UC COSMOS

UC Berkeley COSMOS is a 4-week, residential STEM program hosted at UC Berkeley and other UC campuses for motivated California high school students. Participants live on campus, take part in a focused academic cluster (such as engineering, computer science, math, or natural sciences), and work closely with UC faculty, researchers, and graduate students. The curriculum typically combines lectures, labs, group projects, and independent inquiry, giving students a realistic view of college-level STEM study and research.

This program is well-suited for students who are already strong in math and science and are looking for a challenging summer experience that goes beyond standard high school courses. Applicants should be prepared for intensive academic work and collaborative problem-solving. COSMOS can strengthen a college application by demonstrating:

• Sustained interest in STEM through a selective, immersive program
• Experience with college-level coursework and labs
• Research-style or project-based work, often culminating in presentations or reports

Students considering STEM majors, research opportunities, or future work in science and technology fields may find COSMOS especially valuable as an introduction to the expectations and environment of a major research university. For details on eligibility, clusters, and application procedures, visit the program website.

How much does UC COSMOS cost?

Our catalog lists $3,500 for UC COSMOS, but we have not confirmed that against the program's own page. Many paid programs also offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

Who is eligible for UC COSMOS?

Our catalog has UC COSMOS open to high school students in grades 10–11, unconfirmed against the program's own page — check it before you rule yourself in or out, since eligibility is often narrower than a grade range suggests (age floors, "must have completed" rules, enrolment status).

Is UC COSMOS online or in person?

UC COSMOS is an in-person program based in Berkeley, CA.

How do I apply to UC COSMOS?

Apply directly through University of California's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.