Underclassmen Update: COSMOS, SUMaC, and SIMR

Do you enjoy science or mathematics, and would like a STEM major in college? Great news. There are incredible summer programs to inspire and motivate you. As a matter of fact, COSMOS, SUMaC, and SIMR are some of the top STEM summer programs in the country. These summer programs offer intensive 4-8 week long experiences that require an application to be admitted—as well as a commitment to sciences or math. Firstly, let's discuss how to get into the COSMOS summer program; secondly, how to get into the SUMaC summer program; and finally, how to get into the SIMR Stanford program. This article will help you launch your best summer yet!

The truth is, COSMOS, SUMaC, and SIMR do not offer school credit or a grade, but they can boost you towards a college major at a top-tier school. They offer the opportunity to research and learn under the guidance of experts in the field. Alongside the academic benefits, students excel socially.

It's important to note that these California-based programs typically cost between $4,000 to $6,000. These costs cover materials, activities, instruction, and in most cases, room and board. As described in a previous blog post, there are wonderful STEM summer programs around the country. However, this article focuses on three excellent programs within the state of California.

If you're interested in a west coast summer experience, read on for more details.

COSMOS summer camp is an exciting 4-week program held at four different University of California campuses, designed to motivate 8th-12th graders interested in STEM majors and careers. The COSMOS summer program is held at UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC San Diego, and UC Santa Cruz; each campus accepts between 160-200 students each year. When you apply, you select a cluster for your session. Students can select from 8-10 clusters at each campus including biomedical science, marine science, and mathematical modeling.

In order to be on time, you must apply by April for the following summer. That means your application preparation work will likely begin during winter break, or earlier.

If you are accepted, you participate in a well-organized program that includes research, games, and interactive activities leading to a larger project. You work with great professors, stay and eat meals on campus, and have fun activities organized by resident assistants.

The program runs under a California state advisory board, so it offers lower tuition costs for in-state residents.

SUMaC, also known as the Stanford Mathematics Camp, offers a unique math experience from mid-July to mid-August. There are two programs available, Program I: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory or Program II: Topology. Each program accepts 40 students in total. Both programs include research projects, learning skills, recreation, and social activities. The advantage of the Stanford program, held at the Stanford campus, is your work in groups as well as one on one with teaching assistants.

Apply by the March deadline in order to earn acceptance to the following summer program. The earlier, the better.

If accepted you get to work with math in a unique and exciting way that can help you get into the selective college of your choice. While attending these programs doesn't guarantee admission, it certainly helps prove your dedication and niche talents to admissions officers.

SUMaC math camp began in the Fall of 1994, led by Professors Rafe Mazzeo and Ralph Cohen and funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Summer 2020 is the very first year this exclusive camp was offered online!

SIMR, also known as the Stanford Institutes of Medicine Summer Research Program, is an innovative program in the Bay Area focusing on biological sciences and medicine. In fact, SIMR summer program is an 8-week program that immerses you in research. Each year, 50-60 high school students are accepted to research in areas such as neurobiology, cardiovascular biology, genetics, and genomics. Students choose from 8 total potential academic pathways to pursue.

At the latest, the detailed application is due by February for the following summer.

If accepted, the student experience at SIMR features 40-hour weeks of seminars, lectures, and lab work with experts in the field. The tuition does not include housing and daily meals but instead provides for the materials, facilities, and interaction with great scientists.

This program in particular is really geared toward kids who have not had access to resources to do research otherwise. Furthermore, this program prioritizes students in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. If these apply to you, SIMR might be the perfect fit.

The advantages of these programs are the unique, focused experience, and interaction with professionals and peers in these fields. Students gain confidence, insight, and motivation to do well in college and beyond. Each of these programs offers financial aid to those who qualify. Therefore, your student's curiosity and ambition won't be limited by your budget.

Most importantly, these world-class California summer programs provide students with the ability to collaborate and cohabitate. The skills gained from interacting in these mature intellectual spaces will follow students through life. While the admissions process for top spots can be incredibly competitive, Empowerly can help you fit these programs into your college application. Let's make the most of your summer break.