About
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) at UC Davis is an intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program for California high school students and students completing grades 8-12. It includes rigorous coursework and advanced STEM topics. Students are mentored by renowned faculty, researchers, and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities.
Programs
- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science (COSMOS) at UC Davis — California high school students; students completing grades 8-12 · Intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program with rigorous coursework and advanced STEM topics.
At a glance
- Ages: 13–18 years old
- General schedule: Intensive four-week summer residential pre-college program.
About the provider
The California Legislature established COSMOS in 1998, and UC Davis was added in 2001. The mission of COSMOS is to motivate creative minds in science, engineering, and mathematics who will become leaders for California, the nation, and the world. The leadership team includes Prof. Robert Guy, Faculty Director; Helen Barr, Assistant Director; Stefanie Smart, Program Coordinator; and Geri Bryan, Event Specialist.
Students can only apply to one of the five University of California COSMOS campuses. Each campus can only accommodate about 160-250 participants, so selection is competitive. A typical COSMOS student has a GPA of 3.5 or above. Admission considers grades, especially in math and science courses, math/science teacher recommendations, and one personal essay question.
Last updated September 10, 2026.
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