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Applications for COSMOS 2025 open on Wednesday, January 8th @8AM and close on Friday, February 7th @11:59PM.
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Program EligibilityÌý
- Returning Student Policy:ÌýStudents can attend COSMOS only once.
- Students completing gradesÌý8th - 12th by the summerÌý
- 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 PersonÌýSetting
- 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.Ìý
Application Completion
- 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.ÌýIf 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).Ìý
- Financial Assistance form (online) - only for California residents (if requesting assistance).ÌýFor more requirements, please visitÌýCOSMOS Statewide'sÌýÌýtab 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.Ìý
For application FAQs, please visit the COSMOS Statewide's
Student Selection
- 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.
- To calculate unweighted GPA please visit thisÌý.
- 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.
TranscriptÌýMailing Address (Electronic copies PREFERRED)
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.Ìý
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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.Ìý(Transcripts mustÌýbe 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.
Application Fee Mailing Address
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.
Financial Aid Application & Supporting Documents Mailing Address (Optional)
COSMOS Statewide
230 Physical Sciences
& Engineering Library
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616-8596
- See COSMOS Statewide'sÌýÌýtab for more information.
For more information, please visit the .
Dates & Deadlines
For more information, please view .
July 6th, 2025
- COSMOS Opening Day
August 1st, 2025
- COSMOS Closing DayÌý
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Questions? Contact COSMOS atÌýcosmos@ucsd.edu.