STEM and engineering
BSAS (Berkeley Summer Academy of Science)
BSAS is a 2-week commuter program run by UC Berkeley GLOBE (Global Learning and Outreach from Berkeley Engineering). Open to: high school students ages 15 to 17 by the start of the program.
- Last cycle's deadline
- March 31, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- See details
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 2 weeks
- Commuter
What students do
Students attend lectures and lab sessions on the science behind engineering, with a 2026 theme of quantum, optics and lasers, and semiconductors. They design and build a prototype, visit student labs and Silicon Valley companies, and present their work at a completion ceremony.
- Quantum
- Optics and lasers
- Semiconductors
- Engineering design
- Prototyping
Key facts
- Run by
- UC Berkeley GLOBE (Global Learning and Outreach from Berkeley Engineering)
- Where
- Berkeley, CA (commuter)
- Who can apply
- High school students ages 15 to 17 by the start of the programAges 15 to 17 by the program start; calculus and physics are preferred, though algebra and one science class are accepted; housing is not provided, so students must live in the area and commute.
- Dates
- July 20 to July 31, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $5,500, covers faculty, lab space, equipment and supplies, industry visits, administrative fees, and daily lunches
- Deadline
- March 31, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.Application opens Early January.
- Selectivity
- Limited to 36 students.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
Short answer prompts are required; scholarship applicants also submit a resume, transcript, and a letter of reference.
How a mentor helps with your BSAS application
- Decide whether BSAS fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the BSAS deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASPIREHarvey Mudd College | Claremont, CAResidential | Rising 10th, 11th, or 12th graders | Paid | March 31, 2026 (priority deadline; rolling admission afterward until full)Last cycle’s date |
| COSMOSUniversity of California | CAResidential | Rising 9th through rising 12th graders | Paid, aid available | February 5, 2027 |
| EPICCal Poly College of Engineering | San Luis Obispo, CAResidential | Currently in grades 6 to 11 | Paid, aid available | March 31, 2027 |
| Nanoscience Lab Summer InstituteCalifornia NanoSystems Institute at UCLA | Los Angeles, CACommuter | High school students, grade 9 and up, at least 15 years old | Paid, aid available | Not posted |
| ASPIREJohns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory | Laurel, MDCommuter | High school juniors and seniors | Free | Not posted |
| BWSIMIT Beaver Works (MIT Lincoln Laboratory and MIT School of Engineering) | Cambridge, MACommuter | Students entering their senior year of high school | Paid, aid available | March 31 (prerequisite online course registration); teacher recommendation due April 2 |
All stem and engineering programsPrograms in CaliforniaEvery program
Frequently asked questions
When is the BSAS application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was March 31, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does BSAS cost?
$5,500, covers faculty, lab space, equipment and supplies, industry visits, administrative fees, and daily lunches. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to BSAS?
High school students ages 15 to 17 by the start of the program. Ages 15 to 17 by the program start; calculus and physics are preferred, though algebra and one science class are accepted; housing is not provided, so students must live in the area and commute.
What does the BSAS application require?
Essays or short answers. Short answer prompts are required; scholarship applicants also submit a resume, transcript, and a letter of reference.
How hard is it to get into BSAS?
Limited to 36 students.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
