Pre-College FAQs

You will need to provide an unofficial school transcript and write a short essay explaining your interest in the topic or topics which you apply to. There is a $65 application fee which can be waived by attending one of our Information Sessions.

The application deadline is Feb. 27, 2026. You will be notified by the end of March and will need to pay a $500 deposit to hold your place.

Yes! You can select up to three courses in priority order during the application process.

We offer a streamlined application and the only document we ask for is your unofficial transcript.

We will be notifying students on a rolling basis after the application deadline of Feb. 27. We encourage you to apply early for the best chance to get into your first choice.

Yes! You are encouraged to apply to this program even if you are on the SIP waitlist. Please notify us at extension@ucsc.edu if you are accepted into SIP or another program that conflicts with the dates for this program.

Yes, if you have family in the area or if they accompany you on the trip to provide supervison during non-class hours. You will need to find your own lodging. These courses can be taken with a B-1 tourist visa.

You may select up to three courses on your application and they can be in different sessions.

Acceptance notices will be sent by the end of March and a $500 deposit will be due at that time. The remainder of tuition will be due by the end of May.

We have a very limited number of partial scholarships that we will be able to award after all enrollment is completed.

Three business days before the start of the session. minus $40 fee. $500 non-refundable deposit

Completing either or both sessions of this program will help you build skills and identify areas of interest for future enrichment activities. You will receive a certificate of completion and an evaluation letter from the instructor.

No, this is an enrichment program which will focus on introducing you to advanced topics. If you are interested in taking for credit courses please refer to the UCSC Summer Session course list.

Each course will include research processes relevant to the subject.

Each course will have an instructional team consisting of a lead instructor and several teaching assistants. We plan to have a ratio of 6:1 students to instructional staff in each course.

Every student who completes the program will receive a certificate of completion and a written evaluation from the instructor. Students that pursue further pre-college studies as suggested by the instructor's evaluation have in the past made connections that justify a recommendation letter.

You will need to provide your own laptop computer. Technology is specific to each course, but will either be provided or downloadable for free.

Yes! The courses that require Python will begin with a Python Boot Camp. Please refer to the course prerequisites for details.

Students will need a gmail account to access a free version of Google Colab. Information about any additional technology will be provided prior to the start of the course.

You will need a laptop or desktop computer to access our Canvas LMS and the free version of Google Colab. Instructions for access will be provided to you prior to the start of the course.

Yes! Lunch will be provided every day that your class meets on campus (typically Mon-Fri).

Please let us know about any health concerns when you complete your registration form. Provided lunches will include options for different diets.

Yes, you may leave during scheduled breaks. You will be required to check-out and to go together with another student.

Yes, the building opens at 9 a.m. You may check-in and wait in the lounge for class to start.

All access to the campus is through the front desk. Students will be required to check-in and check-out daily. During class time students will be supervised by the instructor and their assigned mentor.

Please notify us if you will miss any class sessions. Your instructor and mentor will share the materials covered, although in-person sessions will not be recorded.

The UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus is located at the corner of Scott Blvd. and Bowers Avenue in Santa Clara. Our address is 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 95054. Please see siliconvalley.ucsc.edu/facility for more information about the campus.