Research
SIP (UC Santa Cruz Scholar Immersion Program)
SIP is a 8-week residential or commuter program run by UC Santa Cruz. Open to: high school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the program.
- Application deadline
- February 26, 2027 at 12:00
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- See details
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 8 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
High school students work on open-ended research projects under the mentorship of UC Santa Cruz researchers. Projects span science, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and art, and end with a final presentation day.
- Science
- Engineering
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Art
Key facts
- Run by
- UC Santa Cruz
- Where
- Santa Cruz, CA (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- High school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the programStudents must be 14 to 17 years old for the duration of the program; some projects require age 16; students who have already graduated high school are generally not eligible.
- Dates
- June 14 to August 7, 2027 (online week June 14 to 17, in-person June 21 to August 6)
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Deadline
- February 26, 2027 at 12:00 noon PSTApplication opens January 15, 2027.
What the application asks for
- Essays or short answers
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Application fee
Essays with word limits, unofficial transcripts and unweighted GPA, one reference from a teacher or mentor, and a $68 application fee with waivers on request.
How a mentor helps with your SIP application
- Decide whether SIP 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 SIP 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) |
| 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 |
| UC San Diego Research ScholarsUC San Diego Division of Extended Studies | La Jolla, CAHybrid | High school students | Paid | Not posted |
Frequently asked questions
When is the SIP application deadline?
The deadline is February 26, 2027 at 12:00 noon PST. The application opens January 15, 2027.
How much does SIP cost?
Paid, aid available. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to SIP?
High school students ages 14 to 17 for the duration of the program. Students must be 14 to 17 years old for the duration of the program; some projects require age 16; students who have already graduated high school are generally not eligible.
What does the SIP application require?
Essays or short answers, Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Application fee. Essays with word limits, unofficial transcripts and unweighted GPA, one reference from a teacher or mentor, and a $68 application fee with waivers on request.
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.
