Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I edit my application?
Yes, you edit your application and save the progress. However, you will not be able to make any changes once you have submitted the completed application.

How many letters of recommendation are required?
A minimum of two letters of recommendation is required.

How should Letters of Recommendations be submitted?
You will be asked who your Recommenders are in the "Recommendations" Tab of your STARS Application. Once you add Recommenders to the STARS Application portal they will be sent an email requesting a Letter of Recommendation and will be given submission instructions. Even if you have not submitted your application yet, your Recommender will receive this email within a few minutes of being added. Please remind your recommenders to submit their recommendations by the priority deadline.

Who can write my recommendation letter?
Recommendations can be written by a counselor, faculty member, research mentor, principal investigator, or others. They should highlight your abilities and academic potential in the field of study you are interested in.

Can my STARS Application be submitted at a different time from when my Letters of Recommendations are submitted?
Yes! Your letters of recommendation may be submitted before you submit your STARS application. However, you cannot add or update letters after your application has been submitted.

How do I choose which faculty to work with?
Prior to beginning your application please check the Research Projects 2026  page for the most up-to-date information on research opportunities this summer. You can choose from the list provided to you.

Can I choose the faculty member I want to work with even if it is not on the list?
If you are part of a graduate school preparation program (such as MARC, LSAMP, HHMI, McNair, UC LEADS) that has funding and that recommends you reach out to faculty directly to secure a research spot you may do so. Otherwise, please choose from the list provided in the Research Projects 2026 page.

Can I apply as an international student?
Unfortunately we are not accepting International students. 

Can I apply even if I’m a US Citizen living out of the country?
Yes! However, please note that STARS provides only a $500 travel stipend.

Am I guaranteed to be matched with at least one of the faculty I request to be matched with in my application?
No. Students are not guaranteed to be matched with the faculty they list in the application. We will try to match students to faculty related to the students listed major.

If I mention a faculty member I really want to work with in my personal statement or recommendation letter, does that increase my chances of being paired with them?
We do not recommend listing faculty in your personal statement or letters of recommendation. Instead, please indicate the faculty you’re interested in under the “STARS Additional Information” tab of the application. Faculty matching is not guaranteed.

What if I need to arrive at the program late or leave early? Am I still eligible?
Students must commit to the full length of the program. Extenuating circumstances (i.e. classes beginning close to program end date) will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

What will the format of STARS be in?
UC San Diego STARS will be in-person. Programming will include in-person summer research experiences and in-person grad prep programming.

How might COVID-19 influence STARS?
Updates on COVID 19 may be found here. UC San Diego STARS will follow campus guidelines for our summer planning.

What will a typical day during STARS entail?
Research, research, and more research! In addition, students will participate in Graduate Prep programming throughout the summer, attend Graduate Advocate meetings on Wednesday evenings, and take part in networking, educational, and community-building activities. The full schedule will be provided at orientation.

Is Orientation mandatory?
Yes, each student is responsible for showing up on time and participating.

Are the Graduate Advocate meetings and STARS events mandatory?
Yes, all events listed in the STARS Grad Prep Program Schedule are mandatory.

Is there a GRE Prep Course?
Yes. STARS participants who plan to take the GRE within one year may have access to an online, self-paced GRE prep course. Students may also take advantage of free GRE test prep modules and GRE practice test resources.

Can I take summer school classes and work?
No. Students will be engaged in full-time research during the day and will have scheduled activities in the evenings. As a result, students may not enroll in summer courses or hold outside employment while participating in STARS.

Can I take vacation during STARS?
No. Students are expected to participate in all STARS activities for the full eight weeks of the program.

Can I leave campus during the nights and weekends? Will there be any free time to explore the city?
Yes, many evenings and weekends will be free for students to enjoy social activities.

What is the weather like in San Diego (i.e., what should I pack)?
Wonderful! San Diego has a mild, sunny, semi-arid climate and is known for its comfortable weather year-round. You won’t experience the heat, humidity, or thunderstorms typical of many East Coast summers. We recommend packing shorts, tank tops, and sandals. However, evenings can be cool, so be sure to bring a few pairs of pants, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, closed-toe shoes, and a light jacket. If you’ll be working in a laboratory, closed-toe shoes are required.

Are there any events that will require me to wear something formal?
The only event that requires more formal attire is your research presentation at the UC San Diego Summer Research Conference. We recommend business casual attire, such as nice pants, khakis, slacks, or a skirt, paired with a button-down shirt or blouse. An optional tie or jacket and dress shoes are also appropriate.

Will I have a UC San Diego ID?
Yes. Students will receive a UC San Diego Affiliate ID. Accepted students will be provided with instructions on how to obtain their ID card

Am I guaranteed to work with at least one of the faculty members I request in my application?
No. Students are not guaranteed placement with the faculty members they list. We make every effort to match students with faculty whose research aligns with the student’s listed major and interests.

Can I choose the faculty member I want to work with?
If you are participating in a graduate school preparation program (such as HHMI, McNair, or UC LEADS) that provides funding and recommends contacting faculty directly, you may reach out to faculty to secure a research position. Otherwise, please select faculty from the Research Projects Page and indicate your preferences in the application.

Will I have Library access?
Yes. STARS students who register for library privileges at Geisel Library may check out books using their campus Affiliate ID card. Students may also access online databases from computers located in campus libraries.

Should I bring a lab coat and goggles, or are they provided?
Most laboratories will provide a lab coat and goggles. If these are not available in your lab, loaner lab coats and goggles can be obtained through Environmental Health & Safety.

Will there be Housing in STARS?
Yes. Students will be assigned roommates and suitemates.

Where will we be living?
Housing details will be sent to students prior to the start of the program.

When is check in and check out of campus housing?
Check-in will take place between 10am-2pm on the Sunday before the program begins. Check out is generally by 11am on the final Friday of the program.

Where do I go to check-in?
Housing information and check-in instructions will be sent to students prior to the start of the program.

Is there any furniture or appliances in the apartments?
The apartments come furnished with beds, couches, end tables, trash cans, desks, lamps, stoves, refrigerators, tables and chairs.

What items do I need to bring?
Linens (1 sheet set, 1 blanket, 1 pillow, and 1 set of towels per person) will be provided. Apartments include a full kitchen, but you may want to bring your own dishes, eating utensils, pots, and pans. We recommend bringing a laptop if you have one; however, computers are also available in campus libraries. Housing assignments will be shared the week before travel so you can coordinate with your roommates.

What services are provided at the student dorms?
A general cleaning service is provided. Custodians will clean your bathrooms and kitchen area once per week. However, they will not wash your dishes. They will also change your linens once per week.

Will I get my own room?
No, there are no single dorm rooms this summer. If you have special circumstances that require a single room, please let us know before May.

When will I find out who my roommates are?
We will provide housing assignments within one week of arriving at UC San Diego.

Is there Internet and cable connection in the apartments, and is it free or provided by housing?
All UCSD housing is wired with high-speed wireless Internet and Ethernet lines. Both cable and Internet are free to use in the apartments, but you are required to bring your own cable and television. For wireless Internet access STARS students will have to log onto the UCSD GUEST wireless network.

What are the laundry procedures?
Students are responsible for doing their own laundry. Laundry facilities are available in the dorms, and laundry cards must be purchased by credit card only at the conference desk.

What are the lockout fees and procedures?
If you are locked out of your apartment or lose your keys, please go to the conference desk at the dorms. Replacing a lost set of keys can cost up to $400, and this fee is not reimbursed by STARS.

If I have someone visiting, are they allowed to stay overnight?
No. Housing costs are covered only for STARS students, so overnight guests are not permitted in the dorms. Visitors are welcome to stay at nearby hotels.

Do I have to live on campus?
While we highly encourage living on campus for convenience and to connect with your STARS cohort, students who live in San Diego may choose to live off campus and commute for STARS events and activities. If you commute, attendance at all STARS activities is still mandatory, and you will need to cover parking costs if bringing a car. Please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to commute.

Can I bring my car to campus?
Yes, you may bring your car to campus. Parking permits must be purchased at your own expense. Please see the Conference Parking section for instructions on how to purchase permits online.

Are meal plans provided?
No, meal plans are not provided. The summer living allowance is intended to cover your meals. You can purchase groceries at local stores both on and off campus, and the apartments have full kitchens with a microwave, stove, and refrigerator. Students may also use Triton Cash, which works at on-campus marketplaces and eateries as well as nearby off-campus restaurants. On-campus dining halls will also be open during the summer

What is Triton Cash?
Triton Cash is a system that allows you to deposit money onto your campus card to make purchases at over 60 locations on and off campus. For more information, please visit the Triton Cash FAQ page online.

Will STARS book my travel?
Starting with STARS 2026, the living allowance has increased from $4,000 to $5,000. Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own transportation in advance. Students who manage their own travel will receive an additional $500 travel stipend during the first week of the program to help cover expenses such as flights, checked bags, rideshares, train tickets, or gas mileage. Please note: If your travel is arranged or paid for by your home campus or graduate prep program, you will not receive the $500 travel stipend from STARS.

When should I arrive at UC San Diego for the start of STARS?
Please plan to arrive at UC San Diego on Sunday, June 21, 2026, between 10am and 2pm. A campus tour will be scheduled on your first day to help you get acquainted with UCSD.

How do I get from the airport to the campus?
We recommend using a shuttle service such as SuperShuttle, Uber, or Lyft to travel from the airport to campus. You may want to coordinate with your STARS cohort to share a ride. To help with this, we will provide arrival information for other students one week before the program starts. Taxis are not recommended due to the high cost.

If I drive, will I have to make arrangements to park my car?
Yes. Parking is available at several campus parking structures, but you are responsible for purchasing your own parking permit through UCSD Transportation Services. When buying a Conference Parking permit, you will need to provide your car’s license plate number.

Will STARS provide a parking pass if I live off campus?
No. If you will be commuting to UC San Diego, you will be responsible for purchasing your own parking pass through the ParkMobile app. When purchasing the parking pass you will need to provide your car’s license plate number. Please be aware that STARS will not reimburse this purchase.

If I receive parking violation citations, will STARS pay them?
No. STARS will not cover any parking or traffic citations you receive.

If I do not drive my car to UC San Diego, what are other options for transportation around San Diego?
There are several ways to get around UC San Diego:
 • Campus shuttles: Free on-campus shuttles are available.
 • Public transit: Purchase a pass for the city’s MTS buses and trolleys.
 • Car rental or rideshare: Rent a car (closest option: Enterprise), carpool with friends, or use Uber/Lyft.
 • Bike rental: Contact the UC San Diego bike shop to rent a bike for the duration of your stay (fee applies).
All of these transportation options are paid out of pocket and are not covered by STARS.

Is there computer access for me to use while I'm on campus?
Yes. Public Computers are available throughout the Geisel and WongAvery Libraries, and you can use them without logging in. At Geisel Library, you can also access publication databases and SPSS software from the 2nd Floor West Wing. To log in for software access, visit the Research Assistant’s Desk or the Information Desk, where library staff can log you in each day. You can remain logged in for as long as needed.

I like to exercise, is there a gym on campus or nearby so that I can work out?
RIMAC is a fabulous recreation facility. It is one of the largest university recreation facilities on this side of the Mississippi! Besides RIMAC, there are also the Main Gym, Canyon view Pool, and the Natatorium. To use these facilities, you will need to purchase a monthly Triton Affiliate Membership. This cost is not covered by STARS.

Does STARS provide health insurance?
No. You are responsible for your own health insurance, and students must have coverage in California to participate in STARS.

If there is an emergency, what hospital should I go to?
In a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Nearby hospitals available to all students include Thornton Hospital and UC San Diego Medical Center. If you need urgent care, there are three locations within 4 miles of campus. The Campus Health Center is also available to UC San Diego students and students from other UC campuses.

Is UCSD Campus safe?
The campus is patrolled by Community Service Officers and Residential Security Officers, and UC San Diego has its own police service. If you would like an escort, for example if you are walking alone from a lab late at night, you can call (858) 534-WALK between 5pm and 1am.

Are there places you suggest for independent and/or group study?
On campus, popular study spots include Geisel Library, Biomedical Library, and Galbraith Hall. Biomedical Library and Galbraith Hall are generally preferred for independent study, while Geisel Library is often chosen for group study sessions because it offers many study rooms. Additionally, there are six Campus Community Centers that provide open seating and study spaces. For more information, you can visit the resource centers online:
 • Black Resource Center
 • Cross Cultural Center
 • LGBT Resource Center
 • Intertribal Resource Center
 • Raza Resource Centro
 • Women’s Center