Summer Research Academies

Admissions

Application Window: December 15, 2024 – March 31, 2025

Application reviews will begin in January to allow for the submission of transcripts that must include Fall 2024 grades. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis.

In order to decide if SRA is the right fit for you, please review the eligibility requirements listed below, explore the descriptions of the research tracks thoroughly to see what options speak to you, and consider attending an informational webinar to learn more. You can also prepare for the application process by reviewing the elements you’ll be required to submit below. 

Program Dates: June 25 – July 25, 2025

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Program Eligibility

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • High school student in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade

  • Have a minimum 3.60 academic weighted GPA requirement 

  • Attend the program in its entirety, starting with the virtual component and ending with the closing events

  • Due to its intensive nature, students may not concurrently enroll in other courses, activities, or programs during SRA

Enrolled students are required to participate in a SRA Preparation Webinar to prepare for the program. They must choose from one of the following options:

  • May 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM (PT)

  • May 31, 2025 at 1:00 PM (PT)

  • June 2, 2025 at 5:00 PM (PT)

  • June 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM (PT)

SRA students at capstone

Application Requirements

The online application includes:

  • Transcript – You will be asked to upload a transcript that shows your entire high school academic history. You can ask your school or counselor for a copy of an unofficial transcript to submit with your application. It must include the first trimester or semester grades for the 2024–2025 academic school year. Transcripts will be checked and verified before applications are reviewed. 

  • Personal Statement – In a 500 word maximum essay, please tell us why you want to participate in SRA, the reason you selected a particular research track(s), and something unique about you for the admissions committee to know.

  • Short Responses – This series of questions allows us to get to know you better. In 150 words or less for each response, we will ask you to:

    • Briefly share what you specifically hope to learn from the track(s) you have chosen.

    • What skills, interests, or talents do you possess that will enable you to succeed in the chosen track(s)?

    • Describe how you will develop your academic and/or personal goals at SRA.

    • Create a hashtag describing you and/or your life and elaborate on why you chose it.

International Students: TOEFL/English language proficiency exam scores are NOT needed for International applicants.

A limited number of scholarships are available and awarded based on need, qualifications, and availability. Priority is given to California residents. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, you can indicate your interest within your online program application.

If you are admitted into the program, your guardian will receive an email to complete the scholarship application. Your guardian will be required to submit the following:

  • 2024 Federal Tax returns (e.g., 1040, 1040EZ)

  • 2024 W2 forms (if applicable)

SRA students at the courthouse

Admission Process & Decision

  1. Students complete an online application by March 31, 2025.

  2. Applicants are notified via email when their application is complete.

  3. Completed applications move on to the review stage.

  4. Applicants will receive their admission decision approximately two to four weeks after receiving their completion email.

  5. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis and communicated via email directly to the applicant.

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Contact Us

For more information about the program or to inquire about the application process, please contact: precollege@summer.ucsb.edu