Useful information about applying
•Start your application early!
•You can only apply to one campus.
Consider your choice of campus
carefully, each campus offers a unique
set of clusters.
•You can apply to 2 clusters at most.
You will be given the opportunity to
rank your cluster choices in the online
application.
•Your admission heavily weighs upon
the essay response portion, invest time
and effort in writing it!
•Financial Assistance is available to
students who qualify! For need-based
eligible students, COSMOS may provide
up to a maximum of 90% of tuition
assistance. Don’t forget to apply!
•Sell yourself throughout your entire
application!
•Be sure to meet your cluster’s
prerequisites! For example, you may
need Algebra II, Chemistry, or Biology to
be considered for a cluster.
•Make sure you have a valid e-mail
address before beginning. You will need
it for the online application.
•Before beginning your application
online, make sure you have everything
you need, like transcripts and essays.
•Type your essays on Word beforehand
so that you can simply cut and paste
them onto your online application.
•The information you enter in your
application will be saved so that you
may log out and return without losing
your data.
Helpful Hints
•Make sure to check your application
status before the deadline to make
sure that we have received all of your
materials.
•Contact your teachers to request
recommendations as early as possible.
Check back with them periodically to
make sure they complete your request
before the deadline.
•Remember to finish your application in
its entirety and to submit it before the
deadline. Incomplete and late
applications will not be accepted!
Special Info to Remember
•Please make sure to indicate if
you are currently participating
in programs such as MESA,
Gear-UP, EAOP, etc…
•List as many extracurricular
activities as possible. Begin
with science, math and
engineering activities, but
include others such as
volunteer work, jobs, sports,
etc…
•Please note any school
organizations clubs, honors,
societies, and/or after school
groups you currently
participate in.
•Please refer to the websites
below for specific site
information and answers to
frequently asked questions.
Campus Links
UC Santa Cruz
UC San Diego
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC Office of the President
epc.ucsc.edu/cosmos
cosmos.ucsd.edu
cosmos.ucdavis.edu
cosmos.uci.edu
ucop.edu/cosmos
Application window: January 21 to February 21