Research
YSP (UC Davis Young Scholars Program)
YSP is a 6-week residential program run by UC Davis School of Education. Open to: rising juniors and rising seniors (sophomores or juniors when applying).
- Last cycle's deadline
- March 1, 2026
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 10 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 6 weeks
- Residential
What students do
Students work on an individual research project in a UC Davis lab in the biological, agricultural, environmental, or natural sciences. They live on campus, attend faculty lectures, and take field trips around Northern California.
- Biological sciences
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Natural sciences
Key facts
- Run by
- UC Davis School of Education
- Where
- Davis, CA (residential)
- Who can apply
- Rising juniors and rising seniors (sophomores or juniors when applying)Must be 16 by the program start and not yet 18 by its end, and a permanent U.S. resident living and attending school in the U.S.
- Dates
- June 21 to August 1, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- $7,750 for the six-week 2026 program, includes housing, meals, and 5 units of university credit; $45 application fee
- Deadline
- March 1, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.Application opens January 1, 2026.
- Selectivity
- Approximately 40 students are accepted.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Personal essays, school information with weighted and unweighted GPAs, two teacher references (one from a science teacher), and a $45 application fee with waivers on request.
How a mentor helps with your YSP application
- Decide whether YSP 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 YSP deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REACHScripps Research | La Jolla, CACommuter | High school students at least 16 years old | Free with stipend | March 22, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| RMPUC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions | Santa Barbara, CAResidential or commuter | 10th or 11th grade (outstanding 9th graders accepted case by case) | Paid, aid available | March 8, 2027 |
| SIMRStanford University School of Medicine | Stanford, CACommuter | Current juniors and seniors as of fall 2026 (graduating classes of 2027 or 2028) | Free | Late February 2027 (the 2026 deadline was February 21, 2026) |
| SIPUC Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz, CAResidential or commuter | High school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the program | Paid, aid available | February 26, 2027 at 12:00 noon PST |
| SRAUC Santa Barbara Summer Sessions | Santa Barbara, CAResidential or commuter | 9th, 10th, or 11th grade | Paid, aid available | March 22, 2027 |
| SRCCaltech Center for Teaching, Learning, and Outreach | Pasadena, CACommuter | Rising 10th to 12th graders in Pasadena Unified School District high schools | Not posted | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the YSP application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was March 1, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does YSP cost?
$7,750 for the six-week 2026 program, includes housing, meals, and 5 units of university credit; $45 application fee. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to YSP?
Rising juniors and rising seniors (sophomores or juniors when applying). Must be 16 by the program start and not yet 18 by its end, and a permanent U.S. resident living and attending school in the U.S.
What does the YSP application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Personal essays, school information with weighted and unweighted GPAs, two teacher references (one from a science teacher), and a $45 application fee with waivers on request.
How hard is it to get into YSP?
Approximately 40 students are accepted.
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.
