UC LEADS

To be eligible for selection, applicants must be:

• Seasoned UCSD sophomores or rising junior standing with two more full academic years until graduation (Students who have recently transferred from a community college with less than two years until graduation are encouraged to apply)
• Enrolled in a UCSD undergraduate major in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics)
• Interested in research (note: you do not have to have previous research experience to apply to this program)
• Intent to pursue a PhD and/or Master programs in a STEM field
• In good academic standing in undergraduate degree program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
• Able to demonstrate potential for success in a graduate program
• Students who have faced experiences that limited their access to educational, academic, financial, or mentorship opportunities in STEM are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Citizens or permanent residents of the United States or AB540 students

1- Submit an Online Application HERE - Due March 6, 2026

This steps takes about 10-20 minutes to complete. 

2- Upload a Statement of Interest HERE - Due March 6, 2026

This needs to be a PDF or Word document with a maximum of 1000 words (about 2 pages). Address the following prompts in your statement:

• Describe a STEM question, topic, or experience that sparked your curiosity. Why does research interest you, and what do you hope to gain from participating in this program?
• How do you see research fitting into your future goals? If you’ve thought about graduate school, what interests or questions do you have about it? If not, what would you like to learn or explore through this program?
• Many students face financial, educational, or personal challenges that shape how they navigate college. Please describe a challenge or circumstance that has influenced your academic journey and how it has affected your access to opportunities, learning experiences, or goals. What strengths or perspectives have you developed as a result?

3- Letter of Recommendation HERE - Due March 6, 2026

A person you designate as a recommender must upload a Letter of Recommendation in PDF or Word format. Letters from professors, supervisors, teachers, advisors, or others familiar with your passions and goals are preferred. 

1. If I have additional questions, who should I contact?
   
   • Please contact the program coordinator Edgar at eabeas@ucsd.edu
2. Can I do summer school or take summer courses and do this program?
   • Scholars are required to do 35 hours a week of a faculty mentored research experience during the summer, therefore summer school is not allowed. 
3. I already have a UCSD faculty research mentor that I've been working with, can I still apply to this program?
   • Yes
4. I am a freshmen or senior, can I still apply?
   • Per our statewide efforts, every year new scholars need to have at least two years until they graduate from UCSD. 
5. Are scholars given opportunities to present their research?
   • Yes, every summer scholars do a 15 minute oral presentation and then a research poster presentation in March at the UC LEADS Symposium.