staff and current students through workshops, small group discussions, and information sessions. The program builds into a day of industry networking, where you will meet alumni and professionals who are transfer advocates and practice your interview and small-talk skills.
During Transfer Prep you have the option of (1) staying on campus or (2) commuting.
- If you choose to stay on campus you will spend three nights in UC San Diego housing with your fellow Transfer Prep participants and Transfer Prep Leaders, and all meals will be provided.
- If you commute, lunch, dinner, and parking will be provided.
Spots are limited, so make sure to apply!
Transfer Prep Goals:
- Foster a sense of community and support among participating students
- Prepare incoming students academically for the rigor of engineering studies
- Provide incoming students tools to aid in the transition from community college to UC San Diego's Jacobs School of Engineering
- Build awareness of relevant campus programs and resources
- Connect transfer engineering students to industry and professional networks
Important Dates
Program Dates: August 23 - August 26, 2026
Application Opens: May 1, 2026
Transfer Prep Info Session: June 3, 2026 from 5:00 - 6:00pm via Zoom (Register for the Info Session)
Application Deadline: June 22, 2026
Transfer Prep Notifications: First week of July
How to Apply
The Transfer Prep application opens May1st, 2026!
Spots are limited! Make sure to showcase your passion and interest within the application.
Eligibility Requirements
All incoming transfer students admitted to the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego who have accepted their Offer of Admission are eligible and encouraged to apply for Transfer Prep.
Eligibility criteria:
- Demonstrated commitment to mentor and be mentored
- Demonstrated commitment to a multi-year cohorted community
- Demonstrated experience overcoming adversity
- Preference for first-generation or low-income students
Transfer Prep does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process.
Cost
FREE. The IDEA Engineering Student Center provides Transfer Prep at no cost to students!
Note: Any travel to attend is not covered.
Sample Schedule
Testimonials
- I would 100% recommend this program to other students. I met so many great friends, and found the community I was hoping to have in JSOE. I am so much more confident in my ability to be a successful student at UCSD
- 5 out of 5 experience. I learned so much and feel a lot more prepared going into UCSD. I met a lot of great people too!
- I would highly recommend Transfer Prep. I found a great community of women engineers who are so fun and supportive. I definitely feel way more prepared for the quarter system, looking for internships, and setting myself up for success!
- Until now I hadn’t thought about integrating myself into the campus community, but through this program I was able to build my own community within the school. It was a fun and fulfilling experience, and I got to meet people in a smaller environment, which was way less intimidating than jumping straight into classes.
- I would highly recommend the Transfer Prep program to all incoming students interested in having a head start experience to UCSD culture, school life, faculty, and friends. Getting to know all the facilities before the school quarter starts is highly beneficial for my success. Overall, It was a fantastic experience and and loved every moment of it!
Non-Discrimination Statement:
All Jacob’s School of Engineering students are encouraged to apply. Transfer Prep does not consider race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories as part of the application and selection process.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories. More information about Proposition 209 can be found here. More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.
Contact Information
IDEA Engineering Student Center, Jacobs School of Engineering
Website: idea.ucsd.edu
Phone: 858.534.6105
E-Mail: idea@ucsd.edu