About

UC Santa Cruz’s Summer Session for High School Students gives motivated students access to undergraduate-level coursework within a public research university known for strengths in computer science, marine science, and the humanities. Participants may enroll in UCSC Summer Session courses for credit and attend as commuters or take select classes online, depending on availability and prerequisites. Students choose from a broad range of offerings across STEM, social sciences, and interdisciplinary fields while studying alongside UCSC undergraduates in accelerated five-week or ten-week sessions. While high school students are not eligible for on-campus residential housing, they have access to campus academic resources and support throughout their enrollment. Registration requires meeting a minimum 3.0 GPA threshold and securing high school counselor approval via a verification form. For families seeking a UC summer option that combines academic rigor with a unique campus environment, UC Santa Cruz provides a flexible pathway into college-level study.