What are the program and application period dates?

The 2026 program dates are June 21 - August 1.
The application time period is January 1 - March 1.

Who can apply?

• Must be a rising junior (in your sophomore year when applying) or rising senior (in your junior year when applying)
• Must be 16 years of age by the first day of the program but not 18 years of age before the last day of the program.
• Must be a permanent US resident currently residing and attending school in the US

No exceptions will be granted. Requests for exceptions will not receive a response.

When is the application deadline? 

• The application period is January 1 – March 1, 11:59pm PDT.
• We can accept teacher recommendations through March 3, 11:59pm PDT.
• Late applications will not be accepted.
• Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

What is included in the application?

1. Student, parent, and referring teacher contact information.
2. School information, including weighted and un­weighted GPAs.
3. Two teacher references submitted through the Young Scholars Program teacher recommendation website. The online recommendations will form the primary reference, separate, formal letters of recommendation are not required and will not be reviewed.
   • One reference MUST be from a science teacher.
   • The other must be from another teacher.
   • Recommendations from counselors or mentors from outside of school are discouraged.
   • References are due at the same time applications are due. We can accept references through March 3. However, you must plan ahead to give your teachers sufficient time.
4. Summary of school activities and other interests, activities, and research experiences.
5. Personal essays.

How do I request a program fee reduction or an application fee waiver?

Application Fee Waiver Requests: Applicants can request an application fee waiver by completing the online YSP - Application Fee Waiver Request. An application fee waiver will be granted to any student who requests one prior to the application deadline.

Program Fee Reduction Requests: To request consideration for a fee reduction, the student should fill out the online UC Davis Young Scholars Program – Program Fee Reduction Request form by the application deadline. The form includes uploading a letter, which should be addressed to YSP Director Chris Griesemer, describing the parent/guardians’ financial obligations and need for support. 

Please visit our Program Costs page for more information on program fees.

How do I apply?

Apply through the YSP application portal.