About

The UC Davis Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a six-week residential research experience designed for high-achieving high school juniors and seniors. Founded in 1969, it is one of the longest-running university-based summer research programs in the U.S. YSP emphasizes authentic, faculty-mentored research across STEM disciplines, with a strong reputation in California and beyond. YSP is not inexpensive—tuition is about $7500—but this figure includes housing, meals, and university credits, and need-based scholarships are available.

Each year about 40 students are admitted from hundreds of applicants. YSP does not publish admissions data but the acceptance rate is likely in the 15% range and quite possibly under 10%. Applicants must be US rising juniors or seniors who both reside and attend school in the U.S. (international students are not currently eligible). The application requires transcripts, essays, and multiple recommendations.

For six weeks, students join UC Davis research labs in fields ranging from molecular biology and chemistry to physics, engineering, and environmental science. Under the guidance of faculty and graduate students, participants learn technical lab protocols and contribute to ongoing projects. YSP emphasizes research deliverables: each student writes a scientific paper and presents their work at a closing symposium. Residential life in UC Davis dorms, along with seminars and workshops, creates a structured pre-college environment.

YSP has a long track record as one of the most respected West Coast summer research opportunities. Its papers and symposium presentations give students credible, concrete research output. While not as nationally visible as programs like RSI or Simons, YSP is well-regarded by admissions officers—especially within the UC system and other selective universities that recognize authentic, faculty-mentored research.