About

UC San Diego’s Pre-College Programs give high-school students access to college-level academics at one of the country’s leading STEM-focused public research universities. Participants may enroll in undergraduate-level courses for credit through Discover UC San Diego or choose from specialized programs like Academic Connections and Research Scholars. Students can attend residentially, commute locally, or take courses online—including asynchronous Futures career-track programs—depending on the specific track. Residential participants live on campus in La Jolla and have access to academic resources and faculty mentorship, while commuter and online formats expand access for regional and international students. Enrollment for marquee residential programs requires meeting minimum 3.0 GPA thresholds and a holistic application review, while online introductory courses offer more flexible registration. For families seeking a STEM-forward summer option, UCSD Pre-College provides a rigorous pathway into university-level study within a premier research setting.