2025 Program Dates: June 22 – August 2

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 15 – March 15, 11:59 PDT
• We can accept teacher recommendations through March 19, 11:59 PDT
• Late applications will not be accepted.

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 19, 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?

See more information on our Program Costs page

Program Fee Reduction Requests: Funds are available to assist those students who might otherwise be unable to attend due to financial constraints. To request consideration for a fee reduction the student should submit a letter describing parent/guardians’ financial obligations and need for support to the director, Megan Bettis by the application deadline HERE

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

How do I apply?

Application time period: January 15 – March 15, 2025

Application portal: https://ysp-app.ucdavis.edu

The application portal will not be available until January 15, 2025