COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science), a four-week residential program hosted by the University of California, is an engaging opportunity for high-school students to extend their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Designed for California high school students with academic aptitude, COSMOS provides a unique opportunity to learn from UC faculty professors, researchers, and expert scientists on the campus of prestigious institutions.
This pre-college experience goes beyond the typical high school curriculum, allowing students to explore complex STEM topics through hands-on, lab-intensive projects. COSMOS operates at six campuses across California: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz.
Each setting a number of a different number of “clusters” – areas of focus that operate as the student’s courses of study. Applicants indicate their preference for these clusters on their application.
This guide will outline what you can expect from the COSMOS experience.
COSMOS is exclusively open to California high school students entering 9th grade in the fall of 2026 to those starting their 12th-grade year.
While there is not a minimum GPA requirement, program attendees typically have an unweighted GPA of 3.5, with an overall average of 3.93.Additionally, the vast majority of program participants are rising juniors and seniors at the time of attendance.
How can I apply for COSMOS?
Attending COSMOS begins with completing an online application. You can make an account to create and submit that application here.
Here are the required components to a COSMOS application:
Standardized test scores ARE NOT CONSIDERED for admission or financial aid.
If you are interested in financial aid, you should complete a separate supplemental and attach that on your application. After acceptance, you may need to provide further documentation like official transcripts, medical information, waivers, and permission slips depending on the campus requirements.
Here are some important dates surrounding the application process:
COSMOS maintains a waitlist – you can find more information about it, including when students should expect to be notified once they are placed on it, on their website here.
Historically, COSMOS runs throughout the month of July. In 2026, COSMOS will run according to the following schedule:
The COSMOS summer program operates on six different campuses throughout the UC system: UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, and UC San Diego. Each campus offers different clusters, so COSMOS students at the campus where their cluster is offered.
COSMOS is a residential four week program; as such, enrolled students will be living on-campus where their cluster is located for the duration of the program.
In 2026, COSMOS will cost $5,518, with an additional $46 application fee. The costs and application fee are non-refundable.
The program cost includes the following:
Depending on funds available, there may be full or partial need-based scholarships available for those interested. Admission is need-blind. Those interested should complete a financial aid supplement on their application. To be considered, applicants must submit all necessary information by the application deadline.
You can find more information about the financial aid supplement here on COSMOS’ website.
COSMOS is a distinguished and selective STEM program for high school students. In 2019, the program reported an admission rate of 22%. Between 160 to 200 students attend each campus, and there are around 20 placements available in each cluster.
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 5:1, COSMOS offers personalized, in-depth learning in advanced STEM topics. Moreover, students will be working with UC faculty This dedicated educational approach has helped many alumni gain acceptance into elite universities, including Ivy League schools, demonstrating the program’s role in preparing students for academic and professional success in STEM fields.
the COSMOS summer program unfolds as an intensive, four-week residential experience deeply rooted in STEM education. This program combines rigorous academic courses with practical, hands-on learning to enhance understanding and interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The program operates by offering clusters in different areas of inquiry. When you apply to the program, you will indicate your top two cluster preferences. When you are admitted, you will learn your cluster assignment. Cluster topics vary from campus to campus, but all campuses offer clusters in all STEM disciplines.
Below are a selected sample (but not all) of clusters available for COSMOS students. You can find the full list of clusters here, complete with their prerequisite courses.
Here is the weekly schedule for a typical COSMOS student, based off of the model at UC Santa Cruz:
This tightly packed schedule maximizes learning while offering opportunities for personal growth and development within the STEM fields. By the program’s end, students gain substantial knowledge and experience of what it feels like to be part of a vibrant scientific community, making new friendships and valuable connections.
Student research projects are a central component of the COSMOS experience, where theoretical learning meets real-world application. These projects not only challenge students to employ their newly acquired STEM skills but also encourage them to bring creativity and comprehensive problem-solving to advanced topics.
Here are project examples from some COSMOS clusters:
COSMOS is most suitable for talented high school students who are passionate about STEM and committed to furthering their academic excellence. The clusters cover a vast array of student interests, including biological sciences, computer science, engineering, mathematics, data science, chemistry, and other natural sciences.
College-level coursework is integrated with immersive lab experiences. COSMOS deepens scientific knowledge past the standard high school curriculum and fosters a collaborative community of peers and mentors in a rigorous academic environment. Through hands-on projects and exploratory learning, COSMOS students become the thinkers and doers poised to lead future advancements in technology and science.
Participation in COSMOS is well-regarded in the college admissions process. Hosted at six UC campuses, several of which ranked among the top 10 public universities in the US, COSMOS is recognized as a rigorous program through its selective nature that deeply engages students in STEM subjects.
Furthermore, colleges would view admission to COSMOS as a demonstration of a student’s intellectual abilities that would be found in competitive college applicants.
Successful completion demonstrates a student’s ability to handle college-level coursework and their proactive approach to education.
This prestigious program fosters a robust academic foundation and prepares students for their future educational journeys. Moreover, COSMOS admits high-quality high school students with strong academic potential: 89% of COSMOS alumni move on to four-year colleges, with over half attending UC campuses. COSMOS participants are among the most creative minds of California high school students, cultivating a new generation of highly capable researchers.
The COSMOS program is a launchpad for future scientific leaders in STEM fields. Through engaging with rigorous curricula and collaborating on impactful projects, participants gain a deep understanding of complex subjects while preparing for the demands of university life.
Based on a recent survey from Pioneer Academics alumni, 71 percent of Pioneer Research scholars’ college admissions records were to the top 20 US colleges and universities. Six percent of Pioneer’s alumni attended university-affiliated summer programs.
If you’re interested in conducting the highest level of research for high school students, consider joining a Pioneer information session to learn more about the Pioneer Research Institute.
If you are a 9th or 10th grader, you should check out the Global Problem-Solving Institute today. You’ll have the rare opportunity to study current world problems in an interdisciplinary approach and earn college credits from UNC-Chapel Hill at a young age.
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