Freshman Summer Success Program

• Be an incoming first-year student.
• Be willing to commit to a residential experience from July 31 through September 11.

• Register and attend SPOP 6 (August 1-2).
• Attend mandatory FSSP Welcome on August 3.
• Students will be enrolled in Uni Studies 83 and select a 4-unit elective from our curated list of course offerings. Please take a look at the courses for more information. Your top three course choices and grading options must be submitted at time of registration.
• Reside on campus during the duration of the program (quad occupancy) from July 31 through September 11.
• Attend at least two Faculty Connections and two Collegiate Life events.

• Registration opens HERE on April 1.
• Only incoming freshmen who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) are eligible to enroll.
• Registration deadline is June 9. Applicants secure their spots on a rolling basis.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES 83 (2 units)

• Lecture – MW 4:00-6:50 pm
• Activity – MW 5:00-6:50 pm

In addition to Uni Studies 83, FSSP Explore participants will need to select a 4-unit in-person course from a pre-approved list.

FSSP Explore participants may not exceed 6 units during Summer Session II. 

• Dedicated staff will be available to provide personalized support, ensuring a smooth academic transition.
• Participants will benefit from skill-building, networking, and community-building workshops in collaboration with campus partners and esteemed faculty members.
• This immersive six-week residential program offers an invaluable opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the campus environment, forge lasting friendships, and prepare for the upcoming academic year.

The program cost includes course/e-tech/program fees, a mandatory campus fee (non-refundable)*, and room and board for the duration of the program. All participants will need to purchase USHIP or complete the USHIP waiver with comparable insurance. 

• Program Cost: $5,973

• Be an incoming first-year international student.
• Be willing to commit to a residential experience from July 31 through September 11.

This pathway is not intended for international students who attended high school in the United States. (These students are encouraged to consider the FSSP Explore pathway.)

• Register and attend SPOP 6 (August 1-2).
• Attend mandatory FSSP Welcome on August 3.
• Students will be enrolled in Uni Studies 84 and Political Science 21A.
• Reside on-campus during the duration of the program (quad occupancy) from July 31 through September 11.
• Attend at least two Faculty Connections and two Collegiate Life events.
• International students will need to submit a Confidential Financial Statement (CFA) to demonstrate proof of additional funding for the cost of the FSSP program.
• Students will need to submit their visa requirements no later than June 27.

• Registration opens HERE on April 1.
• Only incoming freshmen who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) are eligible to enroll.
• Registration deadline is June 2. Applicants secure their spots on a rolling basis.
• Students will need to submit their visa requirements no later than June 27.

The program cost includes course/e-tech/program fees, a non-refundable mandatory campus fee, and room and board for the duration of the program. All participants will need to purchase USHIP or complete the USHIP waiver with comparable insurance. 

• Program Cost: $6,531

Eligible incoming freshmen can apply for the Summer Bridge Scholarship.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a high school senior at the time of application to the Summer Bridge Program.
• Must be a California Resident (includes AB540/undocumented students; only means that you live in California).
• Students who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible to apply:
  • First-generation college student
  • Low-income (as federally established and determined from your 2025-2026 FAFSA/ CA Dream Act Application.)
  • Students from disadvantaged backgrounds/circumstances

• Register and attend SPOP 6 (August 1-2).
• Attend mandatory FSSP Welcome on August 3.
• Students will be enrolled in Uni Studies 84 and Sociology 1.
• Reside on-campus during the duration of the program (quad occupancy) from July 31 through September 11.
• Attend at least two Faculty Connections and two Collegiate Life events.
• Meet with your assigned Peer Mentor and Personal Guide at least once during the summer program.
• Attend all sessions under the Community Care Series.

Students can apply directly on their application portal. Applications open on April 1.

Only incoming freshmen who have submitted their Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) are eligible to apply.

Before applying, students will need to:

• Prepare responses to the following questions: (WORD MIN: 150; WORD MAX: 250)
  • Tell us why you are interested in participating in Summer Bridge and how you believe your participation in Summer Bridge will improve your overall experience at UCI. Feel free to talk about how your background and life experiences make you a good fit for the program.
  • What aspects of your background and lived experiences will make you a strong candidate for this scholarship? Please explain how these factors have influenced your educational journey and aspirations.

DEADLINE: May 26 by 11:59 PM PT. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed. In addition, INCOMPLETE applications will not be processed.

Application decisions are FINAL and NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL.

Students who are not admitted to this pathway may still register for FSSP Explore, pending deadlines and capacity. 

Summer Bridge Scholars will enroll in Sociology 1 and Uni Studies 84 during Summer Session II.

UNIVERSITY STUDIES 84 (4 units)

• Lecture – MW 4:00-6:50 pm
• Activity – MW 5:00-6:50 pm
• Writing Lab – TuTh 10:30-11:50 am

SOCIOLOGY 1: Introduction to Sociology (4 units)

• Lecture – TuTh 1:00-3:50 pm

Students who have completed SOC 1 prior to enrolling at UCI and are interested in this pathway, should email fssp@uci.edu about options. 

FSSP participants may not exceed 8 units during Summer Session II. 

• Beyond the summer, Summer Bridge Scholars will seamlessly transition into a year-long program comprising individualized guidance, mentorship, enriching workshops, and priority registration.

Additional benefits include:

• • Item loan program (i.e. books, calculators, laptops)
  • One-on-one guidance
  • Access to LARC tutorial scholarships
  • Year-long continued support after the summer program

The program cost includes course/e-tech/program fees, a non-refundable mandatory campus fee, and room and board for the duration of the program. All participants will need to purchase USHIP or complete the USHIP waiver with comparable insurance. 

• Program Cost: $6,531

The Summer Bridge Scholarship covers all program costs except the mandatory campus fee ($194) and USHIP ($360), which can be waived.